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Banta-Green CJ, Owens MD, Williams JR, Floyd AS, Williams-Gilbert W, Kingston S. Community-Based Medications First for Opioid Use Disorder - Care Utilization and Mortality Outcomes. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2024; 15:173-183. [PMID: 39295965 PMCID: PMC11409926 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s475807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose A large treatment gap exists for people who could benefit from medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). People OUD accessing services in harm reduction and community-based organizations often have difficulty engaging in MOUD at opioid treatment programs and traditional health care settings. We conducted a study to test the impacts of a community-based medications first model of care in six Washington (WA) State communities that provided drop-in MOUD access. Participants and Methods Participants included people newly prescribed MOUD. Settings included harm reduction and homeless services programs. A prospective cohort analysis tested the impacts of the intervention on MOUD and care utilization. Intervention impacts on mortality were tested via a synthetic comparison group analysis matching on demographics, MOUD history, and geography using WA State agency administrative data. Results 825 people were enrolled in the study of whom 813 were matched to state records for care utilization and outcomes. Cohort analyses indicated significant increases for days' supply of buprenorphine, months with any MOUD, and months with any buprenorphine for people previously on buprenorphine (all results p<0.05). Months with an emergency department overdose did not change. Months with an inpatient hospital stay increased (p<0.05). The annual death rate in the first year for the intervention group was 0.45% (3 out of 664) versus 2.2% (222 out of 9893) in the comparison group in the 12 months; a relative risk of 0.323 (95% CI 0.11-0.94). Conclusion Findings indicated a significant increase in MOUD for the intervention group and a lower mortality rate relative to the comparison group. The COVID-19 epidemic and rapid increase in non-pharmaceutical-fentanyl may have lessened the intervention impact as measured in the cohort analysis. Study findings support expanding access to a third model of low barrier MOUD care alongside opioid treatment programs and traditional health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Banta-Green
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mandy D Owens
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason R Williams
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anthony S Floyd
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wendy Williams-Gilbert
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Susan Kingston
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA
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Ross RK, Nunes EV, Olfson M, Shulman M, Krawczyk N, Stuart EA, Rudolph KE. Comparative effectiveness of extended-release naltrexone and sublingual buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder among Medicaid patients. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 39099417 DOI: 10.1111/add.16630] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) and sublingual buprenorphine (SL-BUP) are both approved for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in any medical setting. We aimed to compare the real-world effectiveness of XR-NTX and SL-BUP. DESIGN AND SETTING This was an observational active comparator, new user cohort study of Medicaid claims records for patients in New Jersey and California, USA, 2016-19. PARTICIPANTS/CASES The participants were adult Medicaid patients aged 18-64 years who initiated XR-NTX or SL-BUP for maintenance treatment of OUD and did not use medications for OUD in the 90 days before initiation. Our cohort included 1755 XR-NTX and 9886 SL-BUP patients. MEASUREMENTS We examined two outcomes up to 180 days after medication initiation: (1) composite of medication discontinuation and death and (2) composite of overdose and death. FINDINGS In adjusted analyses, treatment with XR-NTX was more likely to result in discontinuation or death by the end of follow-up than treatment with SL-BUP: cumulative risk 75.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 73.9%, 77.9%] versus 62.2% (95% CI = 61.2%, 63.2%), respectively (risk difference = 13.7 percentage points, 95% CI = 11.4, 16.0). There was minimal difference in the cumulative risk of overdose or death by the end of follow-up: XR-NTX 3.9% (95% CI = 3.0%, 4.8%) versus SL-BUP 3.3% (95% CI = 2.9%, 3.7%); risk difference = 0.5 percentage points, 95% CI = -0.4, 1.5. Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Medicaid patients in California and New Jersey, USA, receiving treatment for opioid use disorder stayed in treatment longer on sublingual buprenorphine than on extended-release naltrexone, but the risk of overdose was similar. Most patients in this study discontinued medication within 6 months, regardless of which medication was initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael K Ross
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward V Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matisyahu Shulman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- Department of Population Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kara E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Bandara S, Byrne L, Berman V, Hurst A, King D, Gibbons JB, Sugarman OK, Livingston A, Kerins L, Hulsey EG, Alves A, Saloner B. Harm Reduction and Treatment Among People at High Risk of Overdose. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2427241. [PMID: 39133486 PMCID: PMC11320172 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.27241] [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] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids remain high, increasingly involve stimulants combined with opioids, and are increasing rapidly in racially and ethnically minoritized communities, yet little is known about access to harm reduction and treatment services in these groups. Objective To characterize access and barriers to harm reduction and treatment in a racially and ethnically diverse population of people who use drugs. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional telephone survey of people recruited from 39 treatment, harm reduction, and social service organizations in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; Flint and Detroit, Michigan; and statewide in New Jersey was conducted from January 30 to July 28, 2023. Adults who used cocaine, methamphetamine, or opioids in the past 30 days called a study hotline and completed an interview in English or Spanish. Exposures Overdose experience, drug types used (opioids only, stimulants only, and polysubstance), and social risk factors (eg, financial instability and criminal legal involvement). Main Outcomes and Measures Recent use of any harm reduction services, fentanyl test strips, naloxone possession, treatment, and self-reported barriers to services. Results Of the total sample of 1240 adults, 486 (39.2%) were Black non-Hispanic, 183 (14.8%) were Hispanic, and 464 (37.4%) were White non-Hispanic. In the past 30 days, 826 individuals (66.6%) were polysubstance users, 135 (10.9%) used only opioids, and 279 (22.5%) used only stimulants. A total of 349 respondents (28.1%) experienced a prior-year overdose. Compared with those without a prior-year overdose, people with overdose were more likely to possess naloxone (80.7% vs 68.2%; P < .001), possess fentanyl test strips (36.8% vs 23.5%; P < .001), and use harm reduction services (63.4% vs 53.0%; P = .003), while differences in treatment use were nonsignificant (52.0% vs 46.6%; P = .24). Among stimulant-only users, 51.4% possessed naloxone compared with 77.3% of opioid-only users (P < .001) and 77.6% of polysubstance users (P < .001), with similar disparities in fentanyl test strip possession. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of people who used drugs in the past 30 days, findings highlighted low use of harm reduction and treatment services among people who use stimulants. Additional communication regarding their importance may help increase the use of the services amidst a rapidly changing drug supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachini Bandara
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lauren Byrne
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vanessa Berman
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Olivia K. Sugarman
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Amy Livingston
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Brendan Saloner
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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4
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Casey SK, Howard S, Regan S, Romero A, Powell EA, Kehoe L, Kane MT, Wakeman SE. Linkage to Care Outcomes Following Treatment in A Low-Threshold Substance Use Disorder Bridge Clinic. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024:29767342241261609. [PMID: 38912689 DOI: 10.1177/29767342241261609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) remains low in the United States. To better meet needs of people who use alcohol and other drugs, low threshold bridge clinics which offer treatment without barrier and harm reduction services have gained prevalence. Bridge clinics work to surmount barriers to care by providing same day medication and treatment for SUD and eventually transitioning patients to community-based treatment providers. In this study, we examine SUD treatment outcomes among patients who transitioned out of a bridge clinic. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of posttreatment outcomes of patients seen at an urban medical center's bridge clinic between 2017 and 2022. The primary outcome was being in care anywhere at time of follow-up. We also examined the proportion of patients who completed each step of the cascade of care following transfer: connection to transfer clinic, completion of a clinic visit, retention in care, and medication use among those remaining in care at the transfer clinic. We examined the association of different bridge clinic services with still being in care anywhere and the association between successful transfer with being in care and taking medication at follow-up. RESULTS Of 209 eligible participants, 63 were surveyed. Sixty-five percent of participants identified as male, 74% as white, 12% as Hispanic, 6% as Black, and 16% were unhoused. Most participants (78%) reported being connected to SUD treatment from the Bridge Clinic, and 37% remained in care at the same facility at the time of survey. Eighty-four percent reported being in treatment anywhere and 68% reported taking medication for SUD at follow-up, with most participants reporting taking buprenorphine (46%). CONCLUSION Of those participants who transitioned out of a bridge clinic into community-based SUD care, 78% were successfully connected to ongoing care and 84% were still in care at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Casey
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sydney Howard
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Regan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alison Romero
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Kehoe
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha T Kane
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Wakeman
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Naren T, Cook J, MacCartney P. Direct induction onto high-dose long-acting injectable buprenorphine: A case series. Australas Psychiatry 2024; 32:238-241. [PMID: 38444394 DOI: 10.1177/10398562241237655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This case series reports on five patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who were commenced directly onto high-dose long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB). METHOD A retrospective audit and manual review of the electronic medical record at cohealth Innerspace was conducted for patients who had been directly inducted onto high-dose LAIB. RESULTS Five cases were identified on retrospective manual file review. All patients identified were males aged between 33 and 60 years old and were treated with either high-dose Buvidal Weekly and Monthly preparations. No immediate significant adverse effects were noticed and 4 out of 5 remain engaged with treatment. CONCLUSION This case series shows it is possible to directly induct patients with OUD onto high-dose LAIB preparations without significant side effects or harm to the patient and could be considered a viable option in the treatment of patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thileepan Naren
- Drug Health Services, Western Health, Footscray, AU-VIC, Australia; and
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jon Cook
- Drug Health Services, Western Health, Footscray, AU-VIC, Australia; and
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Hoffman KL, Milazzo F, Williams NT, Samples H, Olfson M, Diaz I, Doan L, Cerda M, Crystal S, Rudolph KE. Independent and joint contributions of physical disability and chronic pain to incident opioid use disorder and opioid overdose among Medicaid patients. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1419-1430. [PMID: 37974483 PMCID: PMC10994776 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172300332x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain has been extensively explored as a risk factor for opioid misuse, resulting in increased focus on opioid prescribing practices for individuals with such conditions. Physical disability sometimes co-occurs with chronic pain but may also represent an independent risk factor for opioid misuse. However, previous research has not disentangled whether disability contributes to risk independent of chronic pain. METHODS Here, we estimate the independent and joint adjusted associations between having a physical disability and co-occurring chronic pain condition at time of Medicaid enrollment on subsequent 18-month risk of incident opioid use disorder (OUD) and non-fatal, unintentional opioid overdose among non-elderly, adult Medicaid beneficiaries (2016-2019). RESULTS We find robust evidence that having a physical disability approximately doubles the risk of incident OUD or opioid overdose, and physical disability co-occurring with chronic pain increases the risks approximately sixfold as compared to having neither chronic pain nor disability. In absolute numbers, those with neither a physical disability nor chronic pain condition have a 1.8% adjusted risk of incident OUD over 18 months of follow-up, those with physical disability alone have an 2.9% incident risk, those with chronic pain alone have a 3.6% incident risk, and those with co-occurring physical disability and chronic pain have a 11.1% incident risk. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that those with a physical disability should receive increased attention from the medical and healthcare communities to reduce their risk of opioid misuse and attendant negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Hoffman
