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Wyse JJ, Eckhardt A, Waller D, Gordon AJ, Shull S, Lovejoy TI, Mackey K, Morasco BJ. Patients' Perspectives on Discontinuing Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. J Addict Med 2024; 18:300-305. [PMID: 38498620 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Buprenorphine and other medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) are recommended as standard of care in the treatment of OUD and are associated with positive health and addiction-related outcomes. Despite benefits, discontinuation is common, with half of patients discontinuing in the first year of treatment. Addressing OUD is a major clinical priority, yet little is known about the causes of medication discontinuation from the patient perspective. METHODS From March 2021 to April 2022, we conducted qualitative interviews with patients who had discontinued buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD within the past 12 months. Eligible participants were selected from 2 Veterans Health Administration Health Care Systems in Oregon. Coding and analysis were guided by conventional qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Twenty participants completed an interview; 90% were White and 90% were male, and the mean age was 54.2 years. Before discontinuation, participants had received buprenorphine for 8.3 months on average (range, 1-40 months); 80% had received buprenorphine for less than 12 months. Qualitative analysis identified the following themes relating to discontinuation: health system barriers (eg, logistical hurdles, rules and policy violations), medication effects (adverse effects; attributed adverse effects, lack of efficacy in treating chronic pain) and desire for opioid use. Patient description of decisions to discontinue buprenorphine could be multicausal, reflecting provider or system-level barriers in interaction with patient complexity or medication ambivalence. CONCLUSIONS Study results identify several actionable ways OUD treatment could be modified to enhance patient retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Wyse
- From the Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR (JJW, AE, DW, SS, TIL, KM, BJM); School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR (JJW); Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT (AJG); Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge, and Advocacy (PARCKA), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT (AJG); Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (TIL, BJM); and VA Office of Rural Health, Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, Portland, OR (TIL)
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Williams EC, Frost MC, Bounthavong M, Edmonds AT, Lau MK, Edelman EJ, Harvey MA, Christopher MLD. Implementation of Opioid Safety Efforts: Influence of Academic Detailing on Adverse Outcomes Among Patients in the Veterans Health Administration. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024:29767342241243309. [PMID: 38634339 DOI: 10.1177/29767342241243309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Veterans Health Administration (VA) implemented academic detailing (AD) to support safer opioid prescribing and overdose prevention initiatives. METHODS Patient-level data were extracted monthly from VA's electronic health record to evaluate whether AD implementation was associated with changes in all-cause mortality, opioid poisoning inpatient admissions, and opioid poisoning emergency department (ED) visits in an observational cohort of patients with long-term opioid prescriptions (≥45-day supply of opioids 6 months prior to a given month with ≤15 days between prescriptions). A single-group interrupted time series analysis using segmented logistic regression for mortality and Poisson regression for counts of inpatient admissions and ED visits was used to identify whether the level and slope of these outcomes changed in response to AD implementation. RESULTS Among 955 376 unique patients (19 431 241 person-months), there were 53 369 deaths (29 025 pre-AD; 24 344 post-AD), 1927 opioid poisoning inpatient admissions (610 pre-AD; 1317 post-AD), and 408 opioid poisoning ED visits (207 pre-AD; 201 post-AD). Immediately after AD implementation, there was a 5.8% reduction in the odds of all-cause mortality (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.897, 0.990). However, patients had a significantly increased incidence rate of inpatient admissions for opioid poisoning immediately after AD implementation (incidence rate ratio = 1.523; 95% CI: 1.118, 2.077). No significant differences in ED visits for opioid poisoning were observed. CONCLUSIONS AD was associated with decreased all-cause mortality but increased inpatient hospitalization for opioid poisoning among patients prescribed long-term opioids. Mechanisms via which AD's efforts influenced opioid-related outcomes should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D), Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D), Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark Bounthavong
- Academic Detailing Service, Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC, USA
- VA Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amy T Edmonds
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- Mathematica, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marcos K Lau
- Academic Detailing Service, Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Michael A Harvey
- Academic Detailing Service, Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melissa L D Christopher
- Academic Detailing Service, Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC, USA
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Nedjat S, Wang Y, Eshtiaghi K, Fleming M. Is there a disparity in medications for opioid use disorder based on race/ethnicity and gender? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:236-245. [PMID: 38101952 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among racial/ethnic minorities is a growing concern. OBJECTIVES Inequalities in receiving MOUD among gender and racial/ethnic groups were examined in this systematic review. METHODS Studies were retrieved by searching various databases and reference lists of reviews and selected full texts. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) comparing MOUDs among racial/ethnic minorities to Whites were extracted or estimated from their findings. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17. RESULTS After screening 2438 records, 19 studies were included in this review in two categories. The first category consists of 11 studies comparing receiving MOUD between different races/ethnicities and genders at the individual level. The meta-analysis regarding AORs comparing Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans/Alaska-Natives, Hawaiians, and mixed-race patients with Whites were 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.45-0.68), 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.55-0.94), 0.85 (95 % CI: 0.72-0.99), 0.88 (95%CI: 0.73-1.04), 0.27 (95 % CI: 0.03-2.18), and 0.97 (95 % CI: 0.81-1.16), respectively. The AOR of receiving MOUD for all minorities compared to Whites was 0.70 (95 % CI: 0.61-0.80). Overall AOR comparing MOUD for females to males was 0.95 (95 % CI: 0.87-1.04). The second category of articles compared buprenorphine and methadone treatment among ethnic/racial minorities and Whites. CONCLUSIONS Compared to Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians have limited access to MOUD. The findings suggest that methadone is the predominant medication for racial/ethnic minorities, while Whites and high-income communities receive buprenorphine more. It is crucial to re-design policies to bridge the gap in access to MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saharnaz Nedjat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Khashayar Eshtiaghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marc Fleming
- Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Gibbons JB, McCullough JS, Zivin K, Brown ZY, Norton EC. Racial and ethnic disparities in medication for opioid use disorder access, use, and treatment outcomes in Medicare. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 157:209271. [PMID: 38135120 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Overdose deaths are increasing disproportionately for minoritized populations in the United States. Disparities in substance use disorder treatment access and use have been a key contributor to this phenomenon. However, little is known about the magnitude of these disparities and the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) and provider characteristics in driving them. Our study measures the association between race and ethnicity and visits with Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) providers, MOUD treatment conditional on a provider visit, and opioid overdose following MOUD treatment in Medicare. We also evaluate the role of social determinants of health and provider characteristics in modifying disparities. METHODS Using a population of 230,198 US Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD), we estimate logistic regression models to quantify the association between belonging to a racial or ethnic group and the probability of visiting a buprenorphine or naltrexone provider, receiving a prescription or medication administration during or after a visit, and experiencing an opioid overdose after treatment with MOUD. Data included Medicare claims data and the Agency for Health Research and Quality Social Determinants of Health Database files between 2013 and 2017. RESULTS Compared to Non-Hispanic White Medicare beneficiaries, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, and Other/Unknown Race beneficiaries were between 3.0 and 9.3 percentage points less likely to have a visit with a buprenorphine or naltrexone provider. Conditional on having a buprenorphine or naltrexone provider visit, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, and Other/Unknown Race were between 2.6 and 8.1 percentage points less likely to receive buprenorphine or naltrexone than white beneficiaries. Controlling for provider characteristics and SDOH increased disparities in visits and MOUD treatment for all groups besides American Indians/Alaska Natives. Conditional on treatment, only Black Medicare beneficiaries were at greater associated risk of overdose than non-Hispanic white beneficiaries, although differences became statistically insignificant after controlling for SDOH and including provider fixed effects. CONCLUSION Ongoing equity programming and measurement efforts by CMS should include explicit consideration for disparities in access and use of MOUD. This may help ensure greater MOUD utilization by minoritized Medicare beneficiaries and reduce rising disparities in overdose deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason B Gibbons
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus - Colorado School of Public Health - Department of Health Systems, Management and Policy, 13001 E 17th PL, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America.
| | - Jeffrey S McCullough
- University of Michigan School of Public Health - Department of Health Management and Policy, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - Kara Zivin
- University of Michigan School of Public Health - Department of Health Management and Policy, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; University of Michigan School of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; University of Michigan School of Medicine - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - Zach Y Brown
- University of Michigan - Department of Economics, 611 Tappan Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; National Bureau of Economic Research, 1050 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
| | - Edward C Norton
- University of Michigan School of Public Health - Department of Health Management and Policy, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; University of Michigan - Department of Economics, 611 Tappan Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; National Bureau of Economic Research, 1050 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
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Lance Tippit T, O'Connell MA, Costantino RC, Scott-Richardson M, Peters S, Pakieser J, Tilley LC, Highland KB. Racialized and beneficiary inequities in medication to treat opioid use disorder receipt within the US Military Health System. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 253:111025. [PMID: 38006670 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111025] [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] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can be critical to managing opioid use disorder (OUD). It is unknown the extent to which US Military Health System (MHS) patients diagnosed with OUD receive MOUD. METHODS Healthcare records of MHS-enrolled active duty and retired service members (N = 13,334) with a new (index) OUD diagnosis were included between 2018 and 2021, without 90-day pre-index MOUD receipt were included. Elastic net logistic and Cox regressions evaluated care- and system-level factors associated with 1-year MOUD receipt (primary outcome) and time-to-receipt. RESULTS Only 9% of patients received MOUD 1-year post-index; only 4% received MOUD within 14 days. Black patients (OR for receipt 0.38, 95% CI 0.30-0.49), Latinx patients (OR for receipt 0.44, 95% CI 0.33-0.59), and patients whose race and ethnicity was Other (OR for receipt 0.52, 95%CI 0.35, 0.77) experienced lower MOUD access (all p < 0.001). Retirees were more likely to receive MOUD relative to active duty service members (OR for receipt 1.81, 95%CI 1.52, 2.16, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Institutional racism in MOUD prescribing, combined with the overall low rates of MOUD receipt after OUD diagnosis, highlight the need for evidence-based, multifaceted, and multilevel approaches to OUD care in the Military Health System. Without clear Defense Health Agency policy, including the designation of responsible entities, transparent and ongoing evaluation and responsiveness using standardized methodology, and resourced programming and public health campaigns, MOUD rates will likely remain poor and inequitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lance Tippit
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Megan A O'Connell
- Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Enterprise Intelligence & Data Solutions Program Management Office Data Innovation Branch, Defense Health Management Systems, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Inc., 11300 Rockville Pike Suite 709, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ryan C Costantino
- Enterprise Intelligence & Data Solutions Program Management Office Data Innovation Branch, Defense Health Management Systems, USA; Department of Military & Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | | | - Sidney Peters
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - Jennifer Pakieser
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 4150 V Street, PSSB Suite 2100, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Laura C Tilley
- Department of Military & Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Krista B Highland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Carr MM, Wolkowicz NR, Cave S, Martino S, Masheb R, Midboe AM. Weight change in a national cohort of U.S. Military Veterans engaged in medication treatment for opioid use disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:204-212. [PMID: 37918033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.012] [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] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Medication treatments for opioid use disorder (MOUD) save lives and improve outcomes for countless individuals. However, data suggest the potential for significant weight gain during methadone treatment and little is known about weight change during buprenorphine treatment. Using Veteran Health Administration administrative data from fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2019, two cohorts were created: 1) Veterans diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) taking methadone (N = 1425); and 2) Veterans diagnosed with OUD taking buprenorphine (N = 3756). Linear mixed models were used to analyze weight change during the first MOUD treatment episode in the observation period. Random slopes and intercepts were included in the model to estimate variation in BMI across individuals and time. The data revealed a slight upward trend in BMI over the course of treatment. Specifically, a daily increase of 0.004 for Veterans in methadone treatment and 0.002 for Veterans in buprenorphine treatment was observed. This translates to a gain of about 10 pounds over the course of 1 year of methadone treatment and 5 pounds for 1 year of buprenorphine treatment for a Veteran of average height and weight. The amount of weight gain in methadone treatment is significantly less than other published findings, but nonetheless indicates that assessment and discussions between patients and providers related to weight may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan M Carr
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Noah R Wolkowicz
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Shayna Cave
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Steve Martino
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Robin Masheb
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Amanda M Midboe
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA; Division of Health Policy and Management, University of California Davis-School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
