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Xiong F, Jetson J, Park C, Delcher C. Federal Impacts on Buprenorphine Prescribing in Washington State, 2012 to 2022. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:696-704. [PMID: 38696736 PMCID: PMC11153960 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate changes in monthly buprenorphine dispensation associated with federal prescribing policies in Washington State from 2012 to 2022. Methods. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis comparing monthly buprenorphine prescriptions dispensed per 1000 population after the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT), and new prescribing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Buprenorphine formulated for opioid use disorder was included from the Washington State Prescription Monitoring Program. A log-linear autoregressive model measured linear trend changes. Results. Physician prescribing increased by 1.63% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41%, 1.85%) per month after CARA with sustained declines after SUPPORT. Nurse practitioner (NP) prescribing increased by 19.48% (95% CI = 18.8%, 20.16%) per month after CARA with physician assistants (PAs) showing similar trends. Following the implementation of SUPPORT, NP and PA trends continued to increase at a reduced growth rate of 3.96% (95% CI = 2.01%, 5.94%) and 1.87% (95% CI = 0.56%, 3.19%), respectively. No prescribers experienced increases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions. CARA nearly tripled the buprenorphine prescribing rate. The SUPPORT Act initiated sustained declines for physician prescribing, and the COVID-19 period reversed gains for PAs and NPs. The current opioid crisis requires expanded efforts in Washington State. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(7):696-704. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307649).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xiong
- Fan Xiong and Jillian Jetson are with the Washington State Department of Health, Tumwater, Washington. Cheolwoo Park is with the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of South Korea. Chris Delcher is with the Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Jillian Jetson
- Fan Xiong and Jillian Jetson are with the Washington State Department of Health, Tumwater, Washington. Cheolwoo Park is with the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of South Korea. Chris Delcher is with the Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Cheolwoo Park
- Fan Xiong and Jillian Jetson are with the Washington State Department of Health, Tumwater, Washington. Cheolwoo Park is with the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of South Korea. Chris Delcher is with the Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Chris Delcher
- Fan Xiong and Jillian Jetson are with the Washington State Department of Health, Tumwater, Washington. Cheolwoo Park is with the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of South Korea. Chris Delcher is with the Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington
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McKendrick G, Stull SW, Sharma A, Dunn KE. Availability and Opportunities for Expansion of Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. Semin Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38876459 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to expand access to treatment for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). As neurologists may frequently encounter patients with chronic pain who have developed OUD, they are in a position to serve as advocates for treatment. Buprenorphine is the most scalable medication for OUD in the United States, yet expansion has plateaued in recent years despite growing treatment needs. Reluctance of providers to establish treatment with new patients, challenges with rural expansion, stigma related to buprenorphine-based care, and pharmacy pressures that incentivize low dispensing and inventories may have stalled expansion. This review introduces these challenges before outlining actionable and evidenced-based strategies that warrant investigation, including methods to improve patient access to care (remotely delivered care, mobile delivery programs, Bridge programs) and provider retention and confidence in prescribing (expert consults, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes, a telementoring model, hub-and-spoke services), as well as novel innovations (virtual reality, artificial intelligence, wearable technologies). Overall, fortifying existing delivery systems while developing new transformative models may be necessary to achieve more optimal levels of buprenorphine treatment expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer McKendrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Samuel W Stull
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | | | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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3
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Tillman AR, Bacon E, Bender B, McEwen D, Blum J, Hoag M, Scott KA, Everhart R, Hanratty R, Podewils LJ, Close C, Mills J, Davidson AJ. Using 42 CFR part 2 revisions to integrate substance use disorder treatment information into electronic health records at a safety net health system. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:48. [PMID: 38849888 PMCID: PMC11157711 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00477-3] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulations put in place to protect the privacy of individuals receiving substance use disorder (SUD) treatment have resulted in an unintended consequence of siloed SUD treatment and referral information outside of the integrated electronic health record (EHR). Recent revisions to these regulations have opened the door to data integration, which creates opportunities for enhanced patient care and more efficient workflows. We report on the experience of one safety-net hospital system integrating SUD treatment data into the EHR. METHODS SUD treatment and referral information was integrated from siloed systems into the EHR through the implementation of a referral order, treatment episode definition, and referral and episode-related tools for addiction therapists and other clinicians. Integration was evaluated by monitoring SUD treatment episode characteristics, patient characteristics, referral linkage, and treatment episode retention before and after integration. Satisfaction of end-users with the new tools was evaluated through a survey of addiction therapists. RESULTS After integration, three more SUD treatment programs were represented in the EHR. This increased the number of patients that could be tracked as initiating SUD treatment by 250%, from 562 before to 1,411 after integration. After integration, overall referral linkage declined (74% vs. 48%) and treatment episode retention at 90-days was higher (45% vs. 74%). Addiction therapists appreciated the efficiency of having all SUD treatment information in the EHR but did not find that the tools provided a large time savings shortly after integration. CONCLUSIONS Integration of SUD treatment program data into the EHR facilitated both care coordination in patient treatment and quality improvement initiatives for treatment programs. Referral linkage and retention rates were likely modified by a broader capture of patients and changed outcome definition criteria. Greater preparatory workflow analysis may decrease initial end-user burden. Integration of siloed data, made possible given revised regulations, is essential to an efficient hub-and-spoke model of care, which must standardize and coordinate patient care across multiple clinics and departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Tillman
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA.