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Floriana Milazzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Nicholas T. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | | | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Ivan Diaz
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
| | - Lisa Doan
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Kara E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
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7
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Strike C, Guta A, Schmidt R. Diverting attention away from novel approaches to preventing opioid overdose deaths. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 38532558 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Strike
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adrian Guta
- School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - Rose Schmidt
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Mathias H, Jackson LA, Buxton JA, Dubé A, Kiepek N, Martin F, Martin P. What features of drug treatment programs help, or not, with access? a qualitative study of the perspectives of family members and community-based organization staff in Atlantic Canada. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:20. [PMID: 38520017 PMCID: PMC10960477 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00602-0] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal management and opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programs help to reduce some of the harms experienced by people who use substances (PWUS). There is literature on how features of drug treatment programs (e.g., policies and practices) are helpful, or not helpful, to PWUS when seeking access to, or in, treatment. There is, however, relatively little literature based on the perspectives of family members/family of choice of PWUS and community-based organization staff within the context of Atlantic Canada. This paper explored the perspectives of these two groups on what was helpful, or not, about drug treatment programs in Atlantic Canada in terms of supporting access to, and retention in, treatment. METHODS One-on-one qualitative telephone interviews were conducted in 2020 with the two groups. Interviews focused on government-funded withdrawal management and OAT programs. Data were coded using a qualitative data management program (ATLAS.ti) and analyzed inductively for key themes/subthemes using grounded theory techniques. RESULTS Fifteen family members/family of choice and 16 community-based organization staff members participated (n = 31). Participants spoke about features of drug treatment programs in various places, and noted features that were perceived as helpful (e.g., quick access), as well as not helpful (e.g., wait times, programs located far from where PWUS live). Some participants provided their perceptions of how PWUS felt when seeking or accessing treatment. A number of participants reported taking various actions to help support access to treatment, including providing transportation to programs. A few participants also provided suggestions for change to help support access and retention such as better alignment of mental health and addiction systems. CONCLUSIONS Participants highlighted several helpful and not helpful features of drug treatment programs in terms of supporting treatment access and retention. Previous studies with PWUS and in other places have reported similar features, some of which (e.g., wait times) have been reported for many years. Changes are needed to reduce barriers to access and retention including the changes recommended by study participants. It is critical that the voices of key groups, (including PWUS) are heard to ensure treatment programs in all places support access and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Mathias
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy 11405 87 AvenueEdmonton, T6G 1C9, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Lois A Jackson
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Stairs House, 6230 South Street, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, V6T 1Z8, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anik Dubé
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Community Services, School of Nursing, Université de Moncton, 18, avenue Antonine-Maillet, E1A 3E9, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Niki Kiepek
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Forrest Building, Room 215, 5869 University Avenue, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Fiona Martin
- Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Dalhousie University, Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building, Room 1128, 6135 University Avenue, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paula Martin
- Direction 180, 2151 Gottingen Street, B3K 3B5, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Chiu K, Pandya S, Sharma M, Hooimeyer A, de Souza A, Sud A. An international comparative policy analysis of opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across nine high-income jurisdictions. Health Policy 2024; 141:104993. [PMID: 38237202 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.104993] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid-related harms are current health priorities in many high-income countries such as Canada. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is an effective evidence-based treatment for OUD, but access is often limited. AIMS To describe and compare OUD treatment policies across nine international jurisdictions, and to understand how they are situated within their primary care and health systems. METHODS Using policy documents, we collected data on health systems, drug use epidemiology, drug policies, and OUD treatment from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan. We used the health system dynamics framework and adapted definitions of low- and high-threshold treatment to describe and compare OUD treatment policies, and to understand how they may be shaped by their health systems context. RESULTS Broad similarities across jurisdictions included the OAT pharmacological agents used and the need for supervised dosing; however, preferred OAT, treatment settings, primary care and specialist physicians' roles, and funding varied. Most jurisdictions had elements of lower-threshold treatment access, such as the availability of treatment through primary care and multiple OAT options, but the higher-threshold criteria of supervised dosing. CONCLUSIONS From the Canadian perspective, there are opportunities to improve accessibility of OUD care by drawing on how different jurisdictions incorporate multidisciplinary care, regulate OAT medications, remunerate healthcare professionals, and provide funding for services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellia Chiu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Saloni Pandya
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Manu Sharma
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Alexandra de Souza
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abhimanyu Sud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Humber River Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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10
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Lyle V, Harris S, Heidari O, Boulton K, Hulsey E, Saloner B, Gibbons J. Association between high-threshold practices and buprenorphine treatment termination. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 124:104318. [PMID: 38232439 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104318] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular counseling and frequent drug testing are common requirements for patients with opioid use disorder in buprenorphine treatment. State policies throughout the United States often reinforce these high-threshold practices, as was the case with Michigan, USA. METHODS We sought to explore the association between counseling requirements, drug testing practices, and buprenorphine treatment termination rates through administering a survey to buprenorphine prescribers in Michigan. RESULTS In our sample of 377 prescribers, we found associations between high-threshold practices like drug testing at every clinical visit and requiring counseling and buprenorphine treatment termination rates. Relative to prescribers who randomly drug tested, drug tested at fixed intervals, or did not require any drug testing, prescribers who drug-tested patients at every visit were 38% more likely to terminate treatment. Prescribers who required counseling were 33% more likely to terminate treatment than those who did not require counseling. CONCLUSION With the elimination of the USA Drug Enforcement Administration X-waiver in December 2022, state policies need to minimize high-threshold practices that reduce buprenorphine treatment continuity and undermine an effective response to the overdose crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valencia Lyle
- Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, 611 W. Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48909, USA.
| | - Samantha Harris
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Omeid Heidari
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kathryn Boulton
- Overdose Prevention Program, Vital Strategies, 100 Broadway, 4(th) Floor, New York, NY 10005, USA
| | - Eric Hulsey
- Overdose Prevention Program, Vital Strategies, 100 Broadway, 4(th) Floor, New York, NY 10005, USA
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jason Gibbons
- Department of Health Systems, Management and Policy, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Denver, 13001 E 17th Pl B119, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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11
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Williams AR, Krawczyk N, Hu MC, Harpel L, Aydinoglo N, Cerda M, Rotrosen J, Nunes EV. Retention and critical outcomes among new methadone maintenance patients following extended take-home reforms: a retrospective observational cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 28:100636. [PMID: 38152421 PMCID: PMC10751716 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Approximately 1800 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the US dispense methadone to upwards of 400,000 patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) annually, operating under longstanding highly restrictive guidelines. OTPs were granted novel flexibilities beginning March 15, 2020, allowing for reduced visit frequency and extended take-home doses to minimize COVID exposure with great variation across states and sites. We sought to use electronic health records to compare retention in treatment, opioid use, and adverse events among patients newly entering methadone maintenance in the post-reform period in comparison with year-ago, unexposed, controls. Methods Retrospective observational cohort study across 9 OTPs, geographically dispersed, in the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network. Newly enrolled patients between April 15 and October 14, 2020 (post-COVID, reform period) v. March 15-September 14, 2019 (pre-COVID, control period) were assessed. The primary outcome was 6-month retention. Secondary outcomes were opioid use and adverse events including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and overdose. Findings 821 individuals were newly admitted in the post-COVID and year-ago control periods, average age of 38.3 (SD 11.1), 58.9% male. The only difference across pre- and post-reform groups was the prevalence of psychostimulant use disorder (25.7% vs 32.9%, p = 0.02). Retention was non-inferior (60.0% vs 60.1%) as were hazards of adverse events in the aggregate (X2 (1) = 0.55, p = 0.46) in the post-COVID period. However, rates of month-level opioid use were higher among post-COVID intakes compared to pre-COVID controls (64.8% vs 51.1%, p < 0.001). Moderator analyses accounting for stimulant use and site-level variation in take-home schedules did not change findings. Interpretation Policies allowing for extended take-home schedules were not associated with worse retention or adverse events despite slightly elevated rates of measured opioid use while in care. Relaxed guidelines were not associated with measurable increased harms and findings could inform future studies with prospective trials. Funding USDHHSNIDACTNUG1DA013035-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Robin Williams
- Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Mei-Chen Hu
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Lexa Harpel
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | | | - Magdalena Cerda
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - John Rotrosen
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Edward V. Nunes
- Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
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12
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Kawasaki SS, Zimmerman R, Shen C, Zgierska AE. COVID-19-related flexibility in methadone take-home doses associated with decreased attrition: Report from an opioid treatment program in central Pennsylvania. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 155:209164. [PMID: 37730014 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209164] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pennsylvania saw a dramatic increase in take-home doses of methadone after the COVID-19 pandemic-related relaxation in regulations. We evaluated whether pandemic-initiated relaxation in take-home methadone dose regulations was associated with changes in attrition and urine drug test (UDT) results at one outpatient opioid treatment program (OTP) among adult patients treated with methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS We analyzed aggregated, retrospective clinical practice data, using data abstracted from the OTP's electronic health record (EHR) on the number of patients treated with methadone, those allowed take-home doses, the number of take-home methadone doses dispensed, and the number and type of patient discharge ("attrition") from treatments for 12 months before (March 2019-February 2020; "pre-pandemic") and 12 months after (March 2020-February 2021; "pandemic") the regulatory changes took place. We also examined monthly aggregate data on the number of urine samples testing positive for amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines or illicit opioids, and compared these findings between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. RESULTS Pre-pandemic, 229 patients were treated with methadone, compared to 278 patients during the pandemic period. They received 11,047 and 28,563 take-home daily-doses of methadone (p < 0.0001) during each assessment period, respectively. All-cause treatment attrition (discharge from the program for any reason) decreased from 27.1 % in the pre-pandemic to 15.5 % in the pandemic period (p < 0.001). Compared to pre-pandemic, during the pandemic period the urine toxicology testing showed reduced positivity rates for cocaine (26.4 % vs 18.9 %, p < 0.001), and oxycodone and morphine (1.8 % vs 1.1 %, p < 0.019), and increased for fentanyl (24.0 % vs 30.5 %, p < 0.007), without statistically significant changes for benzodiazepines or amphetamines. CONCLUSIONS The relaxation of regulations guiding take-home methadone doses accompanied reduced treatment attrition and favorable changes in urine toxicology results in one OTP. Allowing OTPs to apply flexible decisions regarding take-home methadone doses could improve treatment retention, outcomes, and, in turn, save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chan Shen