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Suarez E, Bartholomew TS, Plesons M, Ciraldo K, Ostrer L, Serota DP, Chueng TA, Frederick M, Onugha J, Tookes HE. Adaptation of the Tele-Harm Reduction intervention to promote initiation and retention in buprenorphine treatment among people who inject drugs: a retrospective cohort study. Ann Med 2023; 55:733-743. [PMID: 36856571 PMCID: PMC9980015 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2182908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: At the start of the pandemic, relaxation of buprenorphine prescribing regulations created an opportunity to create new models of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) delivery and care. To expand and improve access to MOUD, we adapted and implemented the Tele-Harm Reduction (THR) intervention; a multicomponent, telehealth-based and peer-driven intervention to promote HIV viral suppression among people who inject drugs (PWID) accessing a syringe services program (SSP). This study examined buprenorphine initiation and retention among PWID with opioid use disorder who received the adapted THR intervention at the IDEA Miami SSP.Methods: A retrospective chart review of participants who received the THR intervention for MOUD was performed to examine the impact of telehealth on buprenorphine retention. Our primary outcome was three-month retention, defined as three consecutive months of buprenorphine dispensed from the pharmacy.Results: A total of 109 participants received the adapted THR intervention. Three-month retention rate on buprenorphine was 58.7%. Seeing a provider via telehealth at baseline or any follow up visit (aOR = 7.53, 95% CI: [2.36, 23.98]) and participants who had received an escalating dose of buprenorphine after baseline visit (aOR = 8.09, 95% CI: [1.83, 35.87]) had a higher adjusted odds of retention at three months. Participants who self-reported or tested positive for a stimulant (methamphetamine, amphetamine, or cocaine) at baseline had a lower adjusted odds of retention on buprenorphine at three months (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI: [0.09, 0.93]).Conclusions: Harm reduction settings can adapt dynamically to the needs of PWID in provision of critical lifesaving buprenorphine in a truly destigmatising approach. Our pilot suggests that an SSP may be an acceptable and feasible venue for delivery of THR to increase uptake of buprenorphine by PWID and promote retention in care.KEY MESSAGESThe Tele-Harm Reduction intervention can be adapted for initiating and retaining people who inject drugs with opioid use disorder on buprenorphine within a syringe services program settingUsing telehealth was associated with increased three-month buprenorphine retentionBaseline stimulant use was negatively associated with three-month buprenorphine retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Suarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tyler S. Bartholomew
- Division of Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marina Plesons
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Katrina Ciraldo
- Department of Family and Community Medicine & Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lily Ostrer
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David P. Serota
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Teresa A. Chueng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Morgan Frederick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jason Onugha
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hansel E. Tookes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Leech AA, McNeer E, Stein BD, Richards MR, McElroy T, Dupont WD, Patrick SW. County-level Factors and Treatment Access Among Insured Women With Opioid Use Disorder. Med Care 2023; 61:816-821. [PMID: 37199507 PMCID: PMC10656358 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An over 40% increase in overdose deaths within the past 2 years and low levels of engagement in treatment call for a better understanding of factors that influence access to medication for opioid use disorder (OUD). OBJECTIVE To examine whether county-level characteristics influence a caller's ability to secure an appointment with an OUD treatment practitioner, either a buprenorphine-waivered prescriber or an opioid treatment program (OTP). RESEARCH DESIGN AND SUBJECTS We leveraged data from a randomized field experiment comprised of simulated pregnant and nonpregnant women of reproductive age seeking treatment for OUD among 10 states in the US. We employed a mixed-effects logistic regression model with random intercepts for counties to examine the relationship between appointments received and salient county-level factors related to OUD. MEASURES Our primary outcome was the caller's ability to secure an appointment with an OUD treatment practitioner. County-level predictor variables included socioeconomic disadvantage rankings, rurality, and OUD treatment/practitioner density. RESULTS Our sample comprised 3956 reproductive-aged callers; 86% reached a buprenorphine-waivered prescriber and 14% an OTP. We found that 1 additional OTP per 100,000 population was associated with an increase (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.71) in the likelihood that a nonpregnant caller receives an OUD treatment appointment from any practitioner. CONCLUSIONS When OTPs are highly concentrated within a county, women of reproductive age with OUD have an easier time securing an appointment with any practitioner. This finding may suggest greater practitioners' comfort in prescribing when there are robust OUD specialty safety nets in the county.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Leech
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Elizabeth McNeer
- Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Bradley D. Stein
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Tamarra McElroy
- Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - William D. Dupont
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Stephen W. Patrick
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Mildred Stahlman Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Miles J, Treitler P, Hermida R, Nyaku AN, Simon K, Gupta S, Crystal S, Samples H. Racial/ethnic disparities in timely receipt of buprenorphine among Medicare disability beneficiaries. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 252:110963. [PMID: 37748421 PMCID: PMC10615876 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110963] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicare disability beneficiaries (MDBs) have disproportionately high risk of opioid use disorder (OUD) and related harms given high rates of comorbidities and high-dose opioid prescribing. Despite this increased risk, little is known about timely receipt of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including potential disparities by patient race/ethnicity or moderation by county-level characteristics. METHODS National Medicare claims for a sample of MDBs with incident OUD diagnosis between March 2016 and June 2019 were linked with county-level data. Multivariable mixed effects Cox proportional hazards models estimated time (in days) to buprenorphine receipt within 180 days of incident OUD diagnosis. Primary exposures included individual-level race/ethnicity and county-level buprenorphine prescriber availability, percent non-Hispanic white (NHW) residents, and Social Deprivation Index (SDI) score. RESULTS The sample (n=233,079) was predominantly White (72.3%), ≥45 years old (76.3%), and male (54.8%). Black (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=0.50; 95% CI, 0.47-0.54), Asian/Pacific Islander (aHR=0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.72), Hispanic/Latinx (aHR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.76-0.87), and Other racial/ethnic groups (aHR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.97) had a lower likelihood of timely buprenorphine than non-Hispanic white beneficiaries after adjusting for individual and county-level confounders. Timely buprenorphine receipt was positively associated with county-level buprenorphine prescriber availability (aHR=1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.07), percent non-Hispanic white residents (aHR=1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01), and SDI (aHR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10). CONCLUSIONS Racial/ethnic disparities highlight the need to improve access to care for underserved groups. Implementing equity-focused quality and performance measures and developing interventions to increase office-based buprenorphine prescribing in predominantly minority race/ethnicity counties may reduce disparities in timely access to medication for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Miles
- Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Peter Treitler
- Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Richard Hermida
- Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Amesika N Nyaku
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Kosali Simon
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sumedha Gupta
- Department of Economics, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Hillary Samples
- Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Carr MM, Lou R, Macdonald-Gagnon G, Peltier MR, Funaro MC, Martino S, Masheb RM. Weight change among patients engaged in medication treatment for opioid use disorder: a scoping review. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:551-565. [PMID: 37200510 PMCID: PMC10840392 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2207720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Background: Medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an instrumental tool in combatting opioid use and overdose. Excess weight gain associated with MOUD initiation is a potential barrier that is not well understood.Objectives: Conduct a scoping review of available studies investigating the effect of MOUD on weight.Methods: Included studies consisted of adults taking any type of MOUD (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone, naltrexone) with data on weight or body mass index for at least two time points. Evidence was synthesized using qualitative and descriptive approaches, and predictors of weight gain including demographics, comorbid substance use, and medication dose were examined.Results: Twenty-one unique studies were identified. Most studies were uncontrolled cohort studies or retrospective chart reviews testing the association between methadone and weight gain (n = 16). Studies examining 6 months of methadone treatment reported weight gain ranging from 4.2 to 23.4 pounds. Women appear to gain more weight from methadone than men, while patients using cocaine may gain less. Racial and ethnic disparities were largely unexamined. Only three case reports and two nonrandomized studies examined the effects of either buprenorphine/naloxone or naltrexone, and potential associations with weight gain were not clear.Conclusion: The use of methadone as an MOUD appears to be associated with mild to moderate weight gain. In contrast, there is little data supporting or refuting weight gain with buprenorphine/naloxone or naltrexone. Providers should discuss the potential risk for weight gain with patients as well as prevention and intervention methods for excess weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan M. Carr
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Raissa Lou
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - MacKenzie R. Peltier
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Melissa C. Funaro
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steve Martino
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robin M. Masheb
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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11
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McCormack RP, Rotrosen J, Gauthier P, D'Onofrio G, Fiellin DA, Marsch LA, Novo P, Liu D, Edelman EJ, Farkas S, Matthews AG, Mulatya C, Salazar D, Wolff J, Knight R, Goodman W, Williams J, Hawk K. Implementing Programs to Initiate Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in High-Need, Low-Resource Emergency Departments: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 82:272-287. [PMID: 37140493 PMCID: PMC10524047 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that implementation facilitation would enable us to rapidly and effectively implement emergency department (ED)-initiated buprenorphine programs in rural and urban settings with high-need, limited resources and dissimilar staffing structures. METHODS This multicenter implementation study employed implementation facilitation using a participatory action research approach to develop, introduce, and refine site-specific clinical protocols for ED-initiated buprenorphine and referral in 3 EDs not previously initiating buprenorphine. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness by triangulating mixed-methods formative evaluation data (focus groups/interviews and pre/post surveys involving staff, patients, and stakeholders), patients' medical records, and 30-day outcomes from a purposive sample of 40 buprenorphine-receiving patient-participants who met research eligibility criteria (English-speaking, medically stable, locator information, nonprisoners). We estimated the primary implementation outcome (proportion receiving ED-initiated buprenorphine among candidates) and the main secondary outcome (30-day treatment engagement) using Bayesian methods. RESULTS Within 3 months of initiating the implementation facilitation activities, each site implemented buprenorphine programs. During the 6-month programmatic evaluation, there were 134 ED-buprenorphine candidates among 2,522 encounters involving opioid use. A total of 52 (41.6%) practitioners initiated buprenorphine administration to 112 (85.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 79.7% to 90.4%) unique patients. Among 40 enrolled patient-participants, 49.0% (35.6% to 62.5%) were engaged in addiction treatment 30 days later (confirmed); 26 (68.4%) reported attending one or more treatment visits; there was a 4-fold decrease in self-reported overdose events (odds ratio [OR] 4.03; 95% CI 1.27 to 12.75). The ED clinician readiness increased by a median of 5.02 (95% CI: 3.56 to 6.47) from 1.92/10 to 6.95/10 (n(pre)=80, n(post)=83). CONCLUSIONS The implementation facilitation enabled us to effectively implement ED-based buprenorphine programs across heterogeneous ED settings rapidly, which was associated with promising implementation and exploratory patient-level outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Rotrosen
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | - Gail D'Onofrio
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - David A Fiellin
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Lisa A Marsch
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - Patricia Novo
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - David Liu
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rockville, MD
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Sarah Farkas
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kathryn Hawk
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
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12
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Rudolph JE, Cepeda JA, Astemborski J, Kirk GD, Mehta SH, Genberg BL. Trajectories of drug treatment and illicit opioid use in the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience cohort, 2014-2019. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 118:104120. [PMID: 37429162 PMCID: PMC10528295 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104120] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an effective intervention to combat opioid use disorder and overdose, yet there is limited understanding of engagement in treatment over time in the community, contextualized by ongoing substance use. We aimed to identify concurrent trajectories of methadone prescriptions, buprenorphine prescriptions, and illicit opioid use among older adults with a history of injection drug use. METHODS We used data on 887 participants from the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience cohort, who were engaged in the study in 2013 and attended ≥1 visit during follow-up (2014-2019). Outcomes were self-reported MOUD prescription and illicit opioid use in the last 6 months. To identify concurrent trajectories in all 3 outcomes, we used group-based multi-trajectory modeling. We examined participant characteristics, including sociodemographics, HIV status, and other substance use, overall and by cluster. RESULTS We identified 4 trajectory clusters: (1) no MOUD and no illicit opioid use (43%); (2) buprenorphine and some illicit opioid use (11%); (3) methadone and no illicit opioid use (28%); and (4) some methadone and illicit opioid use (18%). While prevalence of each outcome was stable across time, transitions on/off treatment or on/off illicit opioid use occurred, with the rate of transition varying by cluster. The rate of transition was highest in Cluster 3 (0.74/person-year) and lowest in Cluster 1 (0.18/person-year). We saw differences in participant characteristics by cluster, including that the buprenorphine cluster had the highest proportion of people with HIV and participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black. CONCLUSIONS Most participants had discontinued illicit opioid use and were also not accessing MOUD. Trajectories defined by engagement with buprenorphine or methadone had distinct sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, indicating that tailored interventions to expand access to both types of treatment are likely needed to reduce harms associated with untreated opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Javier A Cepeda
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Gordon AJ, Saxon AJ, Kertesz S, Wyse JJ, Manhapra A, Lin LA, Chen W, Hansen J, Pinnell D, Huynh T, Baylis JD, Cunningham FE, Ghitza UE, Bart G, Yu H, Sauer BC. Buprenorphine use and courses of care for opioid use disorder treatment within the Veterans Health Administration. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109902. [PMID: 37196572 PMCID: PMC10875624 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retention of patients in buprenorphine medication treatment for opioid use disorder (B-MOUD) reduces harms associated with opioid use disorder (OUD). We sought to characterize the patients receiving B-MOUD and courses of B-MOUD in a large healthcare system. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, open cohort study of patients with OUD who either did or did not receive B-MOUD courses within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) from January 2006 through July 2019, using VHA clinical data. We compared patients receiving or not receiving B-MOUD, characterized B-MOUD courses (e.g., length and doses), and examined persistence, across patient characteristics, over time. We used analyses for normally or non-normally distributed continuous variables, categorical data, and persistence over time (Kaplan-Meier persistence curves). RESULTS We identified 255,726 Veterans with OUD; 40,431 (15.8%) had received 63,929 B-MOUD courses. Compared to patients with OUD without B-MOUD, patients with B-MOUD were younger, more often of white race, and had more co-morbidities. The frequency of new B-MOUD starts and prevalent B-MOUD patients ranged from 1550 and 1989 in 2007 to 8146 and 16,505 in 2018, respectively. The median duration of B-MOUD was 157 (IQR: 37-537) days for all courses and 33.8% patients had more than one course. The average proportion days covered was 90% (SD: 0.15), and the average prescribed daily dose was 13.44 (SD: 6.5). CONCLUSIONS Within a VHA B-MOUD cohort, courses increased more than 10-fold from 2006 to 2016 with nearly half of patients experiencing multiple courses. Patient demographics seem to dictate the length of courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Gordon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytics Science (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Andrew J Saxon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education (CESATE), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stefan Kertesz