| | - Emily Bacon
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Brooke Bender
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Dean McEwen
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Joshua Blum
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Matthew Hoag
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Kenneth A Scott
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Rachel Everhart
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Rebecca Hanratty
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Laura J Podewils
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Carolina Close
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - John Mills
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Arthur J Davidson
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
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4
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Weybright E, Phibbs S, Watters C, Myers A, Peavy M, Martin A. The Role of Cooperative Extension in Delivering Training and Technical Assistance to Support Evidence-Based Behavioral Health Practices in Rural Communities. Eval Health Prof 2024; 47:192-203. [PMID: 38790114 DOI: 10.1177/01632787241237515] [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] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to disproportionately affect those in rural, compared to urban, areas due to a variety of treatment and recovery barriers. One mechanism to increase capacity of rural-serving providers is through delivery of training and technical assistance (TTA) for evidence-based programs by leveraging the Cooperative Extension System. Guided by the Interactive Systems Framework, the current study evaluates TTA delivered by the Northwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Collabroative to opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery providers on short- (satisfaction, anticipated benefit), medium-, (behavioral intention to change current practice), and long-term goals (changes toward adoption of evidence-based practices). We also evaluated differences in short- and medium-term goals by intensity of TTA event and rurality of provider. Surveys of 351 providers who received TTA indicated high levels of satisfaction with TTA events attended, expressed strong agreement that they would benefit from the event, intended to make a professional practice change, and preparation toward implementing changes. Compared to urban-based providers, rural providers reported higher intention to use TTA information to change current practice. We conclude with a review of remaining gaps in the research to practice pipeline and recommendations for moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Weybright
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Extension Youth and Families Unit, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Sandi Phibbs
- Oregon State University Center for Health Innovation, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Cassandra Watters
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Allison Myers
- Extension Family and Community Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michelle Peavy
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University Spokane, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Abbey Martin
- Oregon State University Center for Health Innovation, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Cardamone NC, Stewart RE, Kampman KM, Marcus SC. Perspectives of substance use disorder counselors on the benefits and drawbacks of medications for opioid use disorder. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4331201. [PMID: 38746408 PMCID: PMC11092808 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4331201/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are among the best tools we have to combat the opioid epidemic. Yet, use of MOUD among people with opioid use disorder (OUD) remains low. Interventions to increase MOUD access in the United States have largely focused on improving organizational capacity and addressing funding barriers, yet stigma toward MOUD may inhibit uptake even where MOUD is readily available. Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment counselors likely have considerable influence on a client's choice to initiate and adhere to MOUD, but beliefs that counselors convey about MOUD in interaction with clients are understudied. The current study explores what advantages and disadvantages that SUD treatment counselors communicate about buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Methods From June to December 2021, we surveyed counselors from publicly-funded SUD treatment agencies under a municipality-wide mandate to offer MOUD to all clients with OUD. Counselors were asked to describe, in a free-response format, the most important advantages and disadvantages to communicate to their clients about taking buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Counselor responses were coded for one or more advantage and disadvantage. Results A total of 271 SUD counselors from 29 agencies completed the survey, generating 1,995 advantages and disadvantages across three types of MOUD. The most frequently reported advantage across all three types of MOUD was their ability to reduce cravings and illicit drug use. The most frequently reported disadvantage related to the potential for some types of MOUD to develop long-term medication dependence. Conclusions As the availability and variety of MOUD treatment options continue to expand, it is important that SUD counselors are equipped with evidence-based recommendations for OUD care. We identified misalignments with the MOUD-prescribing evidence base and stigmatizing language toward MOUD within counselors' responses, highlighting the potential to refine training materials for MOUD and mitigate stigmatizing beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven C Marcus
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice
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6