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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13
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Galvez SJ, Altice FL, Meteliuk A, Ivasiy R, Machavariani E, Farnum SO, Fomenko T, Islam Z, Madden LM. High perceived stress in patients on opioid agonist therapies during rapid transitional response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1231581. [PMID: 38098837 PMCID: PMC10720365 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1231581] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in marked disruptions in healthcare delivery in Ukraine related to emergency guidance in response to treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Patients with OUD, a group with high levels of comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders, and prescribed opioid agonist therapies (OAT) were rapidly shifted to take-home dosing if they were deemed clinically stable. The impact of these shifts on patient stress and related substance use during the pandemic, however, is unknown. Methods In early May 2020, 269 randomly selected OAT patients in Ukraine were surveyed to assess their stress level and substance use using the validated Perceived Stress Scale and examined correlates of severe perceived stress. Results Overall, 195 (72.5%) met criteria for moderate to severe levels of stress, which was independently correlated with having started OAT within the past 12 months (aOR: 1.33; 95%CI: 1.15-1.55), living in a large metropolitan area (aOR: 1.31; 95%CI: 1.18-1.46), having been asked by others to share their medication (aOR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.02-1.25), and having an increase of over 10 min in transportation time to get to treatment (aOR: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.04-1.29). Twenty seven (10%) patients felt at high risk of relapse, while 24 (8.9%) patients reported purchasing drugs. Conclusion During a time of great uncertainty soon after emergency guidance to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was extraordinary high levels of perceived stress reported. In response to emergency guidance, OAT patients should be screened for perceived stress and certain subgroups should be targeted for additional psychosocial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy J. Galvez
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Frederick L. Altice
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Anna Meteliuk
- Alliance for Public Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Ivasiy
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Eteri Machavariani
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | - Zahedul Islam
- Alliance for Public Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lynn M. Madden
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, United States
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14
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Lagzi N, Bateni A, Goli R, Talebiazar N. The effect of multivitamins on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Psychiatry Med 2023; 58:576-590. [PMID: 37256965 DOI: 10.1177/00912174231179320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of addiction is increasing in the world. Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) can be associated with severe stress and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Vitamins and minerals are commonly found in multivitamins seem to improve mood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of multivitamins on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing MMT in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. METHODS The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial and involved 70 male MMT patients over the age of 18. Participants were randomized to one of two groups, either those receiving multivitamins or those receiving a placebo for 12 weeks. The multivitamin capsule included vitamin E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, biotin, folic acid, and zinc. Anxiety and depression were measured using standard questionnaires, before and after the intervention. RESULTS The between-group comparison (i.e., intervention vs. placebo) indicated there was no significant difference in anxiety scores; however, there was a significant between-group difference in depression scores, favoring the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Multivitamin supplementation improved depression but did not have a significant impact on anxiety in patients undergoing MMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Lagzi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amin Bateni
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Rasoul Goli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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15
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Scow M, McDougall J, Slaunwhite A, Palis H. Peer-led safer supply and opioid agonist treatment medication distribution: a case study from rural British Columbia. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:156. [PMID: 37875927 PMCID: PMC10598959 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND British Columbia (BC) has been facing a public health emergency of overdose since 2016, with rural regions of the province facing the highest rates of death. Peers (in this case, people with lived experience of substance use) are known to be effective patient navigators in health systems and can play a role in connecting patients to care and reducing overdose risk. CASE PRESENTATION We outline a peer-led program focused on opioid agonist treatment and prescribed safe supply medication delivery that began in March 2020 at a clinic in rural BC. The peer takes an Indigenous harm reduction approach and is focused on meeting the needs of the whole person. The peer has regular contact with approximately 50 clients and navigates medication delivery and appointments for approximately 10-15 people each day. Clients have been retained on the medication, and experienced improvement in other outcomes, including securing housing, employment and managing acute and chronic health conditions. The peer has established contact with clients since March 2020 to support engagement with health care and continuity of medication access. This program highlights the importance and value of peer-led work and need for further investments in peer-led programs to respond to the unregulated drug poisoning crisis. CONCLUSIONS This peer-led intervention is a promising approach to engaging people who remain disconnected from health services in care in a rural community. This model could be adapted to other settings to support patient contact with the health system and medication access and continuity, with the ultimate goal of reducing overdose risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie Scow
- BC Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jenny McDougall
- Coalition of Substance Users of the North, Northern British Columbia, Quesnel, BC, Canada
| | - Amanda Slaunwhite
- BC Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Heather Palis
- BC Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada.
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Gabrhelík R, Hesse M, Nechanská B, Handal M, Mravčík V, Tjagvad C, Thylstrup B, Seid AK, Bukten A, Clausen T, Skurtveit S. Large variations in all-cause and overdose mortality among >13,000 patients in and out of opioid maintenance treatment in different settings: a comparative registry linkage study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1179763. [PMID: 37809010 PMCID: PMC10558053 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1179763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) has the potential to reduce mortality rates substantially. We aimed to compare all-cause and overdose mortality among OMT patients while in or out of OMT in two different countries with different approaches to OMT. Methods Two nation-wide, registry-based cohorts were linked by using similar analytical strategies. These included 3,637 male and 1,580 female patients enrolled in OMT in Czechia (years 2000-2019), and 6,387 male and 2,078 female patients enrolled in OMT in Denmark (years 2007-2018). The direct standardization method using the European (EU-27 plus EFTA 2011-2030) Standard was employed to calculate age-standardized rate to weight for age. All-cause and overdose crude mortality rates (CMR) as number of deaths per 1,000 person years (PY) in and out of OMT were calculated for all patients. CMRs were stratified by sex and OMT medication modality (methadone, buprenorphine, and buprenorphine with naloxone). Results Age-standardized rate for OMT patients in Czechia and Denmark was 9.7/1,000 PY and 29.8/1,000 PY, respectively. In Czechia, the all-cause CMR was 4.3/1,000 PY in treatment and 10.8/1,000 PY out of treatment. The overdose CMR was 0.5/1,000 PY in treatment and 1.2/1,000 PY out of treatment. In Denmark, the all-cause CMR was 26.6/1,000 PY in treatment and 28.2/1,000 PY out of treatment and the overdose CMR was 7.3/1,000 PY in treatment and 7.0/1,000 PY out of treatment. Conclusion Country-specific differences in mortality while in and out of OMT in Czechia and Denmark may be partly explained by different patient characteristics and treatment systems in the two countries. The findings contribute to the public health debate about OMT management and may be of interest to practitioners, policy and decision makers when balancing the safety and accessibility of OMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Gabrhelík
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Morten Hesse
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Blanka Nechanská
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marte Handal
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Viktor Mravčík
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Christian Tjagvad
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgitte Thylstrup
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Abdu Kedir Seid
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Bukten
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Cowan E, Perrone J, Bernstein SL, Coupet E, Fiellin DA, Hawk K, Herring A, Huntley K, McCormack R, Venkatesh A, D'Onofrio G. National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network Meeting Report: Advancing Emergency Department Initiation of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 82:326-335. [PMID: 37178101 PMCID: PMC10524880 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.03.025] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder and opioid overdose deaths are a major public health crisis, yet highly effective evidence-based treatments are available that reduce morbidity and mortality. One such treatment, buprenorphine, can be initiated in the emergency department (ED). Despite evidence of efficacy and effectiveness for ED-initiated buprenorphine, universal uptake remains elusive. On November 15 and 16, 2021, the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network convened a meeting of partners, experts, and federal officers to identify research priorities and knowledge gaps for ED-initiated buprenorphine. Meeting participants identified research and knowledge gaps in 8 categories, including ED staff and peer-based interventions; out-of-hospital buprenorphine initiation; buprenorphine dosing and formulations; linkage to care; strategies for scaling ED-initiated buprenorphine; the effect of ancillary technology-based interventions; quality measures; and economic considerations. Additional research and implementation strategies are needed to enhance adoption into standard emergency care and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Cowan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Edouard Coupet
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - David A Fiellin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kathryn Hawk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Andrew Herring
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital-Alameda Health System, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Ryan McCormack
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Arjun Venkatesh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Gail D'Onofrio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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18
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Winiker AK, Schneider KE, Hamilton White R, O'Rourke A, Grieb SM, Allen ST. A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to drug treatment services among people who inject drugs in west Virginia. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:69. [PMID: 37264367 PMCID: PMC10233537 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00795-w] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid overdose crisis in the USA has called for expanding access to evidence-based substance use treatment programs, yet many barriers limit the ability of people who inject drugs (PWID) to engage in these programs. Predominantly rural states have been disproportionately affected by the opioid overdose crisis while simultaneously facing diminished access to drug treatment services. The purpose of this study is to explore barriers and facilitators to engagement in drug treatment among PWID residing in a rural county in West Virginia. METHODS From June to July 2018, in-depth interviews (n = 21) that explored drug treatment experiences among PWID were conducted in Cabell County, West Virginia. Participants were recruited from locations frequented by PWID such as local service providers and public parks. An iterative, modified constant comparison approach was used to code and synthesize interview data. RESULTS Participants reported experiencing a variety of barriers to engaging in drug treatment, including low thresholds for dismissal, a lack of comprehensive support services, financial barriers, and inadequate management of withdrawal symptoms. However, participants also described several facilitators of treatment engagement and sustained recovery. These included the use of medications for opioid use disorder and supportive health care workers/program staff. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a range of barriers exist that may limit the abilities of rural PWID to successfully access and remain engaged in drug treatment in West Virginia. Improving the public health of rural PWID populations will require expanding access to evidence-based drug treatment programs that are tailored to participants' individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail K Winiker
