Supervised dosing of pharmacotherapy in community pharmacy has been the backbone of Victoria’s pharmacotherapy program for decades, with dedicated Pharmacists making a positive difference in the lives of people participating in the MATOD program over this time.
You can apply to provide pharmacotherapy services by completing an application form found at the Department of Health pharmacotherapy forms page.
Although Pharmacists do not require additional training to administer supervised dosing of pharmacotherapy, the Victorian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program (VOPP), which covers supervised dosing of opioid pharmacotherapy in detail, can be invaluable.
The VOPP covers supervised dosing of opioid pharmacotherapy in detail. Completion of part three of the training is mandatory for Pharmacist accreditation to administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine.
It can be accessed for free (funded by the Department of Health) at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia website.
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB)
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) is an alternative to supervised dosing, available as a weekly or monthly depot injection.
The full requirements for Pharmacist administration of LAIB can be found in the guidelines for Pharmacist administration of depot buprenorphine.
Enhanced Pharmacist Involvement in Care-Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence
Another opportunity for Pharmacists to advance their practice is the Enhanced Pharmacist Involvement in Care-Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (EPIC-MATOD) program.
EPIC-MATOD is a collaborative model of care that allows community Pharmacists to play a more active role in the care of people receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT).
It was developed and piloted in the Frankston-Mornington Peninsula region, and additional Pharmacists are now invited to be involved.
The model includes training, clinical resources, and ongoing support to deliver high-quality, person-centred care in community pharmacy settings.
Pharmacists interested in becoming EPIC-MATOD Pharmacists can register their interest to complete the training and receive access to program resources. To find out more or express interest, please contact A4PN@semphn.org.au
Support and shared learning for Opioid Dependence Treatment - Pharmacists
The Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network offers a variety of supports for Pharmacists managing patients with opioid dependence:
- Advice about accredited training and obtaining approval to provide pharmacotherapy services
- Advice about how to set up a new pharmacotherapy program
- Education for Pharmacists, including Community of Practice events
- Local ancillary services, such as Alcohol and other Drug and Mental Health services
