Supporting clients on methadone maintenance treatment: a systematic review of nurse's role

This paper discusses findings from a systematic review of literature pertaining to methadone maintenance in relation to the role of the nurse working in a general practice setting. Five electronic databases were searched for period of 2000-2008: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Included studies were peer-reviewed literature articles that: (1) were dated no earlier than the year 2000; (2) represented a primary study (qualitative and quantitative), systematic review or meta-analysis; (3) focused on methadone maintenance for treatment of opiate dependence, not for pain; and (4) were published in English. In this review, three broad themes emerged as being significant to the role of the nurse in relation to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programming. These themes included: (1) identifying the client's personal characteristics; (2) having knowledge about methadone; and (3) supporting clients in MMT programmes. In conclusion, it is important to address the needs of health professionals working with clients on MMT, in order for them to provide the necessary care for this patient population. In particular, nurses need to gain knowledge about MMT to assist them in carrying out their nursing role competently when caring for this vulnerable population.