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Kristin E Schneider
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Allison O'Rourke
- DC Center for AIDS Research, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Suzanne M Grieb
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Oviedo-Joekes E, Dobischok S, Carvajal J, MacDonald S, McDermid C, Klakowicz P, Harrison S, LaJeunesse J, Chow N, Brown M, Gill S, Schechter M. Clients' experiences on North America's first take-home injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) program: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:553. [PMID: 37237256 PMCID: PMC10215060 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09558-6] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To support public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, oral opioid agonist treatment (OAT) take-home doses were expanded in Western countries with positive results. Injectable OAT (iOAT) take-home doses were previously not an eligible option, and were made available for the first time in several sites to align with public health measures. Building upon these temporary risk-mitigating guidelines, a clinic in Vancouver, BC continued to offer two of a possible three daily doses of take-home injectable medications to eligible clients. The present study explores the processes through which take-home iOAT doses impacted clients' quality of life and continuity of care in real-life settings. METHODS Three rounds of semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted over a period of seventeen months beginning in July 2021 with eleven participants receiving iOAT take-home doses at a community clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia. Interviews followed a topic guide that evolved iteratively in response to emerging lines of inquiry. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded using NVivo 1.6 using an interpretive description approach. RESULTS Participants reported that take-home doses granted them the freedom away from the clinic to have daily routines, form plans, and enjoy unstructured time. Participants appreciated the greater privacy, accessibility, and ability to engage in paid work. Furthermore, participants enjoyed greater autonomy to manage their medication and level of engagement with the clinic. These factors contributed to greater quality of life and continuity of care. Participants shared that their dose was too essential to divert and that they felt safe transporting and administering their medication off-site. In the future, all participants would like more accessible treatment such as access longer take-home prescriptions (e.g., one week), the ability to pick-up at different and convenient locations (e.g., community pharmacies), and a medication delivery service. CONCLUSIONS Reducing the number of daily onsite injections from two or three to only one revealed the diversity of rich and nuanced needs that added flexibility and accessibility in iOAT can meet. Actions such as licencing diverse opioid medications/formulations, medication pick-up at community pharmacies, and a community of practice that supports clinical decisions are necessary to increase take-home iOAT accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Sophia Dobischok
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - José Carvajal
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Cheryl McDermid
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Piotr Klakowicz
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Julie LaJeunesse
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Nancy Chow
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Murray Brown
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Sam Gill
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Nguyen DB, Nguyen TT, Lin C, Dinh TTT, Le GM, Li L. Challenges of methadone maintenance treatment decentralisation from Vietnamese primary care providers' perspectives. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:803-814. [PMID: 36851865 PMCID: PMC10191884 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13613] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decentralising methadone maintenance treatment to primary care improves patients' access to care and their drug and HIV treatment outcomes. However, primary care providers (PCP), especially those working in limited-resource settings, are facing great challenges to provide quality methadone treatment. This study explores the challenges perceived by PCP providing methadone treatment at commune health centres in a mountainous region in Vietnam. METHOD We conducted in-depth interviews with 26 PCP who worked as program managers, physicians, counsellors, pharmacists and medication dispensing staff at the methadone programs of eight commune health centres in Dien Bien, Vietnam, in November and December 2019. We used the health-care system framework in developing the interview guides and in summarising data themes. RESULTS Participants identified major challenges in providing methadone treatment in commune health centres at the individual, clinic and environmental levels. Individual-level challenges included a lack of confidence and motivation in providing methadone treatment. Clinic-level factors included inadequate human resources, lack of institutional support, insufficient technical support, lack of referral resources and additional support for patients. Environment-level factors comprised a lack of reasonable policies on financial support for providers at commune health centres for providing methadone treatment, lack of regulations and mechanisms to ensure providers' safety in case of potential violence by patients and to share responsibility for overdose during treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION PCP in Vietnam faced multi-level challenges in providing quality methadone treatment. Supportive policies and additional resources are needed to ensure the effectiveness of the decentralisation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diep Bich Nguyen
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trang Thu Nguyen
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Chunqing Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Thuy Thi Thanh Dinh
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Giang Minh Le
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Li Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
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Alexander K, Reed MK, Sterling RC. The interaction of race and age in methadone treatment retention outcomes: A single-center analysis. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 148:209020. [PMID: 36933661 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early treatment drop-out is due to the unique interplay of the individual and their context, and is associated with overdose death. The objective of this project was to determine if age or race is associated with 6-month treatment retention outcome differences at a single-center opioid treatment program. METHODS The study team performed a retrospective administrative database study from January 2014 to January 2017 using admission data with age and race as predictors of 6-month treatment retention outcomes. RESULTS Of the 457 admissions, 114 were under the age of 30; however, only 4 % of these young adults were Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC). While retention for BIPOC patients (62 %) was slightly higher than for White patients (57 %), this difference did not reach traditional levels of significance. CONCLUSIONS Once BIPOC enter treatment, their treatment retention is similar to their White counterparts. Young adult BIPOC were less represented in the admission data, but treatment retention across racial groups was similar. An urgent need exists to determine the barriers and facilitators to treatment access among BIPOC young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan K Reed
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, United States of America; Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States of America
| | - Robert C Sterling
- Division of Community Substance Abuse Programs, Thomas Jefferson University, United States of America
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Brothers S, Palayew A, Simon C, Coulter A, Strichartz K, Voyles N, Vincent L. Patient experiences of methadone treatment changes during the first wave of COVID-19: a national community-driven survey. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:31. [PMID: 36894968 PMCID: PMC9996563 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During COVID-19, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) allowed Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) programs to relax in-person MMT requirements to reduce COVID-19 exposure. This study examines patient-reported changes to in-person methadone clinic attendance requirements during COVID-19. METHODS From June 7, 2020, to July 15, 2020, a convenience sample of methadone patients (N = 392) were recruited in collaboration with National Survivors Union (NSU) in 43 states and Washington D.C. through social media (Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and Web site pop-ups). The community-driven research (CDR) online survey collected information on how patient take-home methadone dosing and in-person drug testing, counseling, and clinic visit frequency changed prior to COVID-19 (before March 2020) to during COVID-19 (June and July 2020). RESULTS During the study time period, the percentage of respondents receiving at least 14 days of take-home doses increased from 22 to 53%, while the percentage receiving one or no take-home doses decreased from 22.4% before COVID-19 to 10.2% during COVID-19. In-person counseling attendance decreased from 82.9% to 19.4%. While only 3.3% of respondents accessed counseling through telehealth before COVID-19, this percentage increased to 61.7% during COVID-19. Many respondents (41.3%) reported visiting their clinics in person once a week or more during COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS During the first wave of COVID-19, methadone patients report decreased in-person clinic attendance and increased take-home doses and use of telehealth for counseling services. However, respondents reported considerable variations, and many were still required to make frequent in-person clinic visits, which put patients at risk of COVID-19 exposure. Relaxations of MMT in-person requirements during COVID-19 should be consistently implemented and made permanent, and patient experiences of these changes should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Brothers
- Department of Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA.
| | - Adam Palayew
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Caty Simon
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
- NC Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Whose Corner Is It Anyway, Holyoke, MA, USA
| | - Abby Coulter
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Knina Strichartz
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Nick Voyles
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Louise Vincent
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
- NC Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Glanz JM, Binswanger IA, Clarke CL, Nguyen AP, Ford MA, Ray GT, Xu S, Hechter RC, Yarborough BJH, Roblin DW, Ahmedani B, Boscarino JA, Andrade SE, Rosa CL, Campbell CI. The association between buprenorphine treatment duration and mortality: a multi-site cohort study of people who discontinued treatment. Addiction 2023; 118:97-107. [PMID: 35815386 PMCID: PMC9722535 DOI: 10.1111/add.15998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Buprenorphine is an effective medication for opioid use disorder that reduces mortality; however, many patients are not retained in buprenorphine treatment, and an optimal length of treatment after which patients can safely discontinue treatment has not been identified. This study measured the association between buprenorphine treatment duration and all-cause mortality among patients who discontinued treatment. Secondary objectives were to measure the association between treatment duration and drug overdose and opioid-related overdoses. DESIGN Multi-site cohort study. SETTING Eight US health systems. PARTICIPANTS Patients who initiated and discontinued buprenorphine treatment between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018 (n = 6550). Outcomes occurring after patients discontinued buprenorphine treatment were compared between patients who initiated and discontinued treatment after 8-30, 31-90, 91-180, 181-365 and > 365 days. MEASUREMENTS Covariate data were obtained from electronic health records (EHRs). Mortality outcomes were derived from EHRs and state vital statistics. Non-fatal opioid and drug overdoses were obtained from diagnostic codes. Four sites provided cause-of-death data to identify fatal drug and opioid-related overdoses. Adjusted frailty regression was conducted on a propensity-weighted cohort to assess associations between duration of the final treatment episode and outcomes. FINDINGS The mortality rate after buprenorphine treatment was 1.82 per 100 person-years (n = 191 deaths). In regression analyses with > 365 days as the reference group, treatment duration was not associated with all-cause mortality and drug overdose (P > 0.05 for both). However, compared with > 365 days of treatment, 91-180 days of treatment was associated with increased opioid overdose risk (hazard ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval = 1.11-7.79). CONCLUSIONS Among patients who discontinue buprenorphine treatment, there appears to be no treatment duration period associated with a reduced risk for all-cause mortality. Patients who discontinue buprenorphine treatment after 91-180 days appear to be at heightened risk for opioid overdose compared with patients who discontinue after > 365 days of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Glanz
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO,Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO
| | - Ingrid A. Binswanger
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO,Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Aurora, CO,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO,Department of Health System Sciences, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA
| | | | - Anh P. Nguyen
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Morgan A. Ford
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - G. Thomas Ray
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Stanley Xu
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Rulin C. Hechter
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | | | - Douglas W. Roblin
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD
| | - Brian Ahmedani
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI,Department of Behavioral Health Services, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
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Alexander K, Smith JM, Gerolamo A, Bernhardt J. The impact of nursing on health outcomes of people receiving medication for opioid use disorder: An integrative review. J Nurs Scholarsh 2022; 55:721-729. [PMID: 36458604 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This integrative review aimed to understand the impact of nursing on the health outcomes of people with opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative review methodology guided the review process. The authors searched PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and OVID databases for peer-reviewed, English language articles describing nursing care for people receiving medications for OUD. The literature search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS A total of 773 articles were identified through the database searches after duplicates were removed; 15 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the final review from the United States, Canada, Ireland, England, and the Netherlands. Two themes emerged: (1) The effect of nurse-led care on patient outcomes and (2) Nursing roles and the environment of care. Studies emphasized the aspects of nursing care that promote patient-centeredness and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS The importance of the registered nurse in providing quality care for people receiving medications for OUD is clear from the literature reviewed. The studies in the review highlighted important aspects of the registered nurses' role in affecting outcomes for people receiving medications for OUD including communication and care coordination. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This review highlights the need for role delineation and further development of nurse-sensitive indicators in the OUD treatment setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Alexander
- Friends Research Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
- Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Jamie M. Smith
- Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Angela Gerolamo
- Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
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Morford KL, Tetrault JM, Zhou B, Li F, Gleeson B, Edelman EJ, Stein MD, Barry DT, Madden L. The impact of benzodiazepine exposure on treatment retention in an open-access methadone program: A retrospective cohort study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 241:109707. [PMID: 36423462 PMCID: PMC9777057 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Open-access opioid treatment programs (OTP) offer same-day access to methadone without an appointment and aim to minimize treatment barriers that often reduce admission and/or retention. We explored whether patients with benzodiazepine exposure at treatment entry would have similar 12-month retention compared to those without benzodiazepine exposure. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2968 patients consecutively initiated on methadone between January 2015 and February 2017 at an open-access OTP. The sample was stratified into benzodiazepine-exposed and nonexposed groups based on intake urine toxicology. Group comparison of 12-month retention was conducted. Kaplan Meier analysis compared time to methadone treatment discontinuation between groups with a log-rank test. Multivariable Cox regression was performed to compare retention by baseline benzodiazepine exposure with adjustment for confounders. RESULTS Overall, 31% of patients with benzodiazepine exposure (n = 171) and 31% without exposure (n = 2423) were retained at 12 months (p = 0.95). Median treatment duration was 182 days (95% CI, 152-239) and 175 days (95% CI, 156-196) for patients with and without benzodiazepine exposure, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in treatment duration between groups (log-rank test p = 0.73). Cox regression found no difference in treatment retention between groups (adjusted Hazard Ratio= 1.03, 95% CI, 0.91-1.16). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of patients receiving methadone at an open-access OTP, benzodiazepine exposure at intake was not observed to impact 12-month treatment retention or duration. These findings support U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations to not withhold medications for opioid use disorder from patients taking benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth L. Morford
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, Suite 417A, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208056, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- APT Foundation, 1 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Jeanette M. Tetrault
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, Suite 417A, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208056, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- APT Foundation, 1 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Bin Zhou
- Yale Center for Analytic Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Fangyong Li
- Yale Center for Analytic Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Brynna Gleeson
- Vassar College, 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, United States
| | - E. Jennifer Edelman
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, Suite 417A, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208056, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Michael D. Stein
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118. United States
| | - Declan T. Barry
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, Suite 417A, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- APT Foundation, 1 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Lynn Madden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208056, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- APT Foundation, 1 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
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Adams JW, Savinkina A, Fox A, Behrends CN, Madushani RWMA, Wang J, Chatterjee A, Walley AY, Barocas JA, Linas BP. Modeling the cost-effectiveness and impact on fatal overdose and initiation of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment at syringe service programs. Addiction 2022; 117:2635-2648. [PMID: 35315148 PMCID: PMC9951221 DOI: 10.1111/add.15883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To estimate the number of treatment initiations, averted fatal opioid overdoses and the cost-effectiveness associated with offering buprenorphine-naloxone (buprenorphine) treatment on-site within existing syringe service programs (SSPs) in Massachusetts, USA. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This was a cohort-based mathematical model and cost-effectiveness analysis. We derived model inputs from state and national surveillance data, clinical trials and observational cohort studies. We compared an intervention scenario where 30% of SSP clients initiated buprenorphine treatment on-site at least once annually to a status quo scenario where no buprenorphine was available on-site among community treatment providers in Massachusetts, 2020-30. In individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) we assumed that 80% of SSP clients had recently injected drugs and that treatment within SSPs would have similar or improved retention compared with standard-of-care buprenorphine programs, but higher rates of active opioid use while in treatment. MEASUREMENTS Number of treatment initiations (i.e. individuals began treatment on a medication for opioid use disorder or entered medically managed withdrawal), averted fatal opioid overdoses, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and life-time discounted costs from a health sector and a limited societal perspective. FINDINGS The status quo scenario resulted in 23 051 fatal overdoses and 1 511 613 treatment initiations over a 10-year simulation period. An intervention scenario with on-site SSP buprenorphine treatment averted 4797 (-20.8%) fatal opioid overdoses and resulted in 129 359 (+8.6%) additional treatment initiations compared with the status quo. The intervention scenario was the dominating scenario: providing OUD treatment through Massachusetts SSPs cost less (-$3612 per person) with patients accumulating more QALYs (0.2 per person) compared with the status quo scenario. CONCLUSIONS Offering buprenorphine treatment on-site within syringe service programs has the potential to decrease fatal overdoses substantially, improve treatment engagement and save on costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlla W. Adams
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
- RTI International, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Savinkina
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Fox
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Czarina N. Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Jianing Wang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua A. Barocas
- Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Predictors of engagement and retention in care at a low-threshold substance use disorder bridge clinic. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 141:108848. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ellerbroek H, van den Heuvel SAS, Dahan A, Timmerman H, Kramers C, Schellekens AFA. Buprenorphine/naloxone versus methadone opioid rotation in patients with prescription opioid use disorder and chronic pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:47. [PMID: 36057608 PMCID: PMC9441071 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are effective in pain-management, but long-term opioid users can develop prescription opioid use disorder (OUD). One treatment strategy in patients with OUD is rotating from a short-acting opioid to a long-acting opioid (buprenorphine/naloxone (BuNa) or methadone). Both BuNa and methadone have been shown to be effective strategies in patients with OUD reducing opioid misuse, however data on head-to-head comparison in patients with chronic non-malignant pain and prescription OUD are limited. METHODS This two-armed open-label, randomized controlled trial aims to compare effectiveness between BuNa and methadone in patients with chronic non-malignant with prescription OUD (n = 100). Participants receive inpatient rotation to either BuNa or methadone with a flexible dosing regimen. The primary outcome is opioid misuse 2 months after rotation. Secondary outcomes include treatment compliance, side effects, analgesia, opioid craving, quality of life, mood symptoms, cognitive and physical functioning over 2- and 6 months follow-up. Linear mixed model analysis will be used to evaluate change in outcome parameters over time between the treatment arms. DISCUSSION This is one of the first studies comparing buprenorphine/naloxone and methadone for treating prescription OUD in a broad patient group with chronic non-malignant pain. Results may guide future treatment for patients with chronic pain and prescription OUD. Trial registration https://www.trialregister.nl/ , NL9781.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ellerbroek
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Sandra A S van den Heuvel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Dahan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Timmerman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Kramers
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology-Toxicology and Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnt F A Schellekens
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Krawczyk N, Allen ST, Schneider KE, Solomon K, Shah H, Morris M, Harris SJ, Sherman SG, Saloner B. Intersecting substance use treatment and harm reduction services: exploring the characteristics and service needs of a community-based sample of people who use drugs. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:95. [PMID: 36002850 PMCID: PMC9400571 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substance use treatment and harm reduction services are essential components of comprehensive strategies for reducing the harms of drug use and overdose. However, these services have been historically siloed, and there is a need to better understand how programs that serve people who use drugs (PWUD) are integrating these services. In this study, we compared treatment and harm reduction services offered by a multistate sample of substance use service providers and assessed how well they align with characteristics and needs of clients they serve early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We recruited a convenience sample of programs that deliver harm reduction and/or treatment services in ten US states. Program directors participated in a survey assessing the services offered at their program. We also recruited clients of these programs to participate in a survey assessing a range of sociodemographic and health characteristics, substance use behaviors, and health service utilization. We then cross-compared client characteristics and behaviors relative to services being offered through these programs. Results We collected and analyzed data from 511 clients attending 18 programs that we classified as either offering treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) (N = 6), syringe service programs (SSP) (N = 8), or offering both MOUD and SSP (N = 4). All programs delivered a range of treatment and harm reduction services, with MOUD & SSP programs delivering the greatest breadth of services. There were discrepancies between services provided and characteristics and behaviors reported by clients: 80% of clients of programs that offered MOUD without SSP actively used drugs and 50% injected drugs; 40% of clients of programs that offered SSP without MOUD sought drug treatment services. Approximately half of clients were unemployed and unstably housed, but few programs offered direct social services. Conclusions In many ways, existing programs are not meeting the service needs of PWUD. Investing in innovative models that empower clients and integrate a range of accessible and flexible treatment, harm reduction and social services can pave the way for a more effective and equitable service system that considers the long-term health of PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Krawczyk
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA.
| | - Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Kristin E Schneider
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Keisha Solomon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Hridika Shah
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Miles Morris
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Samantha J Harris
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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Banta-Green CJ, Owens MD, Williams JR, Sears JM, Floyd AS, Williams-Gilbert W, Kingston S. The Community-Based Medication-First program for opioid use disorder: a hybrid implementation study protocol of a rapid access to buprenorphine program in Washington State. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:34. [PMID: 35799210 PMCID: PMC9261214 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious health condition that is effectively treated with buprenorphine. However, only a minority of people with OUD are able to access buprenorphine. Many access points for buprenorphine have high barriers for initiation and retention. Health care and drug treatment systems have not been able to provide services to all-let alone the majority-who need it, and many with OUD report extreme challenges starting and staying on buprenorphine in those care settings. We describe the design and protocol for a study of a rapid access buprenorphine program model in six Washington State communities at existing sites serving people who are unhoused and/or using syringe services programs. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a Community-Based Medication-First Program model. METHODS We are conducting a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study of a rapid access buprenorphine model of care staffed by prescribers, nurse care managers, and care navigators. The Community-Based Medication-First model of care was designed as a 6-month, induction-stabilization-transition model to be delivered between 2019 and 2022. Effectiveness outcomes will be tested by comparing the intervention group with a comparison group derived from state records of people who had OUD. Construction of the comparison group will align characteristics such as geography, demographics, historical rates of arrests, OUD medication, and health care utilization, using restriction and propensity score techniques. Outcomes will include arrests, emergency and inpatient health care utilization, and mortality rates. Descriptive statistics for buprenorphine utilization patterns during the intervention period will be documented with the prescription drug monitoring program. DISCUSSION Results of this study will help determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Given the serious population-level and individual-level impacts of OUD, it is essential that services be readily available to all people with OUD, including those who cannot readily access care due to their circumstances, capacity, preferences, and related systems barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Banta-Green
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Mandy D Owens
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason R Williams
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony S Floyd
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Susan Kingston
- Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Mitra S, Grant C, Nolan S, Mohd Salleh NA, Milloy MJ, Richardson L. Assessing the Temporality Between Transitions onto Opioid Agonist Therapy and Engagement with Antiretroviral Therapy in a Cohort of HIV-Positive People Who Use Opioids Daily. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1933-1942. [PMID: 34977956 PMCID: PMC9859621 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A robust evidence-base describes the beneficial association between opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and HIV-related outcomes among people living with HIV and opioid use disorder. While some evidence suggests the stabilizing effect of OAT on antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment engagement, less is understood about the potential for an inverse relationship. We sought to examine the relationship between transitions in ART engagement and transitions onto OAT. We used data from a prospective cohort of people living with HIV who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada-a setting with no-cost access to ART and low or no-cost access to OAT among low-income residents. Restricting the sample to those who reported daily or greater opioid use, we used generalized linear mixed-effects models to estimate the relationships between our primary outcome of transitions onto OAT (methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone) and transitions (1) onto ART and (2) into ART adherence. Subsequent analyses assessed the temporal sequencing of transitions. Between 2005 and 2017, among 433 participants, 48.3% reported transitioning onto OAT at least once. In concurrent analyses, transitions onto ART were positively and significantly associated with transitions onto OAT. Temporal sequencing revealed that transitions into OAT were also positively and significantly associated with subsequent transitions onto ART. OAT's potential to facilitate the uptake of ART points to the continued need to scale-up low-threshold, client-centered substance use services integrated alongside HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mitra
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program, University of British Columbia, 270-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Cameron Grant
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Seonaid Nolan
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lindsey Richardson
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
- Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, 6303 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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Xu KY, Mintz CM, Presnall N, Bierut LJ, Grucza RA. Comparative Effectiveness Associated With Buprenorphine and Naltrexone in Opioid Use Disorder and Cooccurring Polysubstance Use. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2211363. [PMID: 35536575 PMCID: PMC9092203 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.11363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Despite prevalent polysubstance use, treatment patterns and outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and cooccurring substance use disorders (SUD) are understudied. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the distribution of buprenorphine and naltrexone initiation among individuals with OUD with vs without cooccurring SUD and to assess the comparative effectiveness associated with buprenorphine and naltrexone against drug-related poisonings. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This observational comparative effectiveness study used insurance claims from 2011 to 2016 from the US IBM MarketScan databases to study initiation of medications for OUD (MOUD) among treatment-seeking individuals aged 12 to 64 years with a primary diagnosis of OUD. Cooccurring SUD was defined as SUD diagnosed concurrent with or in the 6 months prior to OUD treatment initiation. Treatment was codified as psychosocial treatment without MOUD or initiation or buprenorphine or naltrexone (including extended-release or oral). Methadone recipients were excluded from analysis. Data were analyzed from February 3, 2021, through February 26, 2022. EXPOSURES MOUD. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Associations between cooccurring SUD diagnoses with treatment type were assessed with multivariable regression. The association of drug-related poisoning admissions with days covered with buprenorphine or naltrexone prescriptions vs days without prescriptions was assessed among MOUD initiators. Odds ratios from within-person fixed effects models were estimated as a function of MOUD and stratified by cooccurring SUDs. RESULTS Among 179 280 individuals with OUD (mean [SD] age, 33.2 [11.0] years; 90 196 [50.5%] men), 102 930 (57.4%) received psychosocial treatment without MOUD. Across 47 488 individuals with cooccurring SUDs, 33 449 (70.4%) did not receive MOUD, whereas across 131 792 individuals without cooccurring SUDs, 69 481 (52.7%) did not receive MOUD. Cooccurring SUD was associated with decreased odds of initiating buprenorphine (risk ratio [RR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.54-0.56]) but increased odds of initiating naltrexone (extended release: RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.20]; oral: RR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.86-2.03]). Among 12 485 individuals initiating MOUD who experienced at least 1 drug-related poisoning during insurance enrollment, buprenorphine treatment days were associated with decreased poisonings compared with days without MOUD for individuals with cooccurring SUD (odds ratio [OR], 0.56 [95% CI, 0.48-0.65]) and individuals without cooccurring SUD (OR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.53-0.63]), with comparable associations observed for extended-release naltrexone. No protective association was observed for oral naltrexone. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that individuals with OUD and polysubstance use were less likely to initiate buprenorphine and naltrexone than individuals without polysubstance use. Among individuals initiating MOUD, polysubstance use was associated with decreased buprenorphine and increased naltrexone initiation, despite buprenorphine's protective associations against drug-related poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Xu
- Health and Behavior Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Carrie M Mintz
- Health and Behavior Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ned Presnall
- Health and Behavior Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Laura J Bierut
- Health and Behavior Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Richard A Grucza
- Health and Behavior Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Health and Outcomes Research, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
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Kitchen SA, Campbell TJ, Men S, Bozinoff N, Tadrous M, Antoniou T, Wyman J, Werb D, Munro C, Gomes T. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of take-home doses of opioid agonist therapy in Ontario, Canada: A population-based time-series analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 103:103644. [PMID: 35272107 PMCID: PMC8885322 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2020, the Ontario government declared a state of emergency due to the growing risk of COVID-19. In response, new guidance for the management of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) was released, which included the expansion of eligibility for take-home doses. We investigated the impact of these changes on trends in the distribution of take-home doses of OAT. METHODS We conducted a population-based time series analysis among residents of Ontario, Canada who were dispensed OAT between June 25, 2019 and November 30, 2020. For each week of the study period, we calculated the percentage of people dispensed (a) methadone and (b) buprenorphine/naloxone by the number of take-home doses received. We used interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models to estimate changes in the percentage of people dispensed each category of take-home doses in the weeks following the declaration of the state of emergency and release of the OAT dispensing guidance. RESULTS Following the state of emergency and release of the OAT dispensing guidance, there was a significant increase in the percentage of Ontarians dispensed 7 to 13 (3.6% increase; p = 0.033) and 14 or more (0.8% increase; p<0.001) take-home doses of methadone, and in the percentage of people dispensed 7 to 13 (4.3% increase; p = 0.001), 14 to 27 (2.8% increase; p<0.001), and 28 or more (0.3% increase; p = 0.008) take-home doses of buprenorphine/naloxone. There were significant decreases in the percentage of Ontarians receiving daily dispensed buprenorphine/naloxone (-3.1%; p = 0.001), as well as the percentage dispensed 1 to 6 take-home doses of methadone (-4.5%; p = 0.001) and buprenorphine/naloxone (-4.9%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The new guidance for dispensing OAT in Ontario resulted in increases in the duration of take-home doses of methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone supplied. However, given that changes were small, strategies to improve retention in OAT and ensure equitable access to take-home dosing should continue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tonya J Campbell
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Siyu Men
- ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Nikki Bozinoff
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Tony Antoniou
- ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Wyman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada; Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Charlotte Munro
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Lived Experience Advisory Group, 30 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada.
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Martin E, Maher H, McKeon G, Patterson S, Blake J, Chen KY. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine for opioid use disorder: A systematic review of impact of use on social determinants of health. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 139:108776. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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A cohort study examining the relationship among housing status, patient characteristics, and retention among individuals enrolled in low-barrier-to-treatment-access methadone maintenance treatment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 138:108753. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Interim opioid agonist treatment for opioid addiction: a systematic review. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:7. [PMID: 35090475 PMCID: PMC8800211 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use disorder is a public health problem and treatment variability, coverage and accessibility poses some challenges. The study’s objective is to review the impact of interim opioid agonist treatment (OAT), a short-term approach for patients awaiting standard OAT, in terms of treatment retention, access to standard OAT, quality of life and satisfaction with treatment. Method We conducted a systematic review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL up to May 2020. Due to variability between studies and outcome measurements, we did not pool effect estimates and reported a narrative synthesis of findings rating their certainty according to GRADE. Results We identified 266 unique records and included five randomized trials with some limitations in risk of bias and one observational study limited by selection bias. The studies assessed similar approaches to interim OAT but were compared to three different control conditions. Four studies reported on treatment retention at 4 months or less with no significant differences between interim OAT and waiting list or standard OAT. Two studies reported treatment retention at 12 months with no differences between interim OAT and standard OAT. Two trials assessed access to standard OAT and showed significant differences between interim OAT and waiting list for standard OAT. We rated the quality of evidence for these outcomes as moderate due to the impact of risk of bias. Data on quality of life or satisfaction with treatment was suboptimal. Conclusions Interim OAT is likely more effective than a waiting list for standard OAT in access to treatment, and it is probably as effective as standard OAT regarding treatment retention. PROSPERO registration CRD42018116269. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-022-00592-x.
