Barriers to Accessing Opioid Treatment in Rural Queensland: Perspectives From Consumers and Clinicians

Opioid treatment (OT) is highly effective for managing opioid use disorder (OUD) but remains underutilised worldwide, including in Australia. This issue is especially pronounced in regional and rural areas; however, there has been limited research focused on the unique barriers to OT access outside of metropolitan centres. In Queensland (QLD), Australia, OT is largely community-based, with dosing, prescription and supply all occurring outside hospital settings. The state's vast size and regional spread create unique access challenges, especially given jurisdictional differences in prescriber regulations across Australia. The present study aimed to identify barriers to OT access in rural QLD.

This study employed semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, including five clinicians working in the OT and seven consumers residing in rural QLD who were currently receiving OT for OUD. Transcripts were analysed thematically.

Four themes were identified that articulate the primary barriers to OT: (i) restrictive dosing practices; (ii) stigma and social perceptions; (iii) overstretched access; and (iv) gaps in continuity and personalisation of care.

Rurality shapes treatment access not only through geographic isolation and limited infrastructure, but also through regulatory inconsistencies across regions, restricted service flexibility and the heightened visibility of individuals within small communities. These insights underscore the need for more localised, equity-focused policy responses and further research into new alternative interventions, such as telehealth and strategies to enhance the acceptance and uptake of long-acting injectable buprenorphine.