Monitoring and evaluation methadone patients within integrated model of Methadone, ARV treatment and VCT – Some initial results

Abstract

     Integrating and maintaining the service quality of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), Anti Retrovirus Therapy (ART) and Voluntary Counseling Testing (VCT) within Out-patient Clinic (OPC) in HCMC become an essential work to ensure the continuum of care for patients and the sustainability of those programs. This retrospective study was used to compare 6 reported indicators of the MMT program in District 6 and Binh Thanh District to evaluate the MMT program after integrated process. Results: The percentage of MMT patients, who kept staying in treatment for more than 12 months, was high in the pre- and post-integration periods (92.1% vs 83.1%, p<0.001; CI: 0.053-0.127); The percentage of MMT patients, who had HIV negative and had periodical screening for HIV every 6 months, increased (20.1% vs 52.2%, p<0.001, CI:0.250-0.390); The percentage of MMT patients, who stayed in treatment for at least 6 months and were detected of using heroin by urine test, decreased (8.3% vs 3.2%, p=0.006, CI: 0.012-0.068); The percentage of drop-out patient decreased as well (8.9% vs 3.4%, p<0.001, CI: 0.016-0.044). The percentage of MMT patients, who had missed some daily doses, decreased but not significantly. Conclusion: MMT, ART and VCT integrated model helps to maintain MMT achievements and improve the program monitoring on patient’s treatment.