Transforming opioid dependence treatment through data-driven co-design

Investigators: Prof Suzanne Nielsen, Prof Dan Lubman,  Dr Hester Wilson,  Prof Dennis Petrie,  A/Prof Sarah Larney, A/Prof Geoffrey Spurling,  Dr Amanda Roxburgh, Sione Crawford, A/Prof Leah Heiss, Dr Ali Cheetham,  Dr Thileepan Naren, Dr Paul Maccartney,  Paul Dessauer,  Prof Apo Demirkol,  Chris Gough, Dr Penelope Wood,  Sarah Lord,  Prof Anthony Shakeshaft,  Eleanor Morrison,  Dr Annalee Stearne

Opioid agonist treatments, including methadone and buprenorphine, are the gold standard for opioid dependence, with strong evidence supporting their clinical and cost-effectiveness. Despite this, treatment availability in Australia remains inadequate, with current capacity needing to double to meet demand. Challenges such as geographic disparities, prescriber shortages, and system inefficiencies limit access, particularly for key populations like those prescribed opioids for chronic pain. The healthcare burden of opioid dependence is significant, with high service utilisation and substantial costs, exacerbated by an ageing cohort of people receiving opioid dependence treatment and regional disparities in treatment availability.

Recent policy changes, including the listing of methadone and buprenorphine on the PBS, offer an opportunity to reform treatment delivery. However, prescriber numbers are declining, and innovative models of care—such as telehealth, expanded pharmacist and nurse practitioner roles, and integrated service hubs—lack rigorous evaluation. This project will leverage national administrative data and emerging care models to inform more effective and sustainable treatment strategies.

Using a mixed-methods approach, we will convene three expert panels (a consumer, stakeholder, and indigenous panel) to identify key research priorities, analyse national datasets to assess treatment accessibility and healthcare utilisation, and integrate findings from innovative pilot programs. Through stakeholder engagement and co-design, we will develop and refine evidence-based models of care, ensuring optimal resource utilisation and improved patient outcomes. This foundational work will provide the evidence needed to upscale the most effective treatment models nationwide, addressing system gaps and reducing the burden of opioid dependence on individuals, communities, and healthcare services.

Funder: NHMRC

This project is a collaboration between Monash University, The University of NSW, Burnet Institute, and Harm Reduction Victoria.