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Medicine, Heersink UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jessica J Wyse
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health CareSystem, Portland, OR, USA; School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University,PortlandOR, USA
| | - Ajay Manhapra
- Section of Pain Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services, Hampton VA Medical Center, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Lewei A Lin
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytics Science (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jared Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytics Science (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Derek Pinnell
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytics Science (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Tina Huynh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytics Science (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jacob D Baylis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytics Science (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Udi E Ghitza
- Center for the Clinical Trials Network (CCTN), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gavin Bart
- Hennepin Healthcare, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Hong Yu
- Center for Biomedical and Health Research in Data Sciences and Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Brian C Sauer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytics Science (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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14
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Vanneman ME, Rosen AK, Wagner TH, Shwartz M, Gordon SH, Greenberg G, Zheng T, Cook J, Beilstein-Wedel E, Greene T, Kelley AT. Differences Between VHA-Delivered and VHA-Purchased Behavioral Health Care in Service and Patient Characteristics. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:148-157. [PMID: 36039555 PMCID: PMC10069743 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100730] [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: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Federal legislation has expanded Veterans Health Administration (VHA) enrollees' access to VHA-purchased "community care." This study examined differences in the amount and type of behavioral health care delivered in VHA and purchased in the community, along with patient characteristics and area supply and demand factors. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study examined data for 204,094 VHA enrollees with 448,648 inpatient behavioral health stays and 3,467,010 enrollees with 55,043,607 outpatient behavioral health visits from fiscal years 2016 to 2019. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for patient and provider characteristics at the outpatient-visit level for VHA and community care. Linear probability models assessed the association between severity of behavioral health condition and site of care. RESULTS Twenty percent of inpatient stays were purchased through community care, with severe behavioral health conditions more likely to be treated in VHA inpatient care. In the outpatient setting, community care accounted for 3% of behavioral health care visits, with increasing use over time. For outpatient care, veterans receiving community care were more likely than those receiving VHA care to see clinicians with fewer years of training (SMD=1.06). CONCLUSIONS With a large portion of inpatient behavioral health care occurring in the community and increased use of outpatient behavioral health care with less highly trained community providers, coordination between VHA and the community is essential to provide appropriate inpatient follow-up care and address outpatient needs. This is especially critical given VHA's expertise in providing behavioral health care to veterans and its legislative responsibility to ensure integrated care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Vanneman
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Amy K Rosen
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Todd H Wagner
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Michael Shwartz
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Sarah H Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Greg Greenberg
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Tianyu Zheng
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - James Cook
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Erin Beilstein-Wedel
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - Tom Greene
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
| | - A Taylor Kelley
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Salt Lake City Health Care System (Vanneman, Zheng, Kelley), and Department of Internal Medicine (Vanneman, Greene, Kelley) and Department of Population Health Sciences (Zheng, Greene), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System (Rosen, Shwartz, Beilstein-Wedel), and Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston (Rosen); Department of Operations and Technology Management, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston (Shwartz); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, and Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Wagner); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston (Gordon); Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, and Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Greenberg); Health Catalyst, Salt Lake City (Cook)
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15
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Gottlieb DJ, Shiner B, Hoyt JE, Riblet NB, Peltzman T, Teja N, Watts BV. A comparison of mortality rates for buprenorphine versus methadone treatments for opioid use disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023; 147:6-15. [PMID: 35837885 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mortality from opioid use disorder (OUD) can be reduced for patients who receive opioid agonist treatment (OAT). In the United States (US), OATs have different requirements including nearly daily visits to a dispensing facility for methadone but weekly to monthly prescriptions for buprenorphine. Our objective was to compare mortality rates for buprenorphine and methadone treatments among a large sample of US patients with OUD. METHODS We measured all-cause mortality, overdose mortality, and suicide mortality among US Department of Veterans Affairs patients with a diagnosis of OUD who received OAT from 2010 through 2019. We leveraged substantial and sustained regional variation in prescribing buprenorphine versus methadone as an instrumental variable (IV) and used inverse propensity of treatment weighting to balance relevant covariates across treatment groups. We compared mortality with true two-stage IV using both probit and linear probability models, as well as a reduced form IV model, adjusting for demographics and health status. RESULTS Our cohort consisted of 61,997 patients with OUD who received OAT, of whom 92.7% were male with a mean age of 47.9 (SD = 14.1) years. Patients were followed for a median of 2 (IQR = 1,4) calendar years. Across regional terciles, mean methadone prescribing was 4.8%, 19.5%, and 75.1% of OAT patients. All models identified significant reductions in all-cause and suicide mortality for buprenorphine relative to methadone. For example, predicted all-cause mortality from the probit model was 169.7 per 10,000 person years (95% CI, 157.8, 179.6) in the lowest tercile of methadone prescribing compared with 206.1 (95% CI, 196.0, 216.3) in the highest tercile. No difference was identified for overdose mortality. CONCLUSION We found significantly lower all-cause mortality and suicide mortality rates for buprenorphine compared with methadone. Our results support the less restrictive prescribing practices for buprenorphine as OAT in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Gottlieb
- Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Brian Shiner
- Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jessica E Hoyt
- Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Natalie B Riblet
- Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Talya Peltzman
- Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Nikhil Teja
- Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Bradley V Watts
- Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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16
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Bartholomew TS, Andraka-Cristou B, Totaram RK, Harris S, Doblecki-Lewis S, Ostrer L, Serota DP, Forrest DW, Chueng TA, Suarez E, Tookes HE. "We want everything in a one-stop shop": acceptability and feasibility of PrEP and buprenorphine implementation with mobile syringe services for Black people who inject drugs. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:133. [PMID: 36463183 PMCID: PMC9719627 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A recent surge in HIV outbreaks, driven by the opioid and stimulant use crises, has destabilized our progress toward targets set forth by Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America for the high-priority community of people who inject drugs (PWID), particularly Black PWID. METHODS In order to ascertain the acceptability and feasibility of using a mobile syringe services program (SSP) for comprehensive HIV prevention via PrEP and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), our mixed methods approach included a quantitative assessment and semi-structured qualitative interviews with Black PWID (n = 30) in Miami-Dade County who were actively engaged in mobile syringe services. RESULTS Participants felt that delivery of MOUD and PrEP at a mobile SSP would be both feasible and acceptable, helping to address transportation, cost, and stigma barriers common within traditional healthcare settings. Participants preferred staff who are compassionate and nonjudgmental and have lived experience. CONCLUSIONS A mobile harm reduction setting could be an effective venue for delivering comprehensive HIV prevention services to Black PWID, a community that experiences significant barriers to care via marginalization and racism in a fragmented healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S. Bartholomew
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St., #1020, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Barbara Andraka-Cristou
- grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA ,grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Internal Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Rachel K. Totaram
- grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Shana Harris
- grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Internal Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA ,grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Susanne Doblecki-Lewis
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Lily Ostrer
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - David P. Serota
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - David W. Forrest
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | - Teresa A. Chueng
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Edward Suarez
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Hansel E. Tookes
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
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17
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Frost MC, Zhang L, Kim HM, Lin L(A. Use of and Retention on Video, Telephone, and In-Person Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2236298. [PMID: 36223118 PMCID: PMC9557869 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted policy changes to allow increased telehealth delivery of buprenorphine, a potentially lifesaving medication for opioid use disorder (OUD). It is unclear how characteristics of patients who access different treatment modalities (in-person vs telehealth, video vs telephone) vary, and whether modality is associated with retention-a key indicator of care quality. OBJECTIVES To compare patient characteristics across receipt of different treatment modalities and to assess whether modality was associated with retention during the year following COVID-19-related policy changes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study was conducted in the national Veterans Health Administration. Participants included patients who received buprenorphine for OUD during March 23, 2020, to March 22, 2021. Analyses examining retention were stratified by buprenorphine initiation time (year following COVID-19-related changes; prior to COVID-19-related changes). EXPOSURES Patient characteristics; treatment modality (at least 1 video visit, at least 1 telephone visit but no video, only in-person). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Treatment modality; 90-day retention. RESULTS Among 17 182 patients, 7094 (41.3%) were aged 30 to 44 years and 6251 (36.4%) were aged 45 to 64 years; 15 835 (92.2%) were male, 14 085 (82.0%) were White, and 16 292 (94.8%) were non-Hispanic; 6547 (38.1%) had at least 1 video visit, 8524 (49.6%) had at least 1 telephone visit but no video visit, and 2111 (12.3%) had only in-person visits. Patients who were younger, male, Black, unknown race, Hispanic, non-service connected, or had specific mental health/substance use comorbidities were less likely to receive any telehealth. Among patients who received telehealth, those who were older, male, Black, non-service connected, or experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability were less likely to have video visits. Retention was significantly higher for patients with telehealth compared with only in-person visits regardless of initiation time (for initiated in year following COVID-19-related changes: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.12-1.53; for initiated prior to COVID-19-related changes: aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08-1.39). Among patients with telehealth, higher retention was observed in those with video visits compared with only telephone for patients who initiated in the year following COVID-19 (aOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.26-1.71). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study, many patients accessed buprenorphine via telephone and some were less likely to have any video visits. These findings suggest that discontinuing or reducing telephone access may disrupt treatment for many patients, particularly groups with access disparities such as Black patients and those experiencing homelessness. Telehealth was associated with increased retention for both new and continuing patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline C. Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lan Zhang
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - H. Myra Kim
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Consulting for Statistics, Computing & Analytics Research (CSCAR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Lewei (Allison) Lin
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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18
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Lin Q, Kolak M, Watts B, Anselin L, Pollack H, Schneider J, Taylor B. Individual, interpersonal, and neighborhood measures associated with opioid use stigma: Evidence from a nationally representative survey. Soc Sci Med 2022; 305:115034. [PMID: 35636049 PMCID: PMC9288898 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite growing awareness of opioid use disorder (OUD), fatal overdoses and downstream health conditions (e. g., hepatitis C and HIV) continue to rise in some populations. Various interrelated structural forces, together with social and economic determinants, contribute to this ongoing crisis; among these, access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and stigma towards people with OUD remain understudied. We combined data on methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone providers from SAMHSA’s 2019 directory, additional naltrexone providers from Vivitrol’s location finder service, with a nationally representative survey called “The AmeriSpeak survey on stigma toward people with OUD.” Integrating the social-ecological framework, we focus on individual characteristics, personal and family members’ experience with OUD, and spatial access to MOUD at the community level. We use nationally representative survey data from 3008 respondents who completed their survey in 2020. Recognizing that stigma is a multifaceted construct, we also examine how the process varies for different types of stigma, specifically perceived dangerousness and untrustworthiness, as well as social distancing measures under different scenarios. We found a significant association between stigma and spatial access to MOUD — more resources are related to weaker stigma. Respondents had a stronger stigma towards people experiencing current OUD (versus past OUD), and they were more concerned about OUD if the person would marry into their family (versus being their coworkers). Additionally, respondents’ age, sex, education, and personal experience with OUD were also associated with their stigma, and the association can vary depending on the specific type of stigma. Overall, stigma towards people with OUD was associated with both personal experiences and environmental measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyun Lin
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, USA.
