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Zhang H, Bao Y, Hutchings K, Shapiro MF, Kapadia SN. Association between claims-based setting of diagnosis and treatment initiation among Medicare patients with hepatitis C. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14330. [PMID: 38773839 PMCID: PMC11249812 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a claims-based algorithm to determine the setting of a disease diagnosis. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Medicare enrollment and claims data from 2014 to 2019. STUDY DESIGN We developed a claims-based algorithm using facility indicators, revenue center codes, and place of service codes to identify settings where HCV diagnosis first appeared. When the first appearance was in a laboratory, we attempted to associate HCV diagnoses with subsequent clinical visits. Face validity was assessed by examining association of claims-based diagnostic settings with treatment initiation. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Patients newly diagnosed with HCV and continuously enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A, B, and D (12 months before and 6 months after index diagnosis) were included. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Among 104,454 patients aged 18-64 and 66,726 aged ≥65, 70.1% and 69%, respectively, were diagnosed in outpatient settings, and 20.2% and 22.7%, respectively in laboratory or unknown settings. Logistic regression revealed significantly lower odds of treatment initiation after diagnosis in emergency departments/urgent cares, hospitals, laboratories, or unclassified settings, than in outpatient visits. CONCLUSIONS The algorithm identified the setting of HCV diagnosis in most cases, and found significant associations with treatment initiation, suggesting an approach that can be adapted for future claims-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Health Policy and OrganizationUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Yuhua Bao
- Department of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- Department of PsychiatryWeill Cornell MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Kayla Hutchings
- Department of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Martin F. Shapiro
- Division of General Internal MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Shashi N. Kapadia
- Department of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesWeill Cornell MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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Christine PJ, Chahine RA, Kimmel SD, Mack N, Douglas C, Stopka TJ, Calver K, Fanucchi LC, Slavova S, Lofwall M, Feaster DJ, Lyons M, Ezell J, Larochelle MR. Buprenorphine Prescribing Characteristics Following Relaxation of X-Waiver Training Requirements. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2425999. [PMID: 39102264 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.25999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Local-level data are needed to understand whether the relaxation of X-waiver training requirements for prescribing buprenorphine in April 2021 translated to increased buprenorphine treatment. Objective To assess whether relaxation of X-waiver training requirements was associated with changes in the number of clinicians waivered to and who prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder and the number of patients receiving treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants This serial cross-sectional study uses an interrupted time series analysis of 2020-2022 data from the HEALing Communities Study (HCS), a cluster-randomized, wait-list-controlled trial. Urban and rural communities in 4 states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio) with a high burden of opioid overdoses that had not yet received the HCS intervention were included. Exposure Relaxation of X-waiver training requirements (ie, allowing training-exempt X-waivers) on April 28, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures The monthly number of X-waivered clinicians, X-waivered buprenorphine prescribers, and patients receiving buprenorphine were each summed across communities within a state. Segmented linear regression models to estimate pre- and post-policy change by state were used. Results The number of individuals in 33 participating HCS communities included 347 863 in Massachusetts, 815 794 in Kentucky, 971 490 in New York, and 1 623 958 in Ohio. The distribution of age (18-35 years: range, 29.4%-32.4%; 35-54 years: range, 29.9%-32.5%; ≥55 years: range, 35.7%-39.3%) and sex (female: range, 51.1%-52.6%) was similar across communities. There was a temporal increase in the number of X-waivered clinicians in the pre-policy change period in all states, which further increased in the post-policy change period in each state except Ohio, ranging from 5.2% (95% CI, 3.1%-7.3%) in Massachusetts communities to 8.4% (95% CI, 6.5%-10.3%) in Kentucky communities. Only communities in Kentucky showed an increase in the number of X-waivered clinicians prescribing buprenorphine associated with the policy change (relative increase, 3.2%; 95% CI, 1.5%-4.9%), while communities in other states showed no change or a decrease. Similarly, only communities in Massachusetts experienced an increase in patients receiving buprenorphine associated with the policy change (relative increase, 1.7%; 95% CI, 0.8%-2.6%), while communities in other states showed no change. Conclusions and Relevance In this serial cross-sectional study, relaxation of X-waiver training requirements was associated with an increase in the number of X-waivered clinicians but was not consistently associated with an increase in the number of buprenorphine prescribers or patients receiving buprenorphine. These findings suggest that training requirements may not be the primary barrier to expanding buprenorphine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Christine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
| | - Rouba A Chahine
- Social, Statistical, and Environmental Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Simeon D Kimmel
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole Mack
- Social, Statistical, and Environmental Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Christian Douglas
- Social, Statistical, and Environmental Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katherine Calver
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Svetla Slavova
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Kentucky Injury Prevention Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Department of Behavioral Science and Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Division of Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael Lyons
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Jerel Ezell
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Marc R Larochelle
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hayes CJ, Raciborski RA, Martin BC, Gordon AJ, Hudson TJ, Brown CC, Pro G, Cucciare MA. Are gaps in rates of retention on buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder closing among veterans across different races and ethnicities? A retrospective cohort study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 166:209461. [PMID: 39067770 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The U.S. Veterans Health Administration has undertaken several initiatives to improve veterans' access to and retention on buprenorphine because it prevents overdose and reduces drug-related morbidity. We aimed to determine whether improvements in retention duration over time was equitable across veterans of different races and ethnicities. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted among veterans who initiated buprenorphine from federal fiscal years (FY) 2006 to 2020 after diagnosis of opioid use disorder. Using an accelerated failure time model, we estimated the association between time to buprenorphine discontinuation and FY of initiation, race and ethnicity, and other control covariates. We followed veterans from buprenorphine initiation until they discontinued or had a censoring event. We then estimated the predicted median days retained on buprenorphine, the average marginal effect of initiating in a later FY, the same measure by race and ethnicity, the incremental effect of the various racial and ethnic identities in contrast to non-Hispanic White, and the total change in the size of the gap over the 15 years of the study between veterans with a minoritized racial or ethnic identity compared to non-Hispanic White veterans. RESULTS Most of the 31,797 veterans in the sample were non-Hispanic White (74.5 %), from urban areas (83.5 %), male (92.0 %), and had significant comorbidities, most frequently anxiety disorders (51.0 %) and depression (63.0 %). Overall, 49.8 % of veterans were retained at least 180 days. The average marginal effect of FY was 7.0 days [95%CI:5.3, 8.8] but was significantly smaller among veterans identifying as Black or African American [3.2 days; 95%CI:2.4, 4.1] or Asian [3.6 days; 95%CI:1.6, 5.7] compared to veterans who identify as non-Hispanic White [7.9 days; 95%CI:5.9, 9.9]. Additional measures of change were significant for veterans identifying as Hispanic White or with two or more races. CONCLUSION Although buprenorphine retention in OUD treatment improved for all veterans over the 15-year study period, veterans from most minoritized racial and ethnic groups fell further behind as gains in duration on therapy accrued primarily to non-Hispanic White veterans. Targeted interventions addressing specific challenges experienced by veterans with minoritized identities are needed to close gaps in retention on buprenorphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey J Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Rebecca A Raciborski
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA; Behavioral Health Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA; Evidence, Policy, and Implementation Center, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Bradley C Martin
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge, and Advocacy (PARCKA), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Teresa J Hudson
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA; Center for Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Clare C Brown
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - George Pro
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Michael A Cucciare
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA; Center for Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Veterans Affairs South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA
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Holmes EG, Harris RR, Leland BD, Kara A. Against Medical Advice Discharge: Implicit Bias and Structural Racism. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00451-0. [PMID: 39047930 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Holmes
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind; Charles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Ind.
