People seeking drug treatment 'forgotten consumers'
Published on 04 February, 2013
People seeking opioid replacement therapy (ORT) are the 'forgotten consumers' of the health sector, according to CQUniversity PhD student Warren Harlow.
Mr Harlow, who is employed by Queensland Health at the Gold Coast as a Nurse Unit Manager, has gained exposure for his research through articles in health journals.
Most recently, he has earned a $2000 grant from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) to attend the 6th Australasian Drug & Alcohol Strategy conference in Sydney from March 19-22.
Mr Harlow is looking forward to the chance to present two posters showcasing the lack of management of access to ORT. This absence of a triage approach has made it difficult for drug users to access treatment.
"Failure to facilitate the needs of people accessing ORT can result in further harm and increased social and financial costs for society," he says.
"Research is required to lead the way for needed improvements in service delivery."
Mr Harlow is enrolled as a PhD student with CQUniversity's Institute for Health and Social Science Research (IHSSR) and is also a member of the Centre for Mental Health Nursing Innovation (CMHNI) at the University.