| | - Marynia Kolak
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, USA
| | | | - Luc Anselin
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Harold Pollack
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, USA
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19
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Corry B, Underwood N, Cremer LJ, Rooks-Peck CR, Jones C. County-level sociodemographic differences in availability of two medications for opioid use disorder: United States, 2019. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 236:109495. [PMID: 35605533 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in availability of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) buprenorphine and methadone exist. Factors that may influence such differences in availability include sociodemographic characteristics but research in this area is limited. We explore the association between county-level sociodemographic factors and MOUD treatment availability. METHODS County-level Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) data were used to determine the presence or absence of buprenorphine treatment or opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and the level of availability of these types of treatment in a county. Hurdle models were used to examine the associations of our covariates with any MOUD treatment availability and level of available treatment. RESULTS The odds of a county having OTP availability were higher for counties with higher percentages of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations and higher drug overdose death rates. Counties with higher percentages of persons in poverty and drug overdose death rates had higher odds of maximum potential buprenorphine treatment capacity, while counties with high percentages of persons without health insurance, with disability, and rural counties had lower odds. CONCLUSIONS There are significant differences in the county-level availability of OTPs and buprenorphine treatment. Our findings expand on prior studies illustrating that barriers to accessing treatment persist and are not evenly distributed among sociodemographic groups, further study is needed to examine if barriers of availability translate to barriers in receiving treatment. Given the escalating overdose crisis in the U.S., expanding equitable availability of MOUD is critical. Informed strategies are needed to reach areas and populations in greatest need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Corry
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Natasha Underwood
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura J Cremer
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cherie R Rooks-Peck
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher Jones
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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20
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Peterkin A, Davis CS, Weinstein Z. Permanent Methadone Treatment Reform Needed to Combat the Opioid Crisis and Structural Racism. J Addict Med 2022; 16:127-129. [PMID: 33758114 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Since early 2020 COVID-19 has swept across the United States, exposing shortcomings in the current healthcare delivery system. Although some interim efforts have been made to mitigate the spread of infection and maintain access to treatment for opioid use disorder, more permanent changes are needed to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. In this commentary, we describe the regulatory barriers to methadone maintenance treatment that disproportionately impact communities of color. We then discuss strategies supporting more equitable access to this proven treatment for opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Peterkin
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (AP, ZW); Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (AP, ZW); Network for Public Health Law, Los Angeles, CA (CSD)
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21
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Lane S, Moreland A, Khan S, Hartwell K, Haynes L, Brady K. Disparities in years of potential life lost to Drug-involved overdose deaths in South Carolina. Addict Behav 2022; 126:107181. [PMID: 34864477 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107181] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION South Carolina has experienced a surge in fatal overdoses, primarily fueled by opioid-involved overdose deaths. This work aims to quantify the burden of premature mortality due to fatal opioid-involved overdoses in South Carolina while documenting the contribution of synthetic opioids to excess mortality, examining substance specific geographic and demographic patterns of mortality burden, and measuring the effect of fatal opioid and synthetic opioid-involved overdoses on average lifespan. METHODS We obtained death certificates for fatalities involving opioids, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and psychostimulants (N = 3,726) in South Carolina from 2014 to 2018. Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) was used to examine gender, racial, and geographic disparities in mortality burden. We assessed the contribution of synthetic opioid poisoning to the overall opioid mortality burden over time and calculated the effect of fatal opioid and synthetic opioid-involved overdoses on average lifespan. RESULTS From 2014 to 2018, opioid-involved overdose deaths resulted in 124,451 YPLL. The average age of fatal male and female opioid-involved overdoses decreased 2.8 and 3.9 years, respectively. Synthetic opioids increasingly contributed to opioid YPLL, accounting for 22% in 2014 to 64% in 2018. Mortality burden was not shared equally between races, sexes, or rural/urban counties. The largest change occurred in black male synthetic opioid-involved deaths (2234%). Rural counties comprised 44-48% of the population adjusted YPLL despite containing 34% of the population. CONCLUSION Opioid-involved overdoses account for a critical cause of mortality in South Carolina, demonstrate significant impact on YPLL and highlight mortality burden disparities in gender, race, and rural/urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Lane
- Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Angela Moreland
- Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Sazid Khan
- South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, 1801 Main St., 4(th) Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA; RTI International, Community Health Research Division, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Karen Hartwell
- Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Louise Haynes
- Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Kathleen Brady
- Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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22
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Priest KC, King CA, Englander H, Lovejoy TI, McCarty D. Differences in the delivery of medications for opioid use disorder during hospitalization by racial categories: A retrospective cohort analysis. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1251-1259. [PMID: 35670778 PMCID: PMC10292919 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2074601] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: As the drug-related overdose crisis and COVID-19 pandemic continue, communities need increased access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) (i.e., buprenorphine and methadone). Disparities in the type of MOUD prescribed or administered by racial and ethnic categories are well described in the outpatient clinical environment. It is unknown, however, if these disparities persist when MOUD is provided in acute care hospitals. Methods: This study assessed differences in the delivery of buprenorphine versus methadone during acute medical or surgical hospitalizations for veterans with opioid use disorder (OUD) by racial categories (Black Non-Hispanic or Latino vs. White Non-Hispanic or Latino). Data were obtained retrospectively from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for federal fiscal year 2017. We built logistic regression models, adjusted for individual and hospital-related covariates, and calculated the predicted probabilities of MOUD delivery by racial categories. Results: The study cohort (n = 1,313 unique patients; N = 107 VHA hospitals) had a mean age of 57 (range 23 to 87 years), was predominantly male (96%), and composed entirely of Black (29%) or White (71%) patients. White patients were 11% more likely than Black patients to receive buprenorphine than methadone during hospitalization (p = 0.010; 95% CI: 2.7%, 20.0%). Among patients on MOUD prior to hospitalization, White patients were 21% more likely than Black patients to receive buprenorphine (p = 0.000; 95% CI: 9.8%, 31.5%). Among patients newly initiated on MOUD during hospitalization, there were no differences by racial categories. Conclusion: We observed disparities in the delivery of buprenorphine versus methadone during hospitalization by racial categories. The observed differences in hospital-based MOUD delivery may be influenced by MOUD received prior to hospitalization within the racialized outpatient addiction treatment system. The VHA and health systems more broadly must address all aspects of racism that contribute to inequitable MOUD access throughout all clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C. Priest
- MD/PhD Program, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Caroline A. King
- MD/PhD Program, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
| | - Honora Englander
- Division of Hospital Medicine & Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
| | - Travis I. Lovejoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
| | - Dennis McCarty
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A
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Hochheimer M, Unick GJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of retention in treatment using medications for opioid use disorder by medication, race/ethnicity, and gender in the United States. Addict Behav 2022; 124:107113. [PMID: 34543869 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is mounting evidence that opioid use disorder is experienced differently by people of different genders and race/ethnicity groups. Similarly, in the US access to specific medications for opioid use is limited by gender and race/ethnicity. This study aims to evaluate if gender or race/ethnicity is associated with different rates of treatment retention in the US, for each of three medications used to treat opioid use disorder. METHODS A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, CINHAL, and PsychINFO, databases. All studies that provided a ratio of those retained in treatment at a specified time in terms of gender and/or race/ethnicity and medication were included. Variables were created to assess the effects of time in treatment, recruited sample, required attendance at concurrent psychosocial treatment, and adherence to strict rules of conduct for continuation in treatment on retention. Meta-analytical and meta-regression methods were used to compare studies on the ratio of those who completed a specific time in treatment by race/ethnicity group and by gender. RESULTS Nineteen articles that provided the outcome variable of interest were found (11 buprenorphine, six methadone, and two naltrexone). Meta-analyses found that treatment retention was similar for all gender and racial/ethnic groups for all three medications. Meta-regression found that those of the African American group who were recruited into buprenorphine treatment were retained significantly longer than African Americans in buprenorphine treatment who were studied retrospectively. Also, both genders had significantly lower retention in methadone treatment when there was the additional requirement of psychosocial therapy.