| | - Ryan R Harris
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind; Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Brian D Leland
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind; Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Areeba Kara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Ind
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Paradise RK, Bazzi AR, Clarke J, Desmarais J, Hoyos-Cespedes A, Nurani A, O'Malley SE, Taylor S, Walley AY, Dooley D, Kimmel SD. Multilevel Factors Impacting Substance Use Treatment Access, Engagement, and Racial Equity Among Opioid Overdose Survivors in Boston, MA. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08918-0. [PMID: 38997532 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08918-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are well-documented racial/ethnic inequities in drug-related overdoses and access to evidence-based opioid use services nationally and in Boston, MA. OBJECTIVE To qualitatively explore the drivers of racial/ethnic inequities in access to opioid use disorder treatment and services in Boston. DESIGN Semi-structured qualitative interviews. PARTICIPANTS Using purposive sampling, researchers recruited 59 opioid overdose survivors in Boston who self-identified as Black, Hispanic or Latino/a/x, and/or White. APPROACH Interviewers administered a socio-demographic and drug use survey, and used a semi-structured interview guide to explore experiences with and perspectives on substance use treatment and services. KEY RESULTS Participants' racial/ethnic identities were distributed across three subgroups: non-Hispanic Black (n = 18; 31%), non-Hispanic White (n = 18; 31%), and Latino/a/x (n = 23; 39%). Qualitative analysis identified multiple themes that were organized into four social-ecological levels after analysis. At the individual level, some participants emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and individual motivation in determining access to services. Participants expressed a range of perspectives about using medication for opioid use disorder treatment; Black and Latino/a/x participants were more likely than White participants to have critical perspectives. At the interpersonal level, experiences of bias, stigma, and racism from staff in healthcare and treatment settings were common. At the program/process level, participants described challenges connecting to services following overdose and barriers within specific programs, with Black and Latino/a/x participants experiencing particular gaps. At the systems level, the limited availability of housing, employment, and mental health care negatively impacted treatment access and engagement. CONCLUSION A racism lens was used during data interpretation to apply the themes at a broader population level. Through this lens, the identified barriers can be understood to have a disproportionate impact on people of color. Findings call for programmatic and policy solutions that address racism, break down stigma, and ensure equitable access to evidence-based services and social supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjani K Paradise
- Institute for Community Health, Malden, MA, USA.
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Y Walley
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Simeon D Kimmel
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Ezell JM, Pho MT, Ajayi BP, Simek E, Shetty N, Goddard-Eckrich DA, Bluthenthal RN. Opioid use, prescribing and fatal overdose patterns among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States: A scoping review and conceptual risk environment model. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:1143-1159. [PMID: 38646735 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
ISSUES To date, there has been no synthesis of research addressing the scale and nuances of the opioid epidemic in racial/ethnic minority populations in the United States that considers the independent and joint impacts of dynamics such as structural disadvantage, provider bias, health literacy, cultural norms and various other risk factors. APPROACH Using the "risk environment" framework, we conducted a scoping review on PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar of peer-reviewed literature and governmental reports published between January 2000 and February 2024 on the nature and scale of opioid use, opioid prescribing patterns, and fatal overdoses among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States, while also examining macro, meso and individual-level risk factors. KEY FINDINGS Results from this review illuminate a growing, but fragmented, literature lacking standardisation in racial/ethnic classification and case reporting, specifically in regards to Indigenous and Asian subpopulations. This literature broadly illustrates racial/ethnic minorities' increasing nonmedical use of opioids, heightened burdens of fatal overdoses, specifically in relation to polydrug use and synthetic opioids, with notable elevations among Black/Latino subgroups, in addition uneven opioid prescribing patterns. Moreover, the literature implicates a variety of unique risk environments corresponding to dynamics such as residential segregation, provider bias, overpolicing, acculturative stress, patient distrust, and limited access to mental health care services and drug treatment resources, including medications for opioid use disorder. IMPLICATIONS There has been a lack of rigorous, targeted study on racial/ethnic minorities who use opioids, but evidence highlights burgeoning increases in usage, especially polydrug/synthetic opioid use, and disparities in prescriptions and fatal overdose risk-phenomena tied to multi-level forms of entrenched disenfranchisement. CONCLUSION There is a need for further research on the complex, overlapping risk environments of racial/ethnic minorities who use opioids, including deeper inclusion of Indigenous and Asian individuals, and efforts to generate greater methodological synergies in population classification and reporting guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerel M Ezell
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
- Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Babatunde P Ajayi
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Elinor Simek
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
- Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Netra Shetty
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | | | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Couch JV, Whitcomb M, Buchheit BM, Dorr DA, Malinoski DJ, Korthuis PT, Ono SS, Levander XA. Patient perceptions of and experiences with stigma using telehealth for opioid use disorder treatment: a qualitative analysis. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:125. [PMID: 38937779 PMCID: PMC11210005 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) experience various forms of stigma at the individual, public, and structural levels that can affect how they access and engage with healthcare, particularly with medications for OUD treatment. Telehealth is a relatively new form of care delivery for OUD treatment. As reducing stigma surrounding OUD treatment is critical to address ongoing gaps in care, the aim of this study was to explore how telehealth impacts patient experiences of stigma. METHODS In this qualitative study, we interviewed patients with OUD at a single urban academic medical center consisting of multiple primary care and addiction clinics in Oregon, USA. Participants were eligible if they had (1) at least one virtual visit for OUD between March 2020 and December 2021, and (2) a prescription for buprenorphine not exclusively used for chronic pain. We conducted phone interviews between October and December 2022, then recorded, transcribed, dual-coded, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS The mean age of participants (n = 30) was 40.5 years (range 20-63); 14 were women, 15 were men, and two were transgender, non-binary, or gender-diverse. Participants were 77% white, and 33% had experienced homelessness in the prior six months. We identified four themes regarding how telehealth for OUD treatment shaped patient perceptions of and experiences with stigma at the individual (1), public (2-3), and structural levels (4): (1) Telehealth offers wanted space and improved control over treatment setting; (2) Public stigma and privacy concerns can impact both telehealth and in-person encounters, depending on clinical and personal circumstances; (3) The social distance of telehealth could mitigate or exacerbate perceptions of clinician stigma, depending on both patient and clinician expectations; (4) The increased flexibility of telehealth translated to perceptions of increased clinician trust and respect. CONCLUSIONS The forms of stigma experienced by individuals with OUD are complex and multifaceted, as are the ways in which those experiences interact with telehealth-based care. The mixed results of this study support policies allowing for a more individualized, patient-centered approach to care delivery that allows patients a choice over how they receive OUD treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica V Couch
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mackenzie Whitcomb
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Bradley M Buchheit
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David A Dorr
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Darren J Malinoski
- Office of Digital Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sarah S Ono
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ximena A Levander