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Bråbäck M, Brantefors A, Franck J, Brådvik L, Isendahl P, Nilsson S, Troberg K, Håkansson A. Substance Use, Hospitalizations, and Co-Occurring Disorders among Patients Transferred from a Needle Exchange Program to Opioid Maintenance Treatment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020697. [PMID: 35055519 PMCID: PMC8775654 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Opioid use disorders (OUD) is a relapsing condition with high mortality. Opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) reduces heroin use, and overall morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders, potential baseline predictors for psychiatric hospitalization, and psychiatric diagnoses at follow-up were investigated and may give hints about possible preventative strategies. The medical records for 71 patients were reviewed 36 months following referral to OMT from a needle exchange program (NEP). Their psychiatric diagnoses and hospitalizations were identified. Their baseline characteristics were assessed for potential differences between hospitalized versus non-hospitalized patients and between patients with and without psychiatric diagnoses in a longitudinal observational study without controls. A regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for hospitalization when controlling for OMT status. Sixty-five percent of the patients were hospitalized at least once with a psychiatric diagnosis. Substance-related reasons were prevalent, and detoxification occurred among 59% of patients, with sedative- hypnotics (benzodiazepines, zopiclone, zolpidem, and pregabalin) being the substance used by 52% of patients. Baseline use of these drugs and/or buprenorphine predicted for hospitalization when controlling for OMT status. During the follow-up period, 72% of patients met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis other than OUD. The prevalence of non-substance use disorders overlapping with SUD was 41%, and that overlapping with anxiety disorder was 27% of all participants. Increased attention to psychiatric co-occurring disorders in the treatment of OUD is required and the importance of addressing sedative-hypnotics use when initiating OMT is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bråbäck
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Addiction Center Malmö, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Anna Brantefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Addiction Center Malmö, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Johan Franck
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, SE171 77 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Louise Brådvik
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-46-7332410
| | - Pernilla Isendahl
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Skåne, SE205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
| | - Suzan Nilsson
- Addiction Center Malmö, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Katja Troberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Addiction Center Malmö, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Anders Håkansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Addiction Center Malmö, Division of Psychiatry, Lund University, SE222 41 Lund, Sweden;
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Chalabianloo F, Ohldieck C, Haaland ØA, Fadnes LT, Johansson KA. Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Threshold Opioid-Agonist Treatment in Hard-To-Reach Populations with Opioid Dependence. Eur Addict Res 2022; 28:199-209. [PMID: 34864738 DOI: 10.1159/000520185] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioid-use disorder is related to premature death worldwide. Opioid-agonist treatment (OAT) is an effective treatment for opioid dependence. OAT delivery platforms may influence treatment access and outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of low-threshold OAT compared to the standard treatment. METHODS Patients with diagnosed opioid dependence undergoing low-threshold OAT at the Bergen delivery platform in Norway were enrolled in a cohort study in 2014-2019. A national OAT cohort was the reference group. The main outcomes were treatment retention, the use of illicit opioids, non-fatal overdose, overdose death, and all-cause mortality during the first year following treatment initiation and the full treatment period. Additionally, healthcare utilization in the periods before and during OAT was investigated. RESULTS Compared to the reference cohort, the low-threshold cohort (n = 128, mean age: 38 years, women: 28%) showed treatment retention rates of 95% versus 92%, illicit opioid use of 7% versus 10%, non-fatal overdose of 7% versus 6%, and death at 1.0% versus 1.3%, respectively. The incident rate ratios (IRRs) for healthcare utilization increased substantially during the OAT period compared to the period before; the IRR increased by 3.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8, 3.9) and 3.4 (95% CI: 3.1, 3.9) for all in- and outpatient healthcare, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Low-threshold OAT was at least as effective and safe as the standard OAT in terms of treatment retention, the use of illicit opioids, non-fatal overdose, and death. Healthcare utilization increased during the OAT compared to the period before. Lowering the threshold for OAT entrance within proper delivery platforms should be broadly considered to reduce harm and improve healthcare access among patients with opioid dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christian Ohldieck
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein A Haaland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Welsh C, Doyon S, Hart K. Methadone Exposures Reported to Poison Control Centers in the United States Following the COVID-19-Related Loosening of Federal Methadone Regulations. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 102:103591. [PMID: 35085855 PMCID: PMC8769878 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions
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Kiburi SK, Mwangi J, Maina G. Exploring the experiences of clients receiving opioid use disorder treatment at a methadone clinic in Kenya: a qualitative study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:71. [PMID: 36510246 PMCID: PMC9742652 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00352-z] [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: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing the experiences of individuals on methadone treatment is essential to help evaluate the treatment program's effectiveness. This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients receiving methadone treatment at a clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. METHOD This study employed an exploratory qualitative study design. Through purposive sampling, participants were enrolled from individuals attending a methadone clinic for at least 2 years. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data on substance use and experience before methadone treatment and experiences after starting methadone treatment, including benefits and challenges. Interviews were transcribed, and NVIVO 12 software was used to code the data using the preidentified analytical framework. Thematic analyses were utilized to identify cross-cutting themes between these two data sets. Seventeen participants were enrolled. RESULTS Seventeen participants were enrolled comprising 70% males, with age range from 23 to 49 years and more than half had secondary education. The interview data analysis identified four themes, namely: (a) the impact of opioid use before starting treatment which included adverse effects on health, legal problems and family dysfunction; (b) learning about methadone treatment whereby the majority were referred from community linkage programs, family and friends; (c) experiences with care at the methadone treatment clinic which included benefits such as improved health, family reintegration and stigma reduction; and (d) barriers to optimal methadone treatment such as financial constraints. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that clients started methadone treatment due to the devastating impact of opioid use disorder on their lives. Methadone treatment allowed them to regain their lives from the adverse effects of opioid use disorder. Additionally, challenges such as financial constraints while accessing treatment were reported. These findings can help inform policies to improve the impact of methadone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kanana Kiburi
- grid.411192.e0000 0004 1756 6158Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya ,grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Discipline of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jackline Mwangi
- grid.9762.a0000 0000 8732 4964Department of Psychology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Geoffrey Maina
- grid.25152.310000 0001 2154 235XCollege of Nursing, Prince Albert Campus, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Canada
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Archambault L, Bertrand K, Perreault M. Problematic Opioid Use: A Scoping Literature Review of Profiles. Subst Abuse 2022; 16:11782218221103581. [PMID: 35923179 PMCID: PMC9340351 DOI: 10.1177/11782218221103581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Problematic opioid use can be defined as opioid use behaviors leading to social, medical, or psychological consequences. In some instances, people presenting problematic opioid use can also meet criteria for an opioid use disorder. A growing body of literature highlights different types of people who use opioids, with contrasting characteristics and initiation patterns. In recent years, dynamic trends in opioid use have been documented and studies have demonstrated a shift in profiles. Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted to identify profiles of people presenting problematic opioid use, in order to support the development of tailored interventions and services. Results: Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Five classifications emerge from the literature reviewed to distinguish types of people presenting problematic opioid use, according to: (1) the type of opioids used, (2) the route of opioid administration, (3) the level of quality of life, (4) patterns of other drugs used, and (5) dependence severity. While samples, concepts, and measurement tools vary between studies, the most salient finding might be the distinct profile of people presenting problematic use of pharmaceutical-type opioids. Discussion and Conclusions: This scoping review highlights that few studies address distinctive profiles of people presenting problematic opioid use. Geographical and chronological differences suggest that local timely assessments may be needed to tailor the service offer to specific needs. Scientific Significance: Future studies should focus on providing a deep understanding of distinct experiential perspectives and service needs, through exploratory quantitative and qualitative designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonie Archambault
- Douglas Research Center and Université de Sherbrooke, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- Institut universitaire sur les dépendances and Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Perreault
- Douglas Research Center and McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Kapadia SN, Griffin JL, Waldman J, Ziebarth NR, Schackman BR, Behrends CN. The Experience of Implementing a Low-Threshold Buprenorphine Treatment Program in a Non-Urban Medical Practice. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 57:308-315. [PMID: 34889691 PMCID: PMC8862128 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2012484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To respond to the U.S. opioid crisis, new models of healthcare delivery for opioid use disorder treatment are essential. We used a qualitative approach to describe the implementation of a low-threshold buprenorphine treatment program in an independent, community-based medical practice in Ithaca, NY. METHODS We conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with program staff, leadership, and external stakeholders. Then we analyzed these data using content analysis. We used purposeful sampling aiming for variation in job title for program staff, and in organizational affiliation for external stakeholders. RESULTS We found that opening an independent medical practice allowed for low-threshold buprenorphine treatment with less regulatory oversight, but state-certification was ultimately required to ensure financial sustainability. Relying on health insurance reimbursement alone led to funding shortfalls and additional funding sources were also required. The practice's ability to build relationships with licensed substance use treatment programs, community organizations, the legal system, and government agencies in the region differed depending on how much these entities supported a harm reduction philosophy compared to abstinence-based treatment. Finally, expanding the practice to a second location in a different region, co-located with a syringe service program, required adapting to a new cultural and political environment. CONCLUSION The results from this study provide insight about the challenges that independent medical practices might face in delivering low-threshold buprenorphine treatment. They support policy efforts to address the financial burdens associated with providing low-threshold buprenorphine therapy and inform the external relationships that other providers would need to consider when delivering novel treatment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine. 1300 York Avenue A-421, New York NY 10065
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 425 East 61st St, New York NY 10065
| | - Judith L Griffin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine. 1300 York Avenue A-421, New York NY 10065
- REACH Medical, 402 N Cayuga St, Ithaca NY 14850
| | | | - Nicolas R. Ziebarth
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, 2218 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 425 East 61st St, New York NY 10065
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 425 East 61st St, New York NY 10065
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Sexually Transmitted and Blood-borne Infections Among Patients Presenting to a Low-barrier Substance Use Disorder Medication Clinic. J Addict Med 2021; 15:461-467. [PMID: 34734572 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the infection-related needs of patients with substance use disorders initiating care at a low-barrier-to-access program (LBAP) by describing the proportion with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus (HBV, HCV), syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia and determining rates of treatment and/or linkage to care. METHODS We reviewed the records of patients who completed an intake visit at an LBAP in Boston, MA during the first 9 months after implementation of a standardized intake laboratory panel (January 30, 2017-September 30, 2017). RESULTS Among 393 patients initiating care, 84.7% (n = 333) completed at least 1 screening test. Baseline rates of HIV (9/393, 2.3%), current or past HCV (151/393, 38.4%), and chronic HBV (2/393, 0.5%) were high. Sixty-one new, active infections were identified through screening, including 1 HIV, 3 syphilis, 4 gonorrhea, 3 chlamydia, 1 chronic, and 1 acute HBV, and 48 cases of viremic HCV. Many patients were nonimmune to HBV (102/270, 37.8%) and HAV (112/255, 43.9%). Among new diagnoses, treatment was documented in 88% of bacterial infections and linkage occurred in 0/1 HIV, 2/2 HBV (100.0%), and 16/48 HCV (33.3%) cases. CONCLUSIONS Patients initiating SUD care at an LBAP have substantial, unmet infection-related needs. Results justify the inclusion of comprehensive infection prevention, screening, and linkage-to-treatment protocols in LBAPs.
