I want to learn more: professionals' perspectives regarding training and support needs for methadone maintenance users in treatment

The purpose of this research was to gather and analyze the perceptions of professionals who work in residential and outpatient substance use treatment organizations about the effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) within their substance use treatment settings. This research provides a current understanding of the perceptions, experiences, observations, insights, and beliefs of professionals working directly with MMT using clients within residential and outpatient substance use treatment organizations. Qualitative information was gathered through individual face-to-face interviews, using a cross-sectional exploratory design (Dudley, 2011), and following a general interview guide approach. A qualitative analysis of the data was performed using the theme analysis method (Dudley, 2011; Grinnell et al, 2010). The findings of the research show a need and desire for education, training, and support specific to working with the MMT using population. Implications of the research are that the findings can be used towards developing and/or implementing best practices by influencing existing training and support structures to better meet the needs of professionals working with the MMT using population.