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Pinkhover A, Celata K, Baker T, Chatterjee A, Lunze K. Mobile addiction treatment and harm reduction services as tools to address health inequities: a community case study of the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center mobile unit. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1407522. [PMID: 38957203 PMCID: PMC11217472 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1407522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioid overdose deaths continue to increase in the US. Recent data show disproportionately high and increasing overdose death rates among Black, Latine, and Indigenous individuals, and people experiencing homelessness. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can be lifesaving; however, only a fraction of eligible individuals receive them. Our goal was to describe our experience promoting equitable MOUD access using a mobile delivery model. We implemented a mobile MOUD unit aiming to improve equitable access in Brockton, a racially diverse, medium-sized city in Massachusetts. Brockton has a relatively high opioid overdose death rate with increasingly disproportionate death rates among Black residents. Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BNHC), a community health center, provides brick-and-mortar MOUD access. Through the Communities That HEAL intervention as part of the HEALing Communities Study (HCS), Brockton convened a community coalition with the aim of selecting evidence-based practices to decrease overdose deaths. BNHC leadership and coalition members recognized that traditional brick-and-mortar treatment locations were inaccessible to marginalized populations, and that a mobile program could increase MOUD access. In September 2021, with support from the HCS coalition, BNHC launched its mobile initiative - Community Care-in-Reach® - to bring low-threshold buprenorphine, harm reduction, and preventive care to high-risk populations. During implementation, the team encountered several challenges including: securing local buy-in; navigating a complex licensure process; maintaining operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; and finally, planning for sustainability. In two years of operation, the mobile team cared for 297 unique patients during 1,286 total visits. More than one-third (36%) of patients received buprenorphine prescriptions. In contrast to BNHC's brick-and-mortar clinics, patients with OUD seen on the mobile unit were more representative of historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups, and people experiencing homelessness, evidencing improved, equitable addiction care access for these historically disadvantaged populations. Offering varied services on the mobile unit, such as wound care, syringe and safer smoking supplies, naloxone, and other basic medical care, was a key engagement strategy. This on-demand mobile model helped redress systemic disadvantages in access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services, reaching diverse individuals to offer lifesaving MOUD at a time of inequitable increases in overdose deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson Pinkhover
- Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Brockton, MA, United States
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kelly Celata
- Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Brockton, MA, United States
| | - Trevor Baker
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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9
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Bello JK, Dell NA, Laxton AM, Conte M, Chen L. Prevalence and predictors of medication for opioid use disorder among reproductive-aged women. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2024; 11:100239. [PMID: 38711835 PMCID: PMC11070671 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Background Women of reproductive age would benefit from treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) prior to pregnancy to improve maternal and infant outcomes. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of medication for OUD (MOUD) and characterize correlates of MOUD receipt among 12-49-year-old women with OUD seeking treatment in publicly funded substance use disorder treatment programs at the time of their first treatment episode. Methods This cross-sectional study explores the demographic and clinical characteristics of women of reproductive age with OUD receiving publicly funded substance use treatment services. We used data from the concatenated 2015-2021 Treatment Episode Data Set-Admissions (TEDS-A), which documents demographic and clinical characteristics of patient admissions to publicly funded substance use treatment services in the United States. Results In the sample of females aged 12-49 with no prior treatment admissions and primary OUD (n=325,512), 40.53% received MOUD (n=131,930), including 39.40% of non-pregnant women (n=115,315) and 52.79% of pregnant women (n=8423). Pregnant women had significantly higher odds of receiving MOUD (aOR = 2.42, 95%CI: 2.30, 2.54) compared to non-pregnant women. Non-white race, treatment setting, and treatment self-referral were also associated with higher levels of MOUD. Conclusions We identified a significant unmet need among both pregnant and non-pregnant women with OUD seeking care in publicly funded treatment clinics. While women who are pregnant are significantly more likely to receive evidence-based treatment with MOUD, still 47.21% of pregnant women did not receive MOUD. All reproductive-aged women with OUD should be offered evidence-based treatment options, including MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. Bello
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Aaron M. Laxton
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Assisted Recovery Centers of America, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mary Conte
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lynn Chen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Cano M, Zachmeyer M, Salinas LA, Ferguson KM. Racial/ethnic inequality in homelessness and drug overdose deaths in US States. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02667-5. [PMID: 38597978 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02667-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined whether state-level racial disproportionality in homelessness is associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality. METHODS Counts of individuals experiencing homelessness (2015-2017; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; population estimates and counts of drug overdose deaths (2018-2021; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Homelessness and overdose mortality disproportionality scores were calculated to indicate the extent to which each racial group was over- or under- represented among those experiencing homelessness, or among overdose deaths, respectively (relative to each racial group's proportional share in the general population). For each racial group examined, ordinary least squares regression models with robust standard errors (SEs) examined associations between state-level disproportionality in homelessness and disproportionality in overdose mortality, adjusting for percent aged 18-64 and US Census Region, as well as disproportionality in educational attainment and unemployment. RESULTS State-level racial disproportionality in homelessness was significantly and positively associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality for Black (b = 0.16 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), American Indian/Alaska Native (b = 0.71 [SE = 0.23]; p < .01), and Hispanic populations (b = 0.17 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), in models adjusting for region and percent aged 18-64. The significant positive associations in these three populations persisted after adjusting for educational attainment disproportionality, yet the association was no longer significant in the Black population after adjusting for unemployment disproportionality. CONCLUSION States with the highest levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in homelessness generally also had relatively higher levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in overdose deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cano
- Arizona State University, 411 N. Central Ave Suite 863, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | | | - Luis A Salinas
- University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kristin M Ferguson
- Arizona State University, 411 N. Central Ave Suite 863, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
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11
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Abraham AJ, Harris SJ, Yarbrough CR. Introduction of Medicare coverage in opioid treatment programs: Findings from the first three years. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 158:209247. [PMID: 38072386 PMCID: PMC10947910 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior to January of 2020, there was no Medicare reimbursement for services delivered in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). OTPs are the only authorized providers of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment with methadone, a critical tool to address the opioid overdose crisis. While prior research has examined the availability of MOUD other than methadone for Medicare beneficiaries, research has not identified organizational and local Medicare beneficiary characteristics associated with Medicare insurance acceptance among OTPs. OBJECTIVES This study has two objectives: 1) to determine the extent to which OTPs began accepting Medicare insurance in the first three years following the new Medicare OTP benefit; and 2) to identify organizational characteristics and local Medicare beneficiary characteristics associated with OTP acceptance of Medicare. METHODS We used data from the 2021-2023 National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facilities to examine OTP acceptance of Medicare. We used logistic regression to identify organizational characteristics and local Medicare beneficiary characteristics associated with OTP acceptance of Medicare (n = 4630 OTPs). RESULTS By 2022, about 78.7 % of OTPs accepted Medicare, compared to only 41.1 % of non-OTPs. The odds of Medicare acceptance were lower among for-profit OTPs, compared to non-profit OTPs, and higher among OTPs that accepted Medicaid and private insurance. Additionally, the odds of accepting Medicare were lower for OTPs located in the Northeast, Midwest, and South, compared to OTPs located in the West. Finally, the odds of accepting Medicare were higher for OTPs located in counties with higher percentages of Non-Hispanic White Medicare beneficiaries. CONCLUSIONS We found high rates of Medicare acceptance among OTPs in the first three years of the Medicare OTP benefit, suggesting increased access to OUD treatment via OTPs for Medicare beneficiaries. While promising, results indicate potential geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in access to OTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Abraham
- University of Georgia, School of Public and International Affairs, Department of Public Administration and Policy, United States of America.