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Ching JH, Owens DK, Trafton JA, Goldhaber-Fiebert JD, Salomon JA. Impact of treatment duration on mortality among Veterans with opioid use disorder in the United States Veterans Health Administration. Addiction 2021; 116:3494-3503. [PMID: 33999485 PMCID: PMC8578188 DOI: 10.1111/add.15574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS While long-term medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using methadone or buprenorphine is associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), periods of initiating or discontinuing treatment are associated with higher mortality risks relative to stable treatment. This study aimed to identify the OUD treatment durations necessary for the elevated mortality risks during treatment transitions to be balanced by reductions in mortality while receiving treatment. DESIGN Simulation model based on a compartmental model of OUD diagnosis, MAT receipt and all-cause mortality among Veterans with OUD in the United States Veterans Health Administration (VA) in 2017-2018. We simulated methadone and buprenorphine treatments of varying durations using parameters obtained through calibration and published meta-analyses of studies from North America, Europe and Australia. SETTING United States. PARTICIPANTS Simulated cohorts of 10 000 individuals with OUD. MEASUREMENTS All-cause mortality over 12 months. FINDINGS Receiving methadone for 4 months or longer or buprenorphine for 2 months or longer resulted in 54 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5-90] and 65 (95% CI = 21-89) fewer deaths relative to not receiving MAT for the same duration, using VA-specific mortality rates. We estimated shorter treatment durations necessary to achieve net mortality benefits of 2 months or longer for methadone and 1 month or longer for buprenorphine, using non-VA population literature estimates. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that necessary treatment durations increased more with smaller mortality reductions on treatment than with larger relative risks during treatment transitions. CONCLUSIONS Short periods (< 6 months) of treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine are likely to yield net mortality benefits for people with opioid use disorder relative to receiving no medications, despite periods of elevated all-cause mortality risk during transitions into and out of treatment. Retaining people with opioid use disorder in treatment longer can increase these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H. Ching
- Center for Health Policy and Center for Primary Care & Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA,Program Evaluation and Resource Center, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Douglas K. Owens
- Center for Health Policy and Center for Primary Care & Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA,VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jodie A. Trafton
- Program Evaluation and Resource Center, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Jeremy D. Goldhaber-Fiebert
- Center for Health Policy and Center for Primary Care & Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Joshua A. Salomon
- Center for Health Policy and Center for Primary Care & Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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The intersection of race and opioid use disorder treatment: A quantitative analysis. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 131:108589. [PMID: 34426022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Racial health inequities exist in the United States. Racial minorities and whites have different health care experiences and health outcomes. Past studies examined this relationship for health care treatment, but additional research on whether and how race affects treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is needed. Based on systematic racism theory, this study examines the relationship between race and OUD treatment in three ways, representing three different phases in the treatment process: referral source for treatment, whether the treatment plan includes medications for OUD (MOUD), and reason for discharge. METHODS This study examines the relationship between race and treatment for OUD. The study uses data from the 2013 and 2017 Treatment Episode Data Set Discharges (TEDS-D) dataset to run logistical and multinomial regression models. RESULTS This study found that a relationship between race and treatment for OUD exists in all three areas that we examined. Specifically, this study found that being a minority was associated with a decreased likelihood of being referred to treatment by a medical professional, a decreased likelihood of having MOUD as part of the treatment plan (although the opposite was true in 2013), and a decreased likelihood of leaving treatment because the treatment episode was complete. CONCLUSION Policymakers should use these findings to develop policy interventions for OUD that recognize the systematic racism that exists rather than our current colorblind policies.
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Vearrier D, Grundmann O. Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Abuse Potential of Opioids. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S70-S88. [PMID: 34396552 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Opioids were the most common drug class resulting in overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. Widespread clinical use of prescription opioids for moderate to severe pain contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic with the subsequent emergence of fentanyl-laced heroin. More potent analogues of fentanyl and structurally diverse opioid receptor agonists such as AH-7921 and MT-45 are fueling an increasingly diverse illicit opioid supply. Overdose from synthetic opioids with high binding affinities may not respond to a typical naloxone dose, thereby rendering autoinjectors less effective, requiring higher antagonist doses or resulting in a confusing clinical picture for health care providers. Nonscheduled opioid drugs such as loperamide and dextromethorphan are associated with dependence and risk of overdose as easier access makes them attractive to opioid users. Despite a common opioid-mediated pathway, several opioids present with unique pharmacodynamic properties leading to acute toxicity and dependence development. Pharmacokinetic considerations involve half-life of the parent opioid and its metabolites as well as resulting toxicity, as is established for tramadol, codeine, and oxycodone. Pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicities, and treatment approaches for notable opioids are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Vearrier
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 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: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [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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The association of opioid use disorder and homelessness nationally in the veterans health administration. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 223:108714. [PMID: 33865213 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108714] [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: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major risk factor for homelessness, but the specific association of opioid use disorder (OUD) and homelessness in the context of their shared risk factors has not been the focus of prior studies. We used national data from the United States Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to examine the association of OUD and homelessness in the context of shared risk factors. METHODS In this cross-sectional analysis of veterans who received VHA care during Fiscal Year 2012 (N = 5,450,078), we compared the prevalence of OUD and other sociodemographic, and clinical factors among homeless and non-homeless veterans. We estimated the odds ratio for homelessness associated with OUD alone, and after adjusting for other factors through multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Homeless veterans had substantially higher prevalence of OUD than other VHA patients (7.7 % Vs 0.6 %) and OUD was associated with 13 times higher unadjusted odds of homelessness (Odds Ratio [OR] 13.36, 95 % CI 13.09-13.62), which decreased with adjustment for sociodemographic factors (black race, mean income and age), other SUD, medical, and psychiatric diagnoses (final OR 1.57, 95 % CI 1.53-1.61). Other SUDs (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and hallucinogens) showed similar or slightly higher odds of homelessness as OUD in the final model. CONCLUSIONS OUD was strongly associated with homelessness among US veterans although this association was largely but not entirely attenuated by shared sociodemographic and co-morbid risk factors including several other SUDs. Treatment of homeless veterans with OUD should address socio-economic vulnerabilities and other co-morbidities in addition to treatments for OUD.
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Tsui JI, Akosile MA, Lapham GT, Boudreau DM, Johnson EA, Bobb JF, Binswanger IA, Yarborough BJH, Glass JE, Rossom RC, Murphy MT, Cunningham CO, Arnsten JH, Thakral M, Saxon AJ, Merrill JO, Samet JH, Bart GB, Campbell CI, Loree AM, Silva A, Stotts AL, Ahmedani B, Braciszewski JM, Hechter RC, Northrup TF, Horigian VE, Bradley KA. Prevalence and Medication Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Among Primary Care Patients with Hepatitis C and HIV. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:930-937. [PMID: 33569735 PMCID: PMC8041979 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C and HIV are associated with opioid use disorders (OUD) and injection drug use. Medications for OUD can prevent the spread of HCV and HIV. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of documented OUD, as well as receipt of office-based medication treatment, among primary care patients with HCV or HIV. DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort study using electronic health record and insurance data. PARTICIPANTS Adults ≥ 18 years with ≥ 2 visits to primary care during the study (2014-2016) at 6 healthcare systems across five states (CO, CA, OR, WA, and MN). MAIN MEASURES The primary outcome was the diagnosis of OUD; the secondary outcome was OUD treatment with buprenorphine or oral/injectable naltrexone. Prevalence of OUD and OUD treatment was calculated across four groups: HCV only; HIV only; HCV and HIV; and neither HCV nor HIV. In addition, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of OUD treatment associated with HCV and HIV (separately) were estimated, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and site. KEY RESULTS The sample included 1,368,604 persons, of whom 10,042 had HCV, 5821 HIV, and 422 both. The prevalence of diagnosed OUD varied across groups: 11.9% (95% CI: 11.3%, 12.5%) for those with HCV; 1.6% (1.3%, 2.0%) for those with HIV; 8.8% (6.2%, 11.9%) for those with both; and 0.92% (0.91%, 0.94%) among those with neither. Among those with diagnosed OUD, the prevalence of OUD medication treatment was 20.9%, 16.0%, 10.8%, and 22.3%, for those with HCV, HIV, both, and neither, respectively. HCV was not associated with OUD treatment (AOR = 1.03; 0.88, 1.21), whereas patients with HIV had a lower probability of OUD treatment (AOR = 0.43; 0.26, 0.72). CONCLUSIONS Among patients receiving primary care, those diagnosed with HCV and HIV were more likely to have documented OUD than those without. Patients with HIV were less likely to have documented medication treatment for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith I Tsui
- University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Mary A Akosile
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, STE 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101 (206) 948-1933, USA
| | - Gwen T Lapham
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, STE 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101 (206) 948-1933, USA
| | - Denise M Boudreau
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, STE 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101 (206) 948-1933, USA
| | - Eric A Johnson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, STE 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101 (206) 948-1933, USA
| | - Jennifer F Bobb
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, STE 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101 (206) 948-1933, USA
| | - Ingrid A Binswanger
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Colorado Permanente Medical Group, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | | | - Joseph E Glass
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, STE 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101 (206) 948-1933, USA
| | - Rebecca C Rossom
- HealthPartners Institute, University of Minnesota, Bloomington, USA
| | - Mark T Murphy
- MultiCare Institute for Research and Innovation, MultiCare Health System WA, Seattle, USA
| | - Chinazo O Cunningham
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City, USA
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City, USA
| | - Manu Thakral
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA
| | - Andrew J Saxon
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System/University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA
| | - Joseph O Merrill
- University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Gavin B Bart
- Hennepin Healthcare, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Cynthia I Campbell
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Amy M Loree
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
| | - Angela Silva
- MultiCare Institute for Research and Innovation, MultiCare Health System WA, Seattle, USA
| | - Angela L Stotts
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, USA
| | - Brian Ahmedani
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
| | - Jordan M Braciszewski
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
| | - Rulin C Hechter
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Thomas F Northrup
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, USA
| | - Viviana E Horigian
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Katharine A Bradley
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, STE 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101 (206) 948-1933, USA.
