Guided by priority: how clinicians manage access to opioid replacement therapy.

Access to opioid replacement therapy is a problem in some parts of Australia and it is not known how clinicians respond to this situation. The aim of this study is to develop a conceptual understanding of how clinicians apply clinical judgements in managing access to treatment. Grounded theory methodology was used to guide this study. Thirty-five clinicians were interviewed. The substantive theory presented to explain the process is Guided by Priority. By presenting this understanding of practice, clinicians can reflect on their actions related to the task and determine if they are beneficial or detrimental to consumers, which may influence their future practice.