| | - Samantha J Harris
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States of America
| | - Courtney R Yarbrough
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States of America
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12
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Miller EA, DeVeaugh-Geiss AM, Chilcoat HD. Opioid use disorder (OUD) and treatment for opioid problems among OUD symptom subtypes in individuals misusing opioids. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2024; 10:100220. [PMID: 38414666 PMCID: PMC10897812 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Background In 2021, approximately 60 million individuals worldwide and 9 million individuals in the United States (US) reported opioid misuse. In the US, 2.5 million have OUD, of which only about a third receive any substance abuse treatment. OUD is often regarded as a monolithic disorder but different opioid problem subtypes may exist beyond DSM-IV/5 criteria. Understanding the characteristics of these subtypes could be useful for informing treatment and intervention strategies. Methods Latent class analysis was used to identify OUD symptom subtypes among persons in the US who reported misusing prescription opioids or heroin in the 2015-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n=10,928). Regression analyses were utilized to determine associations between class membership and treatment receipt, as well as demographic characteristics and other comorbid conditions. Results Five classes were identified with unique OUD symptom patterns: Class 1: Asymptomatic (71.6%), Class 2: Tolerance/Time (14.5%), Class 3: Loss of Control/Pharmacological (LOC/Pharmacol) (5.7%), Class 4: Social Impairment (2.6%), and Class 5: Pervasive (5.6%). Nearly all persons in the LOC/Pharmacol, Social Impairment, and Pervasive classes met criteria for OUD (98-100%); however, they differed in receipt of past-year treatment for substance use (28%, 28%, 49%, respectively). Age, race, education, insurance status, and criminal activity were also associated with treatment receipt. Conclusions There were considerable differences in OUD symptom patterns and substance use treatment among individuals who misused opioids. The findings indicate a substantial unmet need for OUD treatment and point to patterns of heterogeneity within OUD that can inform development of treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Miller
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, 410 N 12th St, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | | | - Howard D. Chilcoat
- Indivior, Inc., 10710 Midlothian Turnpike, Suite 125, North Chesterfield, VA 23235, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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13
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Nedjat S, Wang Y, Eshtiaghi K, Fleming M. Is there a disparity in medications for opioid use disorder based on race/ethnicity and gender? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:236-245. [PMID: 38101952 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among racial/ethnic minorities is a growing concern. OBJECTIVES Inequalities in receiving MOUD among gender and racial/ethnic groups were examined in this systematic review. METHODS Studies were retrieved by searching various databases and reference lists of reviews and selected full texts. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) comparing MOUDs among racial/ethnic minorities to Whites were extracted or estimated from their findings. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17. RESULTS After screening 2438 records, 19 studies were included in this review in two categories. The first category consists of 11 studies comparing receiving MOUD between different races/ethnicities and genders at the individual level. The meta-analysis regarding AORs comparing Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans/Alaska-Natives, Hawaiians, and mixed-race patients with Whites were 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.45-0.68), 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.55-0.94), 0.85 (95 % CI: 0.72-0.99), 0.88 (95%CI: 0.73-1.04), 0.27 (95 % CI: 0.03-2.18), and 0.97 (95 % CI: 0.81-1.16), respectively. The AOR of receiving MOUD for all minorities compared to Whites was 0.70 (95 % CI: 0.61-0.80). Overall AOR comparing MOUD for females to males was 0.95 (95 % CI: 0.87-1.04). The second category of articles compared buprenorphine and methadone treatment among ethnic/racial minorities and Whites. CONCLUSIONS Compared to Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians have limited access to MOUD. The findings suggest that methadone is the predominant medication for racial/ethnic minorities, while Whites and high-income communities receive buprenorphine more. It is crucial to re-design policies to bridge the gap in access to MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saharnaz Nedjat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Khashayar Eshtiaghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marc Fleming
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA.
