A Study of Micro-dosing—transferring from methadone to buprenorphine in NHS Dumfries & Galloway

Objectives To find a novel way to successfully transition patients from methadone to buprenorphine and in turn reduce the percentage of methadone prescribed within NHS Dumfries & Galloway. Methods 3 micro-dosing schedules were developed. Outcomes measured: patient numbers, success rates, prior methadone dose, Opiate Substitution Therapy following micro-dosing. A patient feedback questionnaire was developed. Key findings 177 patients micro-dosed between 06/09/21 and 28/05/24. 132 patients successfully transitioned from methadone to buprenorphine through micro-dosing (74.5%). Shift in prescribing: 60.5% buprenorphine/39.5% methadone. Conclusion Micro-dosing is now a standardised approach to transitioning from methadone to buprenorphine in NHS Dumfries & Galloway.