OST Hotline is the most important communication platform for OST patients under COVID-19 quarantine restrictions

It would seem obvious that user friendly and simple ways of communication per phone and online to solve current patient issues gained popularity under quarantine, including of such a resource as the National Hotline on Drug Dependence Issues and OST has just skyrocketed, not only as a “wireless” communication method, but as well as a way to advocate and protect one’s rights in such a difficult period.
Andrii Yarovyi Consulting Operator, National Hotline on Drug Dependence Issues and OST

Task

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in connection with quarantine, the corresponding restrictions and changes in the usual treatment for OST patients, there was a need for particularly active technical support, advocacy and information for existing and potential patients on all issues related to the specific treatment during quarantine. The possibility of visiting the OST site, for those who do not live within walking distance from it, is almost impossible. People are not recommended to leave home, except in cases of special need; therefore, if you want to consult and get information, you need to look for alternative ways to get in touch with relevant specialists.

Solution

The National Hotline on Drug Dependence Issues and OST is a very effective and sought-after resource among patients in projects implementing opiod substitution therapy and people who want to learn more about the possibility of receiving this service, taking more than 4000 calls per year. The hotline operates in an intensive mode during quarantine and provides legal advice, coverage of the medical aspects of medication, informing about the work of OST during quarantine, advocating the patient transfers to on their own medication and raising awareness of overdoses. A key factor contributing to the effectiveness and the key to success is that the mechanism work is ensured by the self-organization of the community of people who use drugs, and the operators are former or current OST patients who have undergone special training.

Result

The demand on this resource in providing advice and advocacy in connection with quarantine has increased significantly. Only in the first 2 weeks of quarantine, the number of calls to the hotline increased by almost 50%. The most common appeals in the first 2 weeks of quarantine was related to questions how to join the OST program and / or how to get a take-home dosage.
In addition, on a regular basis, online legal advice is provided on the hotline and, in general, you can consult on any issues related to OST. Thanks to the work of the Hotline, travel passes for public transport were issued for OST patients in in Kryvyi Rih and Dnipro.
Coordination of the hotline work: Hope and Trust Foundation, supported by ICF Alliance for Public Health, funded by the Global Fund to AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.  facebook.com/osthotline/