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Joudrey PJ, Bart G, Brooner RK, Brown L, Dickson-Gomez J, Gordon A, Kawasaki SS, Liebschutz JM, Nunes E, McCarty D, Schwartz RP, Szapocnik J, Trivedi M, Tsui JI, Williams A, Wu LT, Fiellin DA. Research priorities for expanding access to methadone treatment for opioid use disorder in the United States: A National Institute on Drug Abuse Center for Clinical Trials Network Task Force report. Subst Abus 2021; 42:245-254. [PMID: 34606426 PMCID: PMC8790761 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1975344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the US, methadone treatment can only be provided to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) through federal and state-regulated opioid treatment programs (OTPs). There is a shortage of OTPs, and racial and geographic inequities exist in access to methadone treatment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse Center for Clinical Trials Network convened the Methadone Access Research Task Force to develop a research agenda to expand and create more equitable access to methadone treatment for OUD. This research agenda included mechanisms that are available within and outside the current regulations. The task force identified 6 areas where research is needed: (1) access to methadone in general medical and other outpatient settings; (2) the impact of methadone treatment setting on patient outcomes; (3) impact of treatment structure on outcomes in patients receiving methadone; (4) comparative effectiveness of different medications to treat OUD; (5) optimal educational and support structure for provision of methadone by medical providers; and (6) benefits and harms of expanded methadone access. In addition to outlining these research priorities, the task force identified important cross-cutting issues, including the impact of patient characteristics, treatment, and treatment system characteristics such as methadone formulation and dose, concurrent behavioral treatment, frequency of dispensing, urine or oral fluid testing, and methods of measuring clinical outcomes. Together, the research priorities and cross-cutting issues represent a compelling research agenda to expand access to methadone in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Joudrey
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gavin Bart
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Robert K. Brooner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lawrence Brown
- START Treatment and Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Julie Dickson-Gomez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Adam Gordon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sarah S. Kawasaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jane M. Liebschutz
- Center for Research on Health Care, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dennis McCarty
- Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - José Szapocnik
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Madhukar Trivedi
- Division of Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Judith I. Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Arthur Williams
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Li-Tzy Wu
- Department of Medicine and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David A. Fiellin
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Lin LA, Bohnert ASB, Blow FC, Gordon AJ, Ignacio RV, Kim HM, Ilgen MA. Polysubstance use and association with opioid use disorder treatment in the US Veterans Health Administration. Addiction 2021; 116:96-104. [PMID: 32428386 DOI: 10.1111/add.15116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To understand the role of comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs), or polysubstance use, in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), this study compared patients with OUD only to those with additional SUDs and examined association with OUD treatment receipt. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective national cohort study of Veterans diagnosed with OUD (n = 65 741) receiving care from the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in fiscal year (FY) 2017. MEASUREMENTS Patient characteristics were compared among those diagnosed with OUD only versus those with one other SUD (OUD + 1 SUD) and with multiple SUDs (OUD + ≥ 2 SUDs). The study examined the relationship between comorbid SUDs and receipt of buprenorphine, methadone and SUD outpatient treatment during 1-year follow-up, adjusting for patient demographic characteristics and clinical conditions. FINDINGS Among the 65 741 Veterans with OUD in FY 2017, 41.2% had OUD only, 22.9% had OUD + 1 SUD and 35.9% had OUD + ≥ 2 SUDs. Common comorbid SUDs included alcohol use disorder (41.3%), cocaine/stimulant use disorder (30.0%) and cannabis use disorder (22.4%). Adjusting for patient characteristics, patients with OUD + 1 SUD [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.82-0.93] and patients with OUD +≥ 2 SUDs (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.61-0.69) had lower odds of receiving buprenorphine compared with OUD only patients. There were also lower odds of receiving methadone for patients with OUD + 1 SUD (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86-0.97)and for those with OUD + ≥2 SUDs (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.74-0.84). Patients with OUD + 1 SUD (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.77-1.93) and patients with OUD + ≥2 SUDs (aOR = 3.25, 95% CI = 3.103.41) were much more likely to have a SUD clinic visit. CONCLUSIONS The majority of Veterans in the US Veterans Health Administration diagnosed with opioid use disorder appeared to have at least one comorbid substance use disorder and many have multiple substance use disorders. Despite the higher likelihood of a substance use disorder clinic visit, having a non-opioid substance use disorder is associated with lower likelihood of buprenorphine treatment, suggesting the importance of addressing polysubstance use within efforts to expand treatment for opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewei A Lin
- Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Frederic C Blow
- Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rosalinda V Ignacio
- Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - H Myra Kim
- Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research (CSCAR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mark A Ilgen
- Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Empowering Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners to Expand Treatment Opportunities for Veterans With Opioid Use Disorder. J Addict Nurs 2020; 31:261-268. [PMID: 33264198 DOI: 10.1097/jan.0000000000000366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few veterans with opioid use disorder receive effective treatment despite the Veterans Health Administration's efforts to expand treatment by offering buprenorphine, a medication to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD). An insufficient prescribing workforce contributes to the underutilization of buprenorphine; however, nurse practitioners (NPs) can now obtain a waiver to prescribe this medication. This quality improvement project aimed to expand the prescribing workforce by educating psychiatric mental health NPs (PMHNPs) working in an emergency setting at a Veterans Affairs Health Care System about free MOUD training and empowering them to utilize buprenorphine treatment. METHODS Eleven PMHNPs were asked for their perception of prescribing buprenorphine. They were asked if they had an MOUD waiver and/or were aware of the free waiver training. The PMHNPs were educated on the importance and process of obtaining the DEA-X waiver, and then a post-intervention discussion was completed to determine if they completed the waiver training. RESULTS At baseline, all 11 PMHNPs believed offering MOUD was important, but only three had the waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. After the education, three additional PMHNPs obtained the waiver and 10 planned to have the waiver in the next year. The department is planning to trial offering buprenorphine treatment, and PMHNPs at this facility are privileged to prescribe buprenorphine. In addition, five new PMHNP residents started or completed the training. CONCLUSIONS This project shows the potential to increase veteran access to MOUD by emphasizing education and empowering PMHNPs to initiate treatment. Providing education regarding the importance of buprenorphine treatment in the emergency setting and delivering information about the free waiver training facilitated workforce preparedness.
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Essien UR, Sileanu FE, Zhao X, Liebschutz JM, Thorpe CT, Good CB, Mor MK, Radomski TR, Hausmann LRM, Fine MJ, Gellad WF. Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Medical Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders Within the VA Healthcare System Following Non-Fatal Opioid Overdose. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:1537-1544. [PMID: 31965528 PMCID: PMC7210353 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-05645-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After non-fatal opioid overdoses, opioid prescribing patterns are often unchanged and the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) remains low. Whether such prescribing differs by race/ethnicity remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the association of race/ethnicity with the prescribing of opioids and MOUDs after a non-fatal opioid overdose. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Patients prescribed ≥ 1 opioid from July 1, 2010, to September 30, 2015, with a non-fatal opioid overdose in the Veterans Health Administration (VA). MAIN MEASURES Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients prescribed: (1) any opioid during the 30 days before and after overdose and (2) MOUDs within 30 days after overdose by race and ethnicity. We conducted difference-in-difference analyses using multivariable regression to assess whether the change in opioid prescribing from before to after overdose differed by race/ethnicity. We also used multivariable regression to test whether MOUD prescribing after overdose differed by race/ethnicity. KEY RESULTS Among 16,210 patients with a non-fatal opioid overdose (81.2% were white, 14.3% black, and 4.5% Hispanic), 10,745 (66.3%) patients received an opioid prescription (67.1% white, 61.7% black, and 65.9% Hispanic; p < 0.01) before overdose. After overdose, the frequency of receiving opioids was reduced by 18.3, 16.4, and 20.6 percentage points in whites, blacks, and Hispanics, respectively, with no significant difference-in-difference in opioid prescribing by race/ethnicity (p = 0.23). After overdose, 526 (3.2%) patients received MOUDs (2.9% white, 4.6% black, and 5.5% Hispanic; p < 0.01). Blacks (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.6; 95% CI 1.2, 1.9) and Hispanics (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2, 2.6) had significantly larger odds of receiving MOUDs than white patients. CONCLUSIONS In a national cohort of patients with non-fatal opioid overdose in VA, there were no racial/ethnic differences in changes in opioid prescribing after overdose. Although blacks and Hispanics were more likely than white patients to receive MOUDs in the 30 days after overdose, less than 4% of all groups received such therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utibe R Essien
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Florentina E Sileanu
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xinhua Zhao
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jane M Liebschutz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chester B Good
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Centers for Value-Based Pharmacy Initiatives and High-Value Health Care, UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maria K Mor
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas R Radomski
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leslie R M Hausmann
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Fine
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walid F Gellad
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Riblet NB, Gottlieb DJ, Shiner B, Cornelius SL, Watts BV. Associations between Medication Assisted Therapy Services Delivery and Mortality in a National Cohort of Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder. J Dual Diagn 2020; 16:228-238. [PMID: 31852392 PMCID: PMC7192001 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2019.1701218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a notable concern in the United States (US) and strongly associated with mortality. There is a high prevalence of OUD in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the mortality associated with OUD may be exacerbated in patients with PTSD. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD has become standard of care for OUD and has been shown to reduce mortality. However, there has been little study of MAT and mortality in patients with PTSD and OUD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in U.S. veterans who had newly engaged in PTSD treatment, were diagnosed with OUD and were provided MAT for at least one day between 2004 and 2013. We assessed mortality for one year following the index diagnosis date. We calculated all-cause mortality as well as death by external cause, overdose plus suicide, overdose, and suicide rates per 100,000. We used hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare death rates between patients with high versus low adherence to MAT. We evaluated the impact of high versus low exposure to general substance abuse care. We considered a confidence interval that did not cross one to be significant. Results: A total of 5,901 patients met inclusion criteria. Most patients were men and the average age was 43.3 years (SD = 13.8). The all-cause mortality rate was 1,370 per 100,000 patients. High adherence to MAT resulted in a non-significant, decreased risk for death due to all-cause (HR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.47, 1.13]), external cause (HR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.38, 1.35]), and overdose or suicide (HR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.33, 1.35]). Patients with high exposure (≥ 60 days) to general substance abuse care were significantly less likely to die due to external cause (HR = 0.39, 95% CI [0.18, 0.85]) and overdose or suicide (HR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.12, 0.77]). Conclusions: In patients with PTSD and OUD, improved adherence to MAT and greater exposure to general substance abuse care may result in lower mortality. Studies with longer follow-up and larger sample sizes to assess the impact of MAT on suicide are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie B Riblet
- Department of Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.,Department of Mental Health, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Daniel J Gottlieb
- Department of Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA.,Department of Mental Health, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Brian Shiner
- Department of Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA.,Department of Mental Health, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Department of Mental Health, National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, USA
| | - Sarah L Cornelius
- Department of Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA
| | - Bradley V Watts
- Department of Mental Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.,Department of Systems Redesign and Improvement, VA Office of Systems Redesign and Improvement, White River Junction, VT, USA
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35
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Goedel WC, Shapiro A, Cerdá M, Tsai JW, Hadland SE, Marshall BDL. Association of Racial/Ethnic Segregation With Treatment Capacity for Opioid Use Disorder in Counties in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e203711. [PMID: 32320038 PMCID: PMC7177200 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.3711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Treatment with methadone or buprenorphine is the current standard of care for opioid use disorder. Given the paucity of research identifying which patients will respond best to which medication, both medications should be accessible to all patients so that patients can determine which works best for them. However, given differences in the historical contexts of their initial implementation, access to each of these medications may vary along racial/ethnic lines. OBJECTIVE To examine the extent to which capacity to provide methadone and buprenorphine vary with measures of racial/ethnic segregation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study included all counties and county-equivalent divisions in the US in 2016. Data on racial/ethnic population distribution were derived from the American Community Survey, and data on locations of facilities providing methadone and buprenorphine were obtained from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration databases. Data were analyzed from August 22, 2018, to September 11, 2019. EXPOSURES Two county-level measures of racial/ethnic segregation, including dissimilarity (representing the proportion of African American or Hispanic/Latino residents who would need to move census tracts to achieve a uniform spatial distribution of the population by race/ethnicity) and interaction (representing the probability that an African American or Hispanic/Latino resident will interact with a white resident and vice versa, assuming random mixing across census tracts). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES County-level capacity to provide methadone or buprenorphine, defined as the number of facilities providing a medication per 100 000 population. RESULTS Among 3142 US counties, there were 1698 facilities providing methadone (0.6 facilities per 100 000 population) and 18 868 facilities providing buprenorphine (5.9 facilities per 100 000 population). Each 1% decrease in probability of interaction of an African American resident with a white resident was associated with 0.6 more facilities providing methadone per 100 000 population. Similarly, each 1% decrease in probability of interaction of a Hispanic/Latino resident with a white resident was associated with 0.3 more facilities providing methadone per 100 000 population. Each 1% decrease in the probability of interaction of a white resident with an African American resident was associated with 8.17 more facilities providing buprenorphine per 100 000 population. Similarly, each 1% decrease in the probability of interaction of a white resident with a Hispanic/Latino resident was associated with 1.61 more facilities providing buprenorphine per 100 000 population. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that the racial/ethnic composition of a community was associated with which medications residents would likely be able to access when seeking treatment for opioid use disorder. Reforms to existing regulations governing the provisions of these medications are needed to ensure that both medications are equally accessible to all.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C. Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Aaron Shapiro
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Jennifer W. Tsai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Scott E. Hadland
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brandon D. L. Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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36
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Lapham G, Boudreau DM, Johnson EA, Bobb JF, Matthews AG, McCormack J, Liu D, Samet JH, Saxon AJ, Campbell CI, Glass JE, Rossom RC, Murphy MT, Binswanger IA, Yarborough BJH, Bradley KA, Ahmedani B, Amoroso PJ, Arnsten JH, Bart G, Braciszewski JM, Cunningham CO, Hechter RC, Horigian VE, Liebschutz JM, Loree AM, Matson TE, McNeely J, Merrill JO, Northrup TF, Schwartz RP, Stotts AL, Szapocznik J, Thakral M, Tsui JI, Zare M. Prevalence and treatment of opioid use disorders among primary care patients in six health systems. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 207:107732. [PMID: 31835068 PMCID: PMC7158756 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The U.S. experienced nearly 48,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2017. Treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) with buprenorphine is a recommended part of primary care, yet little is known about current U.S. practices in this setting. This observational study reports the prevalence of documented OUD and OUD treatment with buprenorphine among primary care patients in six large health systems. METHODS Adults with ≥2 primary care visits during a three-year period (10/1/2013-9/30/2016) in six health systems were included. Data were obtained from electronic health record and claims data, with measures, assessed over the three-year period, including indicators for documented OUD from ICD 9 and 10 codes and OUD treatment with buprenorphine. The prevalence of OUD treatment was adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and health system. RESULTS Among 1,368,604 primary care patients, 13,942 (1.0 %) had documented OUD, and among these, 21.0 % had OUD treatment with buprenorphine. For those with documented OUD, the adjusted prevalence of OUD treatment with buprenorphine varied across demographic and clinical subgroups. OUD treatment was lower among patients who were older, women, Black/African American and Hispanic (compared to white), non-commercially insured, and those with non-cancer pain, mental health disorders, greater comorbidity, and more opioid prescriptions, emergency department visits or hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS Among primary care patients in six health systems, one in five with an OUD were treated with buprenorphine, with disparities across demographic and clinical characteristics. Less buprenorphine treatment among those with greater acute care utilization highlights an opportunity for systems-level changes to increase OUD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen Lapham
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States; University of Washington, Department of Health Services, United States.