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14
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Stopka TJ, Babineau DC, Gibson EB, Knott CE, Cheng DM, Villani J, Wai JM, Blevins D, David JL, Goddard-Eckrich DA, Lofwall MR, Massatti R, DeFiore-Hyrmer J, Lyons MS, Fanucchi LC, Harris DR, Talbert J, Hammerslag L, Oller D, Balise RR, Feaster DJ, Soares W, Zarkin GA, Glasgow L, Oga E, McCarthy J, D’Costa L, Chahine R, Gomori S, Dalvi N, Shrestha S, Garner C, Shadwick A, Salsberry P, Konstan MW, Freisthler B, Winhusen J, El-Bassel N, Samet JH, Walsh SL. Impact of the Communities That HEAL Intervention on Buprenorphine-Waivered Practitioners and Buprenorphine Prescribing: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of the HCS Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240132. [PMID: 38386322 PMCID: PMC10884876 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Buprenorphine significantly reduces opioid-related overdose mortality. From 2002 to 2022, the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) required qualified practitioners to receive a waiver from the Drug Enforcement Agency to prescribe buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder. During this period, waiver uptake among practitioners was modest; subsequent changes need to be examined. Objective To determine whether the Communities That HEAL (CTH) intervention increased the rate of practitioners with DATA 2000 waivers and buprenorphine prescribing. Design, Setting, and Participants This prespecified secondary analysis of the HEALing Communities Study, a multisite, 2-arm, parallel, community-level, cluster randomized, open, wait-list-controlled comparison clinical trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of the CTH intervention and was conducted between January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, in 67 communities in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio, accounting for approximately 8.2 million adults. The participants in this trial were communities consisting of counties (n = 48) and municipalities (n = 19). Trial arm randomization was conducted using a covariate constrained randomization procedure stratified by state. Each state was balanced by community characteristics including urban/rural classification, fatal opioid overdose rate, and community population. Thirty-four communities were randomized to the intervention and 33 to wait-list control arms. Data analysis was conducted between March 20 and September 29, 2023, with a focus on the comparison period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Intervention Waiver trainings and other educational trainings were offered or supported by the HEALing Communities Study research sites in each state to help build practitioner capacity. Main Outcomes and Measures The rate of practitioners with a DATA 2000 waiver (overall, and stratified by 30-, 100-, and 275-patient limits) per 100 000 adult residents aged 18 years or older during July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, were compared between the intervention and wait-list control communities. The rate of buprenorphine prescribing among those waivered practitioners was also compared between the intervention and wait-list control communities. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. Results A total of 8 166 963 individuals aged 18 years or older were residents of the 67 communities studied. There was no evidence of an effect of the CTH intervention on the adjusted rate of practitioners with a DATA 2000 waiver (adjusted relative rate [ARR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.94-1.14) or the adjusted rate of practitioners with a DATA 2000 waiver who actively prescribed buprenorphine (ARR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.86-1.10). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, the CTH intervention was not associated with increases in the rate of practitioners with a DATA 2000 waiver or buprenorphine prescribing among those waivered practitioners. Supporting practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine remains a critical yet challenging step in the continuum of care to treat opioid use disorder. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04111939.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Erin B. Gibson
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charles E. Knott
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Debbie M. Cheng
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Villani
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jonathan M. Wai
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Derek Blevins
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - James L. David
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Dawn A. Goddard-Eckrich
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Lexington
| | - Richard Massatti
- Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Columbus
| | | | | | - Laura C. Fanucchi
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Lexington
| | | | | | - Lindsey Hammerslag
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Lexington
| | - Devin Oller
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Lexington
| | - Raymond R. Balise
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Daniel J. Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - William Soares
- UMass Chan Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Gary A. Zarkin
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - LaShawn Glasgow
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Emmanuel Oga
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - John McCarthy
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Lauren D’Costa
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Rouba Chahine
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Steve Gomori
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Netrali Dalvi
- Office of Prescription Monitoring and Drug Control, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston
| | - Shikhar Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Aimee Shadwick
- RecoveryOhio, Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Columbus
| | - Pamela Salsberry
- Health Behavior and Health Promotion, Ohio State University, Columbus
| | | | | | - John Winhusen
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Jeffrey H. Samet
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Lexington
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15
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Edmond SN, Wesolowicz DM, Snow JL, Currie S, Jankelovits A, Chhabra MS, Becker WC. Qualitative Analysis of Patient Perspectives of Buprenorphine After Transitioning From Long-Term, Full-Agonist Opioid Therapy Among Veterans With Chronic Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:132-141. [PMID: 37549775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines recommend consideration of modification, tapering, or discontinuation of long-term, full-agonist opioid therapy when harms outweigh benefits; one alternative to tapering or discontinuing full-agonist opioids for the management of chronic pain is switching to the partial agonist buprenorphine. As the use of buprenorphine for pain expands, understanding the patient experience during and after the transition to buprenorphine is critical. We conducted 45- to 60-minute semistructured qualitative interviews with 19 patients to understand the experiences of patients with chronic pain actively maintained on buprenorphine after previously receiving full-agonist, long-term opioid therapy. Patients were recruited from 2 medical centers via provider referral. Through thematic analysis, 5 overall themes were identified, including satisfaction with buprenorphine, the importance of preconceptions about buprenorphine, experiences with transitions, patient-provider communication, and potential contributions to racial disparities in pain care. While we heard a range of experiences, most patients were satisfied with buprenorphine, reporting either equivalent pain control to their previous regimens or reporting less analgesia but improved functioning due to a reduction in side effects (eg, mental clarity). Patients also emphasized the importance of a nonjudgmental, patient-centered approach, including education about the risks and benefits of buprenorphine. The few Black patients interviewed all reported limited access to pain care, which is consistent with the well-documented existence of racial disparities in access to pain treatment. As buprenorphine is used more frequently for pain management, provider education focused on pain treatment disparities, patient-centered approaches informed by motivational interviewing, and increasing acceptance of buprenorphine as an option for pain are needed. PERSPECTIVE: Qualitative analyses of patient experiences transitioning from full-agonist opioids to buprenorphine for chronic pain revealed general satisfaction. Patients reflected on functioning, tradeoffs between analgesia and side effects, patient-centered care, and access to treatment, highlighting how future research should focus on outcomes valued by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Edmond
- Pain Research Informatics Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Danielle M Wesolowicz
- Pain Research Informatics Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jennifer L Snow
- Pain Research Informatics Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Manik S Chhabra
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - William C Becker
- Pain Research Informatics Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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16
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Drnach-Bonaventura GM, Moore DW, Scott GL, Cloutier RM, Pringle JL. Why Substance Use Screening Frequency Matters in Adult Primary Care. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024; 45:65-73. [PMID: 38258858 DOI: 10.1177/29767342231210112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based early intervention practices, such as screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), are recommended to identify unhealthy use and provide linkages to treatment to prevent substance use disorder. However, there is a lack of screening frequency recommendations. Pennsylvania (PA) SBIRT was a five-year initiative to implement SBIRT in primary care sites. This study evaluated the effects of screening policies in PA SBIRT on changes in substance use risk category over time. METHODS Quantitative data were obtained from seven primary care sites implementing SBIRT, with patients who were screened twice using the Drug Abuse Screening Test, US Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, or the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test and experienced any risk category change (n = 1,364). Patients were 49% male, 51% female, 81% White, and 14% Black. An intercept-only generalized estimating equation model tested whether category changes between screen one and screen two were statistically significant. RESULTS The average number of months between screenings for those experiencing a risk category change was 9.01 with a range of 0 to 46 months. There was a statistically significant change between screening one and screening two (P > 0.001), with 44% undergoing a decrease in risk category and 56% undergoing an increase in risk category. Of those undergoing an increase in risk category, 91% moved from a negative/low risk category to a positive/higher risk category. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that frequent screening policies may improve identification of substance use risk category changes. The results act as a catalyst to further evaluate recommended screening intervals for detecting unhealthy substance use to increase identification and patient connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Drnach-Bonaventura
