[Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation of Methamphetamine Addiction - Barriers and Potential for Improvement from the Experts' Perspective].

OBJECTIVE

The study explores central barriers impeding the access to inpatient rehabilitation of methamphetamine addicts and investigates how these barriers can be tackled.

METHODS

The experiences and perspectives of experts from different healthcare sectors were explored within 39 semi-structured individual interviews. Subsequently, the results gathered in the course of the individual interviews were discussed within 2 inter-professional focus groups. All interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed according to the interpretive analysis method of Meuser & Nagel.

RESULTS

Structural issues in particular impair the access to inpatient rehabilitation of methamphetamine dependents. This includes impeded access to rehabilitation via general practitioners, rare implementation of seamless transitions, capacity problems as well as non-transparent procedures in terms of treatment facility allocations.

CONCLUSION

Various barriers impair access to inpatient rehabilitation of methamphetamine dependents. It is important to increase awareness of methamphetamine addicts and their specific needs particularly among general practitioners. Furthermore, it is important to ensure seamless transitions from detoxification treatment to inpatient rehabilitation and to reduce waiting periods as well as to provide well-differentiated and appropriate rehabilitation options.