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D'Aunno T, Neighbors CJ. Innovation in the Delivery of Behavioral Health Services. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:507-525. [PMID: 37871139 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-071521-024027] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Several factors motivate the need for innovation to improve the delivery of behavioral health services, including increased rates of mental health and substance use disorders, limited access to services, inconsistent use of evidence-based practices, and persistent racial and ethnic disparities. This narrative review identifies promising innovations that address these challenges, assesses empirical evidence for the effectiveness of these innovations and the extent to which they have been adopted and implemented, and suggests next steps for research. We review five categories of innovations: organizational models, including a range of novel locations for providing services and new ways of organizing services within and across sites; information and communication technologies; workforce; treatment technologies; and policy and regulatory changes. We conclude by discussing the need to strengthen and accelerate the contributions of implementation science to close the gap between the launch of innovative behavioral health services and their widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D'Aunno
- Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University, New York, NY, USA;
| | - Charles J Neighbors
- Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Estrada MAG, Abraham AJ, Andrews CM, Grogan CM. Statewide efforts to address the opioid epidemic: Results from a national survey of single state agencies. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 160:209309. [PMID: 38336265 PMCID: PMC11060908 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209309] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single State Agencies (SSAs) are at the forefront of efforts to address the nation's opioid epidemic, responsible for allocating billions of dollars in federal, state, and local funds to ensure service quality, promote best practices, and expand access to care. Federal expenditures to SSAs have more than tripled since the early years of the epidemic, yet, it is unclear what initiatives SSAs have undertaken to address the crisis and how they are financing these efforts. METHODS This study used data from an internet-based survey of SSAs, conducted by the University of Chicago Survey Lab from January to December 2021 (response rate of 94 %). The survey included a set of 14 items identifying statewide efforts to address the opioid epidemic and six funding sources. We calculated the percentage of SSAs that supported each statewide effort and the percentage of SSAs reporting use of each source of funding across the 14 statewide efforts. RESULTS Treatment of opioid-related overdose figured most prominently among statewide efforts, with all SSAs providing funding for naloxone distribution and all but one SSA supporting naloxone training. Recovery support services, Project ECHO, and Hub and Spoke models were supported by the vast majority of SSAs. Statewide efforts related to expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) received somewhat less support, with 45 % of SSAs supporting mobile methadone/MOUD clinics/programs and 70 % supporting buprenorphine in emergency departments. A relatively low proportion of SSAs (54 %) provided support for syringe services programs. State Opioid Response (SOR) funds were the most common funding source reported by SSAs (57 % of SSAs), followed by block grant funds (19 %) and other state funding (15 %). CONCLUSION Results highlight a range of SSA efforts to address the nation's opioid epidemic. Limited adoption of efforts to expand access to MOUD and harm reduction services may represent missed opportunities. The uncertainty over reauthorization of the SOR grant post-2025 also raises concerns over sustainability of funding for many of these statewide initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Antonio G Estrada
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Amanda J Abraham
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Christina M Andrews
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Colleen M Grogan
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kriegel LS, Hampilos K, Weybright E, Weeks DL, Jett J, Hill L, Roll J, McDonell M. Addressing the Spectrum of Opioid Misuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery in Rural Washington State Communities: Provider Identified Barriers and Needs. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:600-607. [PMID: 38200378 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The opioid overdose epidemic has significantly impacted rural communities. Rural settings present unique challenges to addressing opioid misuse. The purpose of the current study was to understand the similarities and differences between rural and urban-based providers serving rural communities. Washington state-based opioid-related service providers who serve rural communities (N = 75) completed an online survey between July and September 2020. Chi-square tests of association were used to examine significant differences in proportions between rural providers and rural-serving urban providers across opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery training topics. Rural providers reported receiving significantly less opioid treatment and recovery training on the criminal legal system, workplace-based education on treatment and recovery, and co-occurring disorder treatment; and significantly higher prior opioid prevention training on the prevention programs for youth and accessing prevention funding. Differences between rural and rural-serving urban providers demonstrate ways in which rural-urban partnerships can be strengthened to enhance public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat S Kriegel
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Katherine Hampilos
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Weybright
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Douglas L Weeks
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Julianne Jett
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Laura Hill
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - John Roll
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Michael McDonell
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
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9