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Office of the Dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Debra W Moore
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Georgie L Scott
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Renee M Cloutier
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Janice L Pringle
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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17
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Freisthler B. We Have More Tools to Support At-Risk Families Than Just Child Protective Services With Mandated Reporting. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:96. [PMID: 37955892 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
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18
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Friedman LS, Abasilim C, Karch L, Jasmin W, Holloway-Beth A. Disparities in fatal and non-fatal opioid-involved overdoses among middle-aged non-Hispanic Black Men and Women. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01877-y. [PMID: 38048043 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01877-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The gap in fatal opioid overdose rates has been closing between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White individuals. The rising opioid-involved mortality rates among non-Hispanic Black adults has been identified by SAMHSA as a critical public health issue. However, further research is needed that utilizes comprehensive surveillance data on both fatal and non-fatal opioid-involved overdoses to better assess the changing trends and evaluate factors contributing to changing disparities. We conducted an analysis of medical examiner and hospital data for years 2016-2021 from the largest county in Illinois (Cook) to (1) evaluate disparities in non-fatal and fatal opioid-involved overdoses between middle-aged non-Hispanic Black adults and Black adults of other age groups stratified by sex, (2) to assess if disparities exist across middle-aged adults of different race-ethnicities specifically non-Hispanic White and Hispanic-Latino adults, and (3) evaluate factors contributing to the disparities. Fatal opioid overdose rates among middle-aged Black men 45-64 years old were on average 5.3 times higher than Black men of other age groups, and 6.2 times higher than middle-aged non-Black men. Similarly, fatal opioid overdose rates among middle-aged Black women were on average 5.0 times higher than Black women of other age groups, and 4.9 times higher than middle-aged non-Black women. Hospital utilization rates for opioid-involved overdoses showed similar disparities between age groups and race-ethnicities. Findings indicate that stark disparities in rates of opioid-involved overdoses among middle-aged Black men and women are likely attributed to exposure to more lethal opioids, drug variability in local markets, differences in concurrent drug exposures, and lower access to harm reduction, emergent and preventative health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee S Friedman
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Chibuzor Abasilim
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lydia Karch
- Cook County Department of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
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19
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Xu KY, Schiff DM, Jones HE, Martin CE, Kelly JC, Bierut LJ, Carter EB, Grucza RA. Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Buprenorphine and Methadone Utilization Among Reproductive-Age Women with Opioid Use Disorder: an Analysis of Multi-state Medicaid Claims in the USA. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:3499-3508. [PMID: 37436568 PMCID: PMC10713957 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08306-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between race/ethnicity and medications to treat OUD (MOUD), buprenorphine and methadone, in reproductive-age women have not been thoroughly studied in multi-state samples. OBJECTIVE To evaluate racial/ethnic variation in buprenorphine and methadone receipt and retention in a multi-state U.S. sample of Medicaid-enrolled, reproductive-age women with opioid use disorder (OUD) at the beginning of OUD treatment. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS Reproductive-age (18-45 years) women with OUD, in the Merative™ MarketScan® Multi-State Medicaid Database (2011-2016). MAIN MEASURES Differences by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, "other" race/ethnicity) in the likelihood of receiving buprenorphine and methadone during the start of OUD treatment (yes/no) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Differences in time to medication discontinuation (days) by race/ethnicity were evaluated using multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS Of 66,550 reproductive-age Medicaid enrollees with OUD (84.1% non-Hispanic White, 5.9% non-Hispanic Black, 1.0% Hispanic, 5.3% "other"), 15,313 (23.0%) received buprenorphine and 6290 (9.5%) methadone. Non-Hispanic Black enrollees were less likely to receive buprenorphine (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.76 [0.68-0.84]) and more likely to be referred to methadone clinics (aOR = 1.78 [1.60-2.00]) compared to non-Hispanic White participants. Across both buprenorphine and methadone in unadjusted analyses, the median discontinuation time for non-Hispanic Black enrollees was 123 days compared to 132 days and 141 days for non-Hispanic White and Hispanic enrollees respectively (χ2 = 10.6; P = .01). In adjusted analyses, non-Hispanic Black enrollees experienced greater discontinuation for buprenorphine and methadone (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR = 1.16 [1.08-1.24] and aHR = 1.16 [1.07-1.30] respectively) compared to non-Hispanic White peers. We did not observe differences in buprenorphine or methadone receipt or retention for Hispanic enrollees compared to the non-Hispanic White enrollees. CONCLUSIONS Our data illustrate inequities between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White Medicaid enrollees with regard to buprenorphine and methadone utilization in the USA, consistent with literature on the racialized origins of methadone and buprenorphine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Xu
- Health and Behavior Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Davida M Schiff
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hendrée E Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Caitlin E Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jeannie C Kelly
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Division of Clinical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Laura J Bierut
- Health and Behavior Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ebony B Carter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Division of Clinical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Richard A Grucza
- Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Health and Outcomes Research, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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20
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Powell D. Educational Attainment and US Drug Overdose Deaths. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e233274. [PMID: 37801307 PMCID: PMC10559184 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Educational attainment in the US is associated with life expectancy. As the opioid crisis worsens, it is critical to understand how overdose death rate trends evolve across education groups. Objective To investigate the association between educational attainment and overdose death rates, with emphasis on trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used National Vital Statistics System Mortality Multiple Cause-of-Death data describing overdose death rates in the US by educational attainment from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2021, with a focus on 2018 to 2021. Overdose deaths were aggregated by year and educational level for decedents aged 25 years or older. Exposure Educational attainment, categorized as no high school (HS) diploma, HS diploma (or General Educational Development) but no college, some college but no bachelor's degree, and bachelor's degree or more. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were rates of all overdose deaths, overdose deaths involving opioids, and overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids. Results Of 912 057 overdose deaths with education information from 2000 to 2021 (mean [SD] age at death, 44.9 [12.3] years; 64.1% male), there were 625 400 deaths (68.6%) among individuals with no college education and 286 657 deaths (31.4%) among those with at least some college. The overdose death rate was 19.9 per 100 000 population. From 2018 to 2021, there were 301 557 overdose deaths, including 58 319 (19.3%) among individuals without an HS diploma, 153 603 (50.9%) among people with an HS diploma, 64 682 (21.4%) among individuals with some college, and 24 953 (8.3%) among individuals with a bachelor's degree. There were 3324 overdose deaths (1.1%) among American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, 2968 (1.0%) among Asian American or Pacific Islander individuals, 49 152 (16.3%) among Black individuals, 31 703 (10.5%) among Hispanic individuals, 211 359 (70.1%) among White individuals, and 3051 (1.0%) among multiracial individuals. From 2018 to 2021, the overdose death rate was 33.4 per 100 000 population, the opioid-related overdose death rate was 24.2 per 100 000 population, and the synthetic opioid overdose death rate was 19.1 per 100 000 population. From 2018 to 2021, the overdose death rate for those without a HS diploma increased by 35.4 per 100 000 population compared with 1.5 per 100 000 population for those with a bachelor's degree. This differential growth was primarily due to increased rates of death involving synthetic opioids. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, lower educational attainment was found to be associated with higher growth in overdose deaths. As the opioid crisis has transitioned to fentanyl and polysubstance use, overdose deaths have become more prevalent in groups with lower socioeconomic status, potentially exacerbating existing life-expectancy disparities.