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Kiang MV, Barnett ML, Wakeman SE, Humphreys K, Tsai AC. Robustness of estimated access to opioid use disorder treatment providers in rural vs. urban areas of the United States. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 228:109081. [PMID: 34600256 PMCID: PMC8595811 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective, evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder are not equally accessible to Americans. Recent studies have found urban/rural disparities in the driving times to the nearest opioid treatment providers. These disparities may be even worse than currently reported in the literature because patients may not be able to obtain appointments with their nearest provider. We examine the robustness of the opioid treatment infrastructure by estimating how driving times to treatment change as provider availability decreases. METHODS We used public data from the federal government to estimate the driving time from each census tract centroid to the nearest 15 treatment providers. We summarized the median and interquartile range of driving times to increasingly distant providers (i.e., nearest, second nearest, etc.), stratified by urban/rural classification. RESULTS The median driving time to the nearest provider was greater in rural areas than urban areas for both opioid treatment programs (12 min vs 61 min) and buprenorphine-waivered prescribers (5 min vs 21 min). Importantly, driving times in rural areas increased more steeply as nearer providers became unavailable. For example, the increase in driving time between the nearest provider and the fifth nearest provider was much greater in rural areas than in urban areas for both buprenorphine-waivered prescribers (23 min vs 4 min) and for opioid treatment programs (54 min vs 22 min). CONCLUSIONS Access to treatment for opioid use disorder is more robust in urban areas compared with rural areas. This disparity must be eliminated if the opioid overdose crisis is to be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew V. Kiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA,Correspondence: Mathew V. Kiang, ScD, Stanford University School of Medicine, Center for Population Health Sciences, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, California 94304,
| | - Michael L. Barnett
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah E. Wakeman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA,Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts USA
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Bharat C, Larney S, Barbieri S, Dobbins T, Jones NR, Hickman M, Gisev N, Ali R, Degenhardt L. The effect of person, treatment and prescriber characteristics on retention in opioid agonist treatment: a 15-year retrospective cohort study. Addiction 2021; 116:3139-3152. [PMID: 33979008 DOI: 10.1111/add.15514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is limited evidence on the relationship between retention in opioid agonist treatment for opioid dependence and characteristics of treatment prescribers. This study estimated retention in buprenorphine and methadone treatment and its relationship with person, treatment and prescriber characteristics. DESIGN Retrospective longitudinal study. SETTING New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS People entering the opioid agonist treatment programme for the first time between August 2001 and December 2015. MEASUREMENTS Time in opioid agonist treatment (primary outcome) was modelled using a generalized estimating equation model to estimate associations with person, treatment and prescriber characteristics. FINDINGS The impact of medication type on opioid agonist treatment retention reduced over time; the risk of leaving treatment when on buprenorphine compared with methadone was higher among those who entered treatment earlier [e.g. 2001-03: odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45-1.75] and lowest among those who entered most recently (2013-15: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.11-1.36). In adjusted analyses, risk of leaving was reduced among people whose prescriber had longer tenure of prescribing (e.g. 3 versus 8 years: OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.93-0.95) compared with prescribers with shorter tenure. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, being of younger age, past-year psychosis disorder and having been convicted of more criminal charges in the year prior to treatment entry were associated with increased risk of leaving treatment. CONCLUSION In New South Wales, Australia, retention in buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence, compared with methadone, has improved over time since its introduction in 2001. Opioid agonist treatment retention is affected not only by characteristics of the person and his or her treatment, but also of the prescriber, with those of longer prescribing tenure associated with increased retention of people in opioid agonist treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrianna Bharat
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- Université de Montréal and Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Timothy Dobbins
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicola R Jones
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Boska GDA, Seabra PRC, Oliveira MAFD, Fernandes IFDAL, Claro HG, Sequeira RMR. Consequences of psychoactive substance use: a comparative study of two services in Brazil and Portugal. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2021; 55:e20210138. [PMID: 34516604 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2021-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the consequences of psychoactive substance use among users of mental health services in Brazil and Portugal. METHOD Cross-sectional, comparative, quantitative study, carried out with 362 users of two specialized treatment services in the cities of São Paulo (n = 200) and Lisbon (n = 162). Data collected in 2019 through the application of the Substance Addiction Consequences scale. A descriptive analysis and ordinary least squares and logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS All dimensions assessed by the scale were more severe for Brazilian users, with a difference for the physical domain and cognitive skills (p < 0.01). Brazilian participants were more likely to consume cocaine (p < 0.01) and have psychosis (p = 0.02) and Portuguese participants to have hepatitis (p < 0.01), personality disorders (p < 0.01), use benzodiazepines (p < 0.01) and tobacco (p < 0.01), and receive pharmacological support (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION It was found that Brazilian users have more serious consequences related to substance use, and Portuguese users have more comorbidities and exposure to risky consumption. It emerges that Portuguese responses minimize the consequences severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella de Andrade Boska
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem, Grupo de Estudos em Álcool e outras Drogas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Heloísa Garcia Claro
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Enfermagem, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Meteliuk A, Galvez S, Fomenko T, Kalandiia H, Iaryi V, Farnum SO, Islam Z, Altice FL, Madden LM. Successful transfer of stable patients on opioid agonist therapies from specialty addiction treatment to primary care settings in Ukraine: A pilot study. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 134:108619. [PMID: 34579978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Ukraine, HIV is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID), and opioid agonist therapies (OAT) are the most effective approach to preventing HIV transmission. OAT coverage is well below internationally recommended levels, with OAT provided primarily in specialty addiction treatment clinics. Integrating OAT into primary care settings represents a promising practice for increasing OAT coverage. METHODS The study collected data prospectively from the first 50 stable patients transferred from the largest OAT site to 10 primary care clinics in Kiev; patients had negative urine drug tests for the previous six months. Participants completed the BASIS-24-the 24-item Behaviour and Symptom Identification Scale-to assess symptoms of psychiatric and social function across 6 domains: (1) depression and functioning, (2) relationships, (3) self-harm, (4) emotional lability, (5) psychosis, and (6) substance use before transfer and 6 months after transfer from May through November 2019. RESULTS Participants were on average 36 years old, mostly male (84.0%) and had some employment (64.0%). After six months, some employment increased to 88.0% and BASIS-24 scores significantly improved on four domains: depression (1.09 vs 0.73, p = 0.0005), relationships (2.15 vs 1.7, p < 0.0001), emotional liability (1.30 vs 1.00, p = 0.0209) and substance use (1.23 vs 1.07, p = 0073). CONCLUSIONS Stable OAT patients can be successfully transferred from specialty to primary care clinics without deterioration in mental health symptoms or functioning. Patients transferred to primary care showed significant improvement in their emotional well-being, their substance use, and their employment status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meteliuk
- Alliance for Public Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Samy Galvez
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Hela Kalandiia
- Kyiv City Drug Addiction Clinical Hospital 'Sociotherapy', Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Iaryi
- Kyiv City Drug Addiction Clinical Hospital 'Sociotherapy', Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Zahedul Islam
- Alliance for Public Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States; APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, United States; Yale School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Lynn M Madden
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States; APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, United States
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Alexander K, Pogorzelska-Maziarz M, Gerolamo A, Hassen N, Kelly EL, Rising KL. The impact of COVID-19 on healthcare delivery for people who use opioids: a scoping review. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021; 16:60. [PMID: 34372900 PMCID: PMC8352141 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Research objective The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery worldwide with likely negative effects on people who use opioids (PWUO). This scoping review of the original research literature describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare delivery for PWUO and identifies gaps in the literature. Methods This scoping review of the original research literature maps the available knowledge regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare delivery for PWUO. We utilized the methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping reviews, and content analyses methodology to characterize the current state of the literature. Results Of the 14 included studies, administrative database (n = 11), cross-sectional (n = 1) or qualitative (n = 2) studies demonstrated service gaps (n = 7), patient/provider experiences (n = 3), and patient outcomes for PWUO (n = 4). In March 2020, healthcare utilization dropped quickly, sharply increasing only for reasons of opioid overdose by May 2020. Service gaps existed in accessing treatment for new patients during the pandemic due to capacity and infrastructure limits. Physicians reported difficulty referring patients to begin an outpatient opioid treatment program due to increased restrictions in capacity and infrastructure. Patients also reported uncertainty about accessing outpatient treatment, but that telehealth initiation of buprenorphine increased access to treatment from home. Disproportionate increases in overdose rates among African Americans were reported in two studies, with differences by race and gender not examined in most studies. Fatal overdoses increased 60% in African Americans during the pandemic, while fatal overdoses in Non-Hispanic White individuals decreased. Conclusions In summary, this beginning evidence demonstrates that despite early reluctance to use the healthcare system, opioid overdose-related use of healthcare increased throughout the pandemic. Service delivery for medications to treat OUD remained at or above pre-pandemic levels, indicating the ability of telehealth to meet demand. Yet, racial disparities that existed pre-pandemic for PWUO are intensifying, and targeted intervention for high-risk groups is warranted to prevent further mortality. As the pandemic progresses, future research must focus on identifying and supporting subgroups of PWUO who are at heightened risk for experiencing negative outcomes and lack of access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Alexander
- Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St., Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Monika Pogorzelska-Maziarz
- Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St., Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Angela Gerolamo
- Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St., Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Nadia Hassen
- Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St., Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Erin L Kelly
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 40, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Kristin L Rising
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Sansom Street, Suite 239, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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Andraka-Christou B. Addressing Racial And Ethnic Disparities In The Use Of Medications For Opioid Use Disorder. Health Aff (Millwood) 2021; 40:920-927. [PMID: 34097509 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.02261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Social discourse about the opioid crisis in the US has focused on White populations, even though opioid-related deaths have grown at a higher rate among people of color than among non-Hispanic White people in recent years. Medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) are the gold standard for treating OUD and preventing overdose but are underused among people with OUD, with disproportionately low treatment initiation and retention among people of color. Methadone, which is highly stigmatized and has a more burdensome treatment regimen, is the predominant medication for OUD available to people of color. To address disparities in the initiation and retention of treatment using medication for OUD, policy makers should consider strategies such as Medicaid expansion, increased grant funding for federally qualified health centers to provide buprenorphine treatment, retention of temporary telehealth policies that allow remote buprenorphine induction, and regulatory changes to allow methadone treatment in office-based practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Andraka-Christou
- Barbara Andraka-Christou is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, in Orlando, Florida, with a secondary joint appointment in the Department of Internal Medicine. She is also a licensed attorney in the state of Florida
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50
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Lachapelle É, Archambault L, Blouin C, Perreault M. Perspectives of people with opioid use disorder on improving addiction treatments and services. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2020.1833837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michel Perreault
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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