| | - Denise M Boudreau
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute.,University of Washington Department of Pharmacy
| | | | | | | | | | - David Liu
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Center for Clinical Trials Network
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Boston University & Boston Medical Center Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine
| | - Andrew J Saxon
- Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education.,University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | | | - Joseph E Glass
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute.,University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | | | - Mark T Murphy
- Multicare Health System MultiCare Tacoma Central Family Medicine
| | - Ingrid A Binswanger
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research.,Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Denver, Colorado
| | | | - Katharine A Bradley
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute.,University of Washington Department of Health Services.,University of Washington Department of Medicine
| | - Brian Ahmedani
- Henry Ford Health System Center for Health Policy & Health Services Research
| | - Paul J Amoroso
- Multicare Health System MultiCare Institute for Research and Innovation
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Montefiore Medical Center Department of Medicine.,Montefiore Medical Center Division of General Internal Medicine.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine
| | | | | | - Chinazo O Cunningham
- Montefiore Medical Center Department of Medicine.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine
| | - Rulin C Hechter
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research and Evaluation
| | - Viviana E Horigian
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences
| | - Jane M Liebschutz
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Research on Health Care
| | - Amy M Loree
- Henry Ford Health System Center for Health Policy & Health Services Research
| | | | - Jennifer McNeely
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health and Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation
| | | | - Thomas F Northrup
- McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Angela L Stotts
- McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - José Szapocznik
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences
| | - Manu Thakral
- University of Massachusetts Boston College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- University of Washington Division of General Internal Medicine
| | - Mohammad Zare
- McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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37
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Oesterle TS, Thusius NJ, Rummans TA, Gold MS. Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid-Use Disorder. Mayo Clin Proc 2019; 94:2072-2086. [PMID: 31543255 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The United States is in the midst of a national opioid epidemic. Physicians are encouraged both to prevent and treat opioid-use disorders (OUDs). Although there are 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved medications to treat OUD (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) and there is ample evidence of their efficacy, they are not used as often as they should. We provide a brief review of the 3 primary medications used in the treatment of OUD. Using data from available medical literature, we synthesize existing knowledge and provide a framework for how to determine the optimal approach for outpatient management of OUD with medication-assisted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S Oesterle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Nuria J Thusius
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Teresa A Rummans
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Mark S Gold
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, and National Council, Washington University in St. Louis, Institute for Public Health, St. Louis, MO
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38
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Bahji A, Cheng B, Gray S, Stuart H. Reduction in mortality risk with opioid agonist therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2019; 140:313-339. [PMID: 31419306 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid agonist therapies are effective medications that can greatly improve the quality of life of individuals with opioid use disorder. However, there is significant uncertainty about the risks of cause-specific mortality in and out of treatment. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the association between methadone and buprenorphine with cause-specific mortality among opioid-dependent persons. METHODS We searched six online databases to identify relevant cohort studies, calculating all-cause and overdose-specific mortality rates during periods in and out of treatment. We pooled mortality estimates using multivariate random effects meta-analysis of the crude mortality rate per 1000 person-years of follow-up as well as relative risks comparing mortality in vs. out of treatment. RESULTS A total of 32 cohort studies (representing 150 235 participants, 805 423.6 person-years, and 9112 deaths) met eligibility criteria. Crude mortality rates were substantially higher among methadone cohorts than buprenorphine cohorts. Relative risk reduction was substantially higher with methadone relative to buprenorphine when time in-treatment was compared to time out-of-treatment. Furthermore, the greatest mortality reduction was conferred during the first 4 weeks of treatment. Mortality estimates were substantially heterogeneous and varied significantly by country, region, and by the nature of the treatment provider. CONCLUSION Precautions are necessary for the safer implementation of opioid agonist therapy, including baseline assessments of opioid tolerance, ongoing monitoring during the induction period, education of patients about the risk of overdose, and coordination within healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bahji
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Substance Treatment and Recovery Team, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - B Cheng
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - S Gray
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - H Stuart
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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39
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Manhapra A, Stefanovics E, Rosenheck R. Initiating opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder nationally in the Veterans Health Administration: Who gets what? Subst Abus 2019; 41:110-120. [PMID: 31403914 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1640831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite substantial benefits associated with opioid agonist treatment (OAT) with buprenorphine and methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD), only a small proportion of patients with OUD initiate OAT. There is a lack of studies addressing the correlates of OAT initiation among patients with OUD. Methods: Using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) national administrative data, we identified veterans with OUD who started OAT with either buprenorphine or methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in fiscal year (FY) 2012 (first prescription of buprenorphine or first methadone clinic visit after the first 60 days of FY) and those who received no OAT that year. Multivariate logistic regression models including sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses, and service and psychotropic drug use variables were used to identify independent predictors of OAT initiation. Results: Greater age (10-year increments; odds ratio [OR]: 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0.9-0.97) and black race (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.38-0.55) were associated with lower odds of being started on buprenorphine compared with no OAT, but not with MMT initiation. Veterans with cocaine and anxiolytic-sedative hypnotic use disorders had higher odds of being started on both buprenorphine and methadone compared with no OAT. Receipt of any mental health inpatient treatment was associated with higher odds of being started on buprenorphine but not methadone. Overall, we were unable to identify a robust set of patient characteristics associated with initiation of OAT. Conclusion: This study points out the stark reality that in the middle of an opioid crisis, we have very little insight into which patients with OUD initiate OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Manhapra
- VA New England Mental Illness Research and Education Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Advanced PACT Pain Clinic, VA Hampton Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Elina Stefanovics
- VA New England Mental Illness Research and Education Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert Rosenheck
- VA New England Mental Illness Research and Education Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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40
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Wyse J, Robbins JL, McGinnis KA, Edelman EJ, Gordon AJ, Manhapra A, Fiellin DA, Moore BA, Korthuis PT, Gaither JR, Gordon K, Skanderson M, Barry DT, Crystal S, Justice A, Kraemer KL. Predictors of timely opioid agonist treatment initiation among veterans with and without HIV. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 198:70-75. [PMID: 30878769 PMCID: PMC6836871 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) is prevalent among people with HIV (PWH). Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is the most effective treatment for OUD and is associated with improved health outcomes, but is often not initiated. To inform clinical practice, we identified factors predictive of OAT initiation among patients with and without HIV. METHODS We identified 19,698 new clinical encounters of OUD between 2000 and 2012 in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), a national observational cohort of PWH and matched uninfected controls. Mixed effects models examined factors predictive of OAT initiation within 30-days of a new OUD clinical encounter. RESULTS 4.9% of both PWH and uninfected patients initiated OAT within 30 days of a new OUD clinical encounter. In adjusted models, participants with a psychiatric diagnosis (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.62), PWH (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.68-0.92), and rural residence (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.39-0.78) had a lower likelihood of any OAT initiation, while African-American patients (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.34-1.92), those with an alcohol related diagnosis (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.48-2.08), diagnosis year 2005-2008 relative to 2000-2004 (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.45), and patients with HCV (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.27-1.77) had a greater likelihood of initiating any OAT within 30 days. Predictive factors were similar in the total sample and PWH only models. CONCLUSIONS PWH were less likely to receive timely OAT initiation than demographically similar uninfected patients. Given the health benefits of such treatment, the low rate of OAT initiation warrants focused efforts in both PWH and uninfected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wyse
- VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA,School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Robbins
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | - E. Jennifer Edelman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St, Boardman 110, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Adam J. Gordon
- University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA,VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
| | - Ajay Manhapra
- Advanced PACT Pain Clinic, Hampton VA Medical Center, 100 Emancipation Dr, Hampton, VA 23667, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - David A. Fiellin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St, Boardman 110, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Brent A. Moore
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Julie R. Gaither
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kirsha Gordon
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St, Boardman 110, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Declan T. Barry
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA,APT Foundation, Pain Treatment Services, 1 Long Wharf Dr, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Amy Justice
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St, Boardman 110, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kevin L. Kraemer
- Center for Research on Health Care, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Montefiore Hospital, Suite 933W, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA,VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 4100 Allequippa St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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41
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Browne CA, Lucki I. Targeting opioid dysregulation in depression for the development of novel therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 201:51-76. [PMID: 31051197 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the serendipitous discovery of the first class of modern antidepressants in the 1950's, all pharmacotherapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for major depressive disorder (MDD) have shared a common mechanism of action, increased monoaminergic neurotransmission. Despite the widespread availability of antidepressants, as many as 50% of depressed patients are resistant to these conventional therapies. The significant length of time required to produce meaningful symptom relief with these medications, 4-6 weeks, indicates that other mechanisms are likely involved in the pathophysiology of depression which may yield more viable targets for drug development. For decades, no viable candidate target with a different mechanism of action to that of conventional therapies proved successful in clinical studies. Now several exciting avenues for drug development are under intense investigation. One of these emerging targets is modulation of endogenous opioid tone. This review will evaluate preclinical and clinical evidence pertaining to opioid dysregulation in depression, focusing on the role of the endogenous ligands endorphin, enkephalin, dynorphin, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and their respective receptors, mu (MOR), delta (DOR), kappa (KOR), and the N/OFQ receptor (NOP) in mediating behaviors relevant to depression and anxiety. Finally, putative opioid based antidepressants that are under investigation in clinical trials, ALKS5461, JNJ-67953964 (formerly LY2456302 and CERC-501) and BTRX-246040 (formerly LY-2940094) will be discussed. This review will illustrate the potential therapeutic value of targeting opioid dysregulation in developing novel therapies for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Browne
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America
| | - Irwin Lucki
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America.