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21
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Miles J, Treitler P, Lloyd J, Samples H, Mahone A, Hermida R, Gupta S, Duncan A, Baaklini V, Simon KI, Crystal S. Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Buprenorphine Receipt Among Medicare Beneficiaries, 2015-19. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:1431-1438. [PMID: 37782874 PMCID: PMC10910625 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
We examined Medicare Part D claims from the period 2015-19 to identify state and national racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine receipt among Medicare disability beneficiaries with diagnosed opioid use disorder or opioid overdose. Racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine use remained persistently high during the study period, especially for Black beneficiaries, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Miles
- Jennifer Miles , Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sumedha Gupta
- Sumedha Gupta, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Kosali I Simon
- Kosali I. Simon, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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22
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Lowenstein M, Perrone J, McFadden R, Xiong RA, Meisel ZF, O'Donnell N, Abdel-Rahman D, Moon J, Mitra N, Delgado MK. Impact of Universal Screening and Automated Clinical Decision Support for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Emergency Departments: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 82:131-144. [PMID: 37318434 PMCID: PMC11019868 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Emergency department (ED)-initiated buprenorphine improves outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder; however, adoption varies widely. To reduce variability, we implemented a nurse-driven triage screening question in the electronic health record to identify patients with opioid use disorder, followed by targeted electronic health record prompts to measure withdrawal and guide next steps in management, including initiation of treatment. Our objective was to assess the impact of screening implementation in 3 urban, academic EDs. METHODS We conducted a quasiexperimental study of opioid use disorder-related ED visits using electronic health record data from January 2020 to June 2022. The triage protocol was implemented in 3 EDs between March and July 2021, and 2 other EDs in the health system served as controls. We evaluated changes in treatment measures over time and used a difference-in-differences analysis to compare outcomes in the 3 intervention EDs with those in the 2 controls. RESULTS There were 2,462 visits in the intervention hospitals (1,258 in the preperiod and 1,204 in the postperiod) and 731 in the control hospitals (459 in the preperiod and 272 in the postperiod). Patient characteristics within the intervention and control EDs were similar across the time periods. Compared with the control hospitals, the triage protocol was associated with a 17% greater increase in withdrawal assessment, using the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS) (95% CI 7 to 27). Buprenorphine prescriptions at discharge also increased by 5% (95% CI 0% to 10%), and naloxone prescriptions increased by 12% points (95% CI 1% to 22%) in the intervention EDs relative to controls. CONCLUSION An ED triage screening and treatment protocol led to increased assessment and treatment of opioid use disorder. Protocols designed to make screening and treatment the default practice have promise in increasing the implementation of evidence-based treatment ED opioid use disorder care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Lowenstein
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rachel McFadden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ruiying Aria Xiong
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Zachary F Meisel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nicole O'Donnell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Dina Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jeffrey Moon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nandita Mitra
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mucio Kit Delgado
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA
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23
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Holland WC, Li F, Nath B, Jeffery MM, Stevens M, Melnick ER, Dziura JD, Khidir H, Skains RM, D’Onofrio G, Soares WE. Racial and ethnic disparities in emergency department-initiated buprenorphine across five health care systems. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:709-720. [PMID: 36660800 PMCID: PMC10467357 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose deaths have disproportionately impacted Black and Hispanic populations, in part due to disparities in treatment access. Emergency departments (EDs) serve as a resource for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), many of whom have difficulty accessing outpatient addiction programs. However, inequities in ED treatment for OUD remain poorly understood. METHODS This secondary analysis examined racial and ethnic differences in buprenorphine access using data from EMBED, a study of 21 EDs across five health care systems evaluating a clinical decision support system for initiating ED buprenorphine. The primary outcome was receipt of buprenorphine, ED administered or prescribed. Hospital type (academic vs. community) was evaluated as an effect modifier. Hierarchical models with cluster effects for site and clinician were used to assess buprenorphine receipt by race and ethnicity. RESULTS Black patients were less likely to receive buprenorphine (6.4% [51/801] vs. White patients 8.5% [268/3154], odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.78). This association persisted after adjusting for age, insurance, gender, clinician X-waiver, hospital type, and urbanicity (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.84) but not when discharge diagnosis was included (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56-1.02). Hispanic patients were more likely to receive buprenorphine (14.8% [122/822] vs. non-Hispanic patients, 11.6% [475/4098]) in unadjusted (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09-1.83) and adjusted models (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.83) but not including discharge diagnosis (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 0.99-1.77). Odds of buprenorphine were similar in academic and community EDs by race (interaction p = 0.97) and ethnicity (interaction p = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS Black patients with OUD were less likely to receive buprenorphine whereas Hispanic patients were more likely to receive buprenorphine in academic and community EDs. Differences were attenuated with discharge diagnosis, as fewer Black and non-Hispanic patients were diagnosed with opioid withdrawal. Barriers to medication treatment are heterogenous among patients with OUD; research must continue to address the multiple drivers of health inequities at the patient, clinician, and community level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fangyong Li
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Bidisha Nath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Molly M. Jeffery
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Health Care Policy Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Maria Stevens
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Health Care Policy Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward R. Melnick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - James D. Dziura
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hazar Khidir
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rachel M. Skains
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Gail D’Onofrio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - William E. Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Barnett ML, Meara E, Lewinson T, Hardy B, Chyn D, Onsando M, Huskamp HA, Mehrotra A, Morden NE. Racial Inequality in Receipt of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:1779-1789. [PMID: 37163624 PMCID: PMC10243223 DOI: 10.1056/nejmsa2212412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2010, Black persons in the United States have had a greater increase in opioid overdose-related mortality than other groups, but national-level evidence characterizing racial and ethnic disparities in the use of medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) is limited. METHODS We used Medicare claims data from the 2016-2019 period for a random 40% sample of fee-for-service beneficiaries who were Black, Hispanic, or White; were eligible for Medicare owing to disability; and had an index event related to OUD (nonfatal overdose treated in an emergency department or inpatient setting, hospitalization with injection drug use-related infection, or inpatient or residential rehabilitation or detoxification care). We measured the receipt of medications to treat OUD (buprenorphine, naltrexone, and naloxone), the receipt of high-risk medications (opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines), and health care utilization, all in the 180 days after the index event. We estimated differences in outcomes according to race and ethnic group with adjustment for beneficiary age, sex, index event, count of chronic coexisting conditions, and state of residence. RESULTS We identified 25,904 OUD-related index events among 23,370 beneficiaries, with 3937 events (15.2%) occurring among Black patients, 2105 (8.1%) among Hispanic patients, and 19,862 (76.7%) among White patients. In the 180 days after the index event, patients received buprenorphine after 12.7% of events among Black patients, after 18.7% of those among Hispanic patients, and after 23.3% of those among White patients; patients received naloxone after 14.4%, 20.7%, and 22.9%, respectively; and patients received benzodiazepines after 23.4%, 29.6%, and 37.1%, respectively. Racial differences in the receipt of medications to treat OUD did not change appreciably from 2016 to 2019 (buprenorphine receipt: after 9.1% of index events among Black patients vs. 21.6% of those among White patients in 2016, and after 14.1% vs. 25.5% in 2019). In all study groups, patients had multiple ambulatory visits in the 180 days after the index event (mean number of visits, 6.6 after events among Black patients, 6.7 after events among Hispanic patients, and 7.6 after events among White patients). CONCLUSIONS Racial and ethnic differences in the receipt of medications to treat OUD after an index event related to this disorder among patients with disability were substantial and did not change over time. The high incidence of ambulatory visits in all groups showed that disparities persisted despite frequent health care contact. (Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Aging.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Barnett
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Ellen Meara
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Terri Lewinson
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Brianna Hardy
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Deanna Chyn
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Moraa Onsando
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Haiden A Huskamp
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
| | - Nancy E Morden
- From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (M.L.B., E.M.), the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital (M.L.B.), the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School (H.A.H., A.M.), and the Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (A.M.), Boston, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge (E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH (T.L., B.H., D.C., M.O., N.E.M.); and UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, MN (N.E.M.)
