Contemporary Approaches to Opioid Dependence Treatment Delivery: A Rapid Review of Novel Models Relevant to Implementation in Victoria, Australia
Shalini Arunogiri, Ali Cheetham, Michael Savic, Dan I. Lubman, Victoria ManningABSTRACT
Issues
Rising opioid‐related harms and persistent barriers to opioid dependence treatment (ODT) access present critical challenges across Australia and internationally. Pharmacotherapy remains the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder, yet systemic gaps in workforce availability and service models limit reach and sustainability. Using Victoria as a case example, this review examines models with broad relevance to other Australian jurisdictions.
Approach
We conducted a rapid review of academic (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest, Google Scholar) and grey literature published from January 2019–31 August 2025. Eligible studies described innovative ODT models including organisational redesign, expanded workforce roles and technology‐enabled approaches.
Key Findings
Fifty‐six publications were clustered into organisational (e.g., mobile outreach, emergency department initiation, low threshold rapid access clinics), workforce (nurse practitioner prescribing, pharmacist–prescriber collaboration) and telehealth‐enabled models. Studies primarily measured critical short‐term outcomes such as retention (up to 12 months), with limited longitudinal outcome data available.
Implications
Workforce development is critical, particularly through nurse practitioner expansion and pharmacist collaborative care, supported by sustainable funding and training pipelines. Telehealth and hybrid models can enhance accessibility while leveraging existing community infrastructure. Future research should prioritise patient‐reported outcomes, cost‐effectiveness and longer‐term evaluations of novel care models.
Conclusion
This rapid review highlights innovative ODT approaches with potential to address access and workforce challenges. Staged implementation, supported by investment in infrastructure and evaluation, represents a timely opportunity for reform with relevance across Australia.