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Ward HB, Barnett BS, Suzuki J. Rapid transition from methadone to buprenorphine using naltrexone-induced withdrawal: A case report. Subst Abus 2019; 40:140-145. [PMID: 30888254 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1573776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Patients taking methadone for opioid use disorder may desire transition to buprenorphine for a number of reasons. However, the current recommended approach for this transition generally takes weeks to months as an outpatient, causing considerable discomfort to the patient and a heightened risk of relapse during the transition period. Case: We describe the case of a patient on methadone maintenance who was rapidly transitioned to buprenorphine because of her desire to not return to her methadone clinic. In order to rapidly transition the patient from methadone to buprenorphine, naltrexone was administered to precipitate acute opioid withdrawal, which was followed soon after by buprenorphine induction. Discussion: Rapid transition from methadone maintenance to buprenorphine can be accomplished in inpatients by precipitating acute withdrawal with naltrexone, providing an effective alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the typical protracted methadone taper required prior to buprenorphine induction as an outpatient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Burrell Ward
- Psychiatry Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.,Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Brian S Barnett
- Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.,Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Partners Healthcare , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Joji Suzuki
- Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
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43
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Wyse JJ, Gordon AJ, Dobscha SK, Morasco BJ, Tiffany E, Drexler K, Sandbrink F, Lovejoy TI. Medications for opioid use disorder in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system: Historical perspective, lessons learned, and next steps. Subst Abus 2019; 39:139-144. [PMID: 29595375 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2018.1452327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the largest health care system in the US, has been confronted with the health care consequences of opioid disorder (OUD). Increasing access to quality OUD treatment, including pharmacotherapy, is a priority for the VA. We examine the history of medications (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, injectable naltrexone) used in the treatment of OUD within VA, document early and ongoing efforts to increase access and build capacity, primarily through the use of buprenorphine, and summarize research examining barriers and facilitators to prescribing and medication receipt. We find that there has been a slow but steady increase in the use of medications for OUD and, despite system-wide mandates and directives, uneven uptake across VA facilities and within patient sub-populations, including some of those most vulnerable. We conclude with recommendations intended to support the greater use of medication for OUD in the future, both within VA as well as other large health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam J Gordon
- b VA Salt Lake City Health Care System , Salt Lake City , Utah.,c University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah
| | - Steven K Dobscha
- a VA Portland Health Care System , Portland , OR.,d Oregon Health Science University , Portland , OR
| | - Benjamin J Morasco
- a VA Portland Health Care System , Portland , OR.,d Oregon Health Science University , Portland , OR
| | - Elizabeth Tiffany
- a VA Portland Health Care System , Portland , OR.,d Oregon Health Science University , Portland , OR
| | - Karen Drexler
- e Atlanta VA Medical Center , Decatur , GA.,f Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration , Washington DC.,g Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Friedhelm Sandbrink
- h VA Medical Center Washington DC.,i Specialty Care Services, Veterans Health Administration , Washington DC.,j George Washington University , Washington DC
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- a VA Portland Health Care System , Portland , OR.,d Oregon Health Science University , Portland , OR
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Meshberg-Cohen S, Black AC, DeViva JC, Petrakis IL, Rosen MI. Trauma treatment for veterans in buprenorphine maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder. Addict Behav 2019; 89:29-34. [PMID: 30243036 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid use disorder (OUD) rates are high among veterans. PTSD is also prevalent among veterans; those with comorbidity have worse outcomes than those without comorbidity. This study assessed buprenorphine retention rates in veterans initiating OUD treatment, comparing veterans without PTSD to veterans with PTSD who were receiving versus not receiving concurrent trauma treatment. METHODS This retrospective chart review examined consecutive referrals to buprenorphine maintenance (N = 140). PTSD diagnosis was identified by chart review and retention was defined as continuous buprenorphine maintenance 6-months post-admission. Logistic regression analyses compared buprenorphine retention for veterans without PTSD and PTSD-diagnosed veterans who received concurrent trauma treatment to a reference group of PTSD-diagnosed veterans who did not receive trauma treatment. Models adjusted for opioid type, age, and service-connected status. RESULTS Sixty-seven (47.9%) buprenorphine-seeking veterans carried a PTSD diagnosis; only 31.3% (n = 21) received trauma treatment while in buprenorphine maintenance, with 11.9% (n = 8) receiving evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD. Among PTSD-diagnosed veterans who received trauma treatment, 90.5% (n = 19/21) were in buprenorphine maintenance at 6-months, compared to 23.9% (n = 11/46) of PTSD-diagnosed veterans without trauma treatment, and 46.6% (n = 34/73) of veterans without PTSD. In the full model, veterans with trauma treatment had 43.36 times greater odds of remaining in buprenorphine treatment than the reference group. CONCLUSIONS Most PTSD-diagnosed veterans in buprenorphine treatment were not receiving trauma treatment. Those receiving concurrent trauma treatment had better retention, suggesting OUD and trauma can be simultaneously addressed. Future clinical trials should investigate trauma-focused treatment for veterans with comorbid PTSD who are seeking buprenorphine for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meshberg-Cohen
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Psychology Service/Department of Psychiatry, 116A, West Haven, CT 06516, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States.
| | - Anne C Black
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Psychology Service/Department of Psychiatry, 116A, West Haven, CT 06516, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States
| | - Jason C DeViva
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Psychology Service/Department of Psychiatry, 116A, West Haven, CT 06516, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States
| | - Ismene L Petrakis
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Psychology Service/Department of Psychiatry, 116A, West Haven, CT 06516, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States
| | - Marc I Rosen
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Psychology Service/Department of Psychiatry, 116A, West Haven, CT 06516, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States
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45
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Rhee TG, Rosenheck RA. Comparison of opioid use disorder among male veterans and non-veterans: Disorder rates, socio-demographics, co-morbidities, and quality of life. Am J Addict 2019; 28:92-100. [PMID: 30664282 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Amidst a surging national crisis of opioid use, concern has been expressed about its impact on veterans, but no study has presented a population-based comparison of opioid use disorder (OUD) among veterans and non-veterans. We analyzed national epidemiologic data to compare rates, correlates and impacts of the opioid crisis on male veterans and non-veterans. METHODS Restricted data from 2012 to 2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III) were used to compare veteran and non-veteran men on rates of OUD, as well as correlates of OUD including socio-demographic characteristics, psychiatric and substance use co-morbidities, and reductions in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). RESULTS About 2.0% of veterans and 2.7% of non-veterans, estimated at 418,000 and 2.5 million men, respectively, met criteria for life-time OUD. In both groups, OUD was associated with younger age, lower income levels, and fewer years of education. OUD was associated minority race among veterans, but with non-Hispanic white race among non-veterans. Both veteran and non-veteran adults with OUD were at least five times more likely than their peers to have both psychiatric and substance use co-morbidities (p < .001) and they experienced strongly reduced HRQOL scores (Cohen's d = -.50 to -.93). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Veterans and non-veterans experience similar risk of OUD, similar correlates and adverse HRQOL impacts suggesting that similar treatment approaches may be effective for both groups. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Our findings highlight comparable vulnerability of veterans to non-veterans in both the risk of OUD and adverse effects on HRQOL. (Am J Addict 2018;XX:1-9).
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert A Rosenheck
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC), West Haven, Connecticut.,Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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46
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Kelly MM, Reilly E, Quiñones T, Desai N, Rosenheck R. Long-acting intramuscular naltrexone for opioid use disorder: Utilization and association with multi-morbidity nationally in the Veterans Health Administration. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 183:111-117. [PMID: 29245103 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long acting intramuscular (IM) naltrexone is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), but rates and correlates of its use have not been studied. METHODS National administrative from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) from Fiscal Year 2012 identified only 16 VHA facilities that prescribed IM naltrexone to 5 or more veterans diagnosed with OUD. Data from these facilities were used to identify sociodemographic, diagnostic, and service use characteristics, including use of psychotropic medication, that were characteristic of veterans who filled prescriptions for IM naltrexone. This was in comparison to users of opiate agonist treatments (methadone or buprenorphine) or veterans with no pharmacologic treatment for OUD. Comparisons were made using both bi-variate analyses and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Only 179 of 16,402 veterans with OUD (1%) at these 16 facilities filled a prescription for IM naltrexone and only 256 of 99,394 (0.26%) nationally. These veterans were characterized by past homelessness, co-morbid alcohol use disorder, multiple psychiatric disorders, and a greater likelihood of psychiatric hospitalization, as well as mental health outpatient and antidepressant medication use. CONCLUSIONS IM naltrexone is rarely used for OUD and is primarily used for patients with multiple co-morbidities, especially alcohol use disorder and serious mental illness. The use of this treatment illustrates many of the principles identified by the emerging focus on multi-morbidity as a critical feature of clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Kelly
- VISN 1 VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, USA; Social and Community Reintegration Research Program, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA; Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA; University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
| | - Erin Reilly
- Social and Community Reintegration Research Program, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA; Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Timothy Quiñones
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Nitigna Desai
- VISN 1 VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, USA; Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA; University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Boston University School of Medicine,72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Robert Rosenheck
- VISN 1 VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale University School of Medicine,333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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47
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Manhapra A, Petrakis I, Rosenheck R. Three-year retention in buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder nationally in the Veterans Health Administration. Am J Addict 2017; 26:572-580. [DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Manhapra
- VA New England Mental Illness Research and Education Center; West Haven Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Internal Medicine; Yale Medical School; New Haven Connecticut
- VA Hampton Medical Center; Hampton Virginia
| | - Ismene Petrakis
- VA New England Mental Illness Research and Education Center; West Haven Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
| | - Robert Rosenheck
- VA New England Mental Illness Research and Education Center; West Haven Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
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48
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Sordo L, Barrio G, Bravo MJ, Indave BI, Degenhardt L, Wiessing L, Ferri M, Pastor-Barriuso R. Mortality risk during and after opioid substitution treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. BMJ 2017; 357:j1550. [PMID: 28446428 PMCID: PMC5421454 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 974] [Impact Index Per Article: 139.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective To compare the risk for all cause and overdose mortality in people with opioid dependence during and after substitution treatment with methadone or buprenorphine and to characterise trends in risk of mortality after initiation and cessation of treatment.Design Systematic review and meta-analysis.Data sources Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and LILACS to September 2016.Study selection Prospective or retrospective cohort studies in people with opioid dependence that reported deaths from all causes or overdose during follow-up periods in and out of opioid substitution treatment with methadone or buprenorphine.Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed study quality. Mortality rates in and out of treatment were jointly combined across methadone or buprenorphine cohorts by using multivariate random effects meta-analysis.Results There were 19 eligible cohorts, following 122 885 people treated with methadone over 1.3-13.9 years and 15 831 people treated with buprenorphine over 1.1-4.5 years. Pooled all cause mortality rates were 11.3 and 36.1 per 1000 person years in and out of methadone treatment (unadjusted out-to-in rate ratio 3.20, 95% confidence interval 2.65 to 3.86) and reduced to 4.3 and 9.5 in and out of buprenorphine treatment (2.20, 1.34 to 3.61). In pooled trend analysis, all cause mortality dropped sharply over the first four weeks of methadone treatment and decreased gradually two weeks after leaving treatment. All cause mortality remained stable during induction and remaining time on buprenorphine treatment. Overdose mortality evolved similarly, with pooled overdose mortality rates of 2.6 and 12.7 per 1000 person years in and out of methadone treatment (unadjusted out-to-in rate ratio 4.80, 2.90 to 7.96) and 1.4 and 4.6 in and out of buprenorphine treatment.Conclusions Retention in methadone and buprenorphine treatment is associated with substantial reductions in the risk for all cause and overdose mortality in people dependent on opioids. The induction phase onto methadone treatment and the time immediately after leaving treatment with both drugs are periods of particularly increased mortality risk, which should be dealt with by both public health and clinical strategies to mitigate such risk. These findings are potentially important, but further research must be conducted to properly account for potential confounding and selection bias in comparisons of mortality risk between opioid substitution treatments, as well as throughout periods in and out of each treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Sordo
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregorio Barrio
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Bravo
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - B Iciar Indave
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sidney, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lucas Wiessing
- Sector Best Practices, Knowledge Exchange and Economic Issues, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marica Ferri
- Sector Best Practices, Knowledge Exchange and Economic Issues, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roberto Pastor-Barriuso
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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