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25
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Harris RA. Drug Overdose Deaths Among Non-Hispanic Black Men in the U.S.: Age-Specific Projections Through 2025. AJPM FOCUS 2023; 2:100063. [PMID: 37377540 PMCID: PMC10299749 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2022.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Fatal drug overdoses have risen sharply in the U.S. since 2015, reaching their highest levels during the pandemic. Non-Hispanic Black men have been disproportionately harmed by this latest surge; overdose mortality per 100,000 has increased fourfold since 2015. Whether the mortality rate will continue to climb is unknown. In this study, we addressed the narrower question of which age groups are likely to experience a significant increase or decrease in the burden of drug overdose deaths through 2025, based on foreseeable changes in the age structure of the Black male population. Methods We used the 2020 and provisional 2021 age-specific mortality rates from the Centers for Disease Control WONDER (Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) database and the standard population balancing equation to project overdose deaths in 2025. Overdose deaths were identified by ICD-10 codes. We bracketed the projections between 2 plausible alternatives: a pessimistic forecast based on time series extrapolations and an optimistic forecast that assumes success nationally in lowering overdose deaths through prevention, treatment, and harm reduction initiatives. Results Among Black men aged 31-47 years, overdose deaths in 2025 are expected to increase by 440 or 11% (95% CI=8%, 14%) relative to 2020. By contrast, overdose deaths among younger Black men aged 19-30 years are expected to decline by 160 or -9% (95% CI= -15%, -5%). Among older Black men aged 48-64 years, overdose deaths are also expected to decline by 330 or -7% (95% CI= -10%, -4%). Similar results were found using 2021 provisional mortality rates. Conclusions Overdose deaths are predicted to increase significantly over current levels among Black men in their 30s and 40s. Local policy makers should direct harm reduction resources, such as naloxone kits, syringes, and fentanyl test strips, to places frequented by Black men in this age group. Outreach messaging should be tailored to resonate with men of middle age. Equally urgent is the scaling up of nonstigmatizing, evidence-based drug treatment and recovery support services in Black neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Arden Harris
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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26
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Fujita AW, Ramakrishnan A, Mehta CC, Yusuf OB, Wilson T, Shoptaw S, Carrico AW, Adimora AA, Eaton E, Cohen MH, Cohen J, Adedimeji A, Plankey M, Jones D, Chandran A, Colasanti JA, Sheth AN. Substance Use Treatment Utilization Among Women With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofac684. [PMID: 36655189 PMCID: PMC9835749 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substance use (SU) contributes to poor health outcomes, yet limited data exist to inform strategies to optimize SU treatment among persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We describe SU and SU treatment utilization among women with and without HIV in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). Methods We included data from women enrolled in WIHS from 2013 to 2020. Current SU was self-reported, nonmedical use of drugs in the past year, excluding use of only marijuana. SU treatment utilization was self-reported use of a drug treatment program in the past year. Multivariable regression models were used to investigate associations between participant characteristics and SU treatment. Results Among 2559 women (1802 women living with HIV [WWH], 757 women without HIV), 14% reported current SU. Among those with current SU (n = 367), 71% reported crack/cocaine followed by 40% reporting opioids, and 42% reported any treatment in the past year. The most common treatments were methadone (64%), Narcotics Anonymous (29%), inpatient programs (28%), and outpatient programs (16%). Among women using opioids (n = 147), 67% reported methadone use in the past year compared to 5% using buprenorphine/naloxone. Multivariable analysis showed lower odds of treatment utilization among WWH with concurrent alcohol or marijuana use. Visiting a psychiatrist/counselor was associated with higher odds of treatment. Among WWH, SU treatment was not associated with HIV-related clinical outcomes. Conclusions Treatment utilization was high, especially for methadone use. Our results highlight opportunities for accessing SU treatment for WWH, such as the need to prioritize buprenorphine and comprehensive, wraparound services in HIV care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako W Fujita
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aditi Ramakrishnan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - C Christina Mehta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Oyindamola B Yusuf
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracey Wilson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Adaora A Adimora
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen Eaton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mardge H Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jennifer Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Adebola Adedimeji
- Division of Health Behavior Research and Implementation Science, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Michael Plankey
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Deborah Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Aruna Chandran
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan A Colasanti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Infectious Disease Program, Grady Health System, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anandi N Sheth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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27
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Bratberg JP, Falleni A. Preserving dignity through expanded and sustained access to buprenorphine. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:220-223. [PMID: 36599800 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alyssa Falleni
- VA Health Professions Education, Evaluation and Research Fellow, West Haven, CT
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28
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Bratberg JP, Simmons A, Arya V, Bhatia A, Vakharia SP. Support, don't punish: Drug decriminalization is harm reduction. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:224-229. [PMID: 36682855 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite large investments in and policy support for harm reduction including naloxone, syringes, and medications for opioid use disorder, people who use drugs continue to experience unprecedented rates of mortality from overdose and morbidity from infectious diseases. The criminalization of drug use has disproportionately exacerbated these drug-related harms and imposed short- and long-term burdens on already marginalized and vulnerable populations. Pharmacy professionals and students are not immune to the effects of drug criminalization, where one conviction can lead to the loss of their license, employment, or educational progress. Communities become less healthy and stagnate in punitive criminalization systems, further reducing opportunities for growth. Decriminalization of drug use and possession is an urgently needed and effective approach to drug use that shifts resources from punishment to public health, thereby reducing the negative impacts of drug use and keeping communities safe and healthy. Pharmacists play essential roles in the prevention and management of drug misuse and use disorders. As policy makers consider and implement drug decriminalization, pharmacists must actively advocate for these policies and educate community and organizational partners on the individual, professional, and community benefits of this harm reduction strategy.
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