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Stewart MT, Daily SM, Thomas CP, Panas L, Ritter G, Reif S. Expanding access to medication treatment for opioid use disorders: Findings from the Washington State hub and spoke effort. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 256:111125. [PMID: 38368666 PMCID: PMC10922849 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111125] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a leading cause of preventable death and injury nationwide. Efforts to increase the use of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are needed. In 2017, Washington State implemented a Hub and Spoke (HS) model of care with the primary goal of expanding access to MOUD. We examined changes in MOUD utilization among Washington State Medicaid beneficiaries before and after HS implementation. METHODS We used Medicaid claims data to examine longitudinal changes in MOUD use for beneficiaries with OUD. We conducted a comparative interrupted time series analysis to examine the association between HS policy implementation and rates of MOUD utilization, overall and by type of medication. RESULTS Between 2016 and 2019, a period of increasing OUD prevalence, rates of MOUD utilization among Washington Medicaid beneficiaries increased overall from 39.7 to 50.5. Following HS implementation, rates of MOUD use grew at a significantly greater rate in the HS cohort than in the non-HS cohort (β=0.54, SE=0.02, p< 0.0001, 95% CI 0.49, 0.59). Analyses by medication type show that this rate increase was primarily due to buprenorphine use (β= 0.61, SE= 0.02, p< 0.0001, 95% CI 0.57, 0.65). CONCLUSION Improved systems of care are needed to make MOUD accessible to all patients in need. The Washington HS model is one strategy that may facilitate and expand MOUD use, particularly buprenorphine. Over the study period, Washington State saw increased use of buprenorphine, which was an emphasis of their HS model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen T Stewart
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 02453, USA.
| | - Shay M Daily
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Cindy Parks Thomas
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Lee Panas
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Grant Ritter
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Sharon Reif
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
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Isaacs AN, Mitchell EKL. Mental health integrated care models in primary care and factors that contribute to their effective implementation: a scoping review. Int J Ment Health Syst 2024; 18:5. [PMID: 38331913 PMCID: PMC10854062 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-024-00625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the state of Victoria, Australia, the 111-day lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the population's prevailing state of poor mental health. Of the 87% of Australians who visit their GP annually, 71% of health problems they discussed related to psychological issues. This review had two objectives: (1) To describe models of mental health integrated care within primary care settings that demonstrated improved mental health outcomes that were transferable to Australian settings, and (2) To outline the factors that contributed to the effective implementation of these models into routine practice. METHODS A scoping review was undertaken to synthesise the evidence in order to inform practice, policymaking, and research. Data were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL and APA PsycINFO. RESULTS Key elements of effective mental health integrated care models in primary care are: Co-location of mental health and substance abuse services in the primary care setting, presence of licensed mental health clinicians, a case management approach to patient care, ongoing depression monitoring for up to 24 months and other miscellaneous elements. Key factors that contributed to the effective implementation of mental health integrated care in routine practice are the willingness to accept and promote system change, integrated physical and mental clinical records, the presence of a care manager, adequate staff training, a healthy organisational culture, regular supervision and support, a standardised workflow plan and care pathways that included clear role boundaries and the use of outcome measures. The need to develop sustainable funding mechanisms has also been emphasized. CONCLUSION Integrated mental health care models typically have a co-located mental health clinician who works closely with the GP and the rest of the primary care team. Implementing mental health integrated care models in Australia requires a 'whole of system' change. Lessons learned from the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program could form the foundation on which this model is implemented in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton N Isaacs
- Monash University School of Rural Health, Sargeant Street, PO Box 723, Warragul, VIC, 3820, Australia.
| | - Eleanor K L Mitchell
- Monash University School of Rural Health, Corner of Victoria Street & Day Street, PO Box 1497, Bairnsdale, VIC, 3875, Australia
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Segel JE, Shearer RD, Jones AA, Khatri UG, Howell BA, Crowley DM, Sterner G, Vest N, Teixeira da Silva D, Winkelman TNA. Understanding Regional Patterns of Overdose Deaths Related to Opioids and Psychostimulants. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:558-566. [PMID: 38037904 PMCID: PMC10923074 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2287220] [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: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As overdose rates increase for multiple substances, policymakers need to identify geographic patterns of substance-specific deaths. In this study, we describe county-level opioid and psychostimulant overdose patterns and how they correlate with county-level social vulnerability measures. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study, we used nationwide 2016-2018 restricted access Centers for Disease Prevention and Control county-level mortality files for 1,024 counties. We estimated quartiles of opioid and psychostimulant overdose mortality and provided estimates of their association with county-level Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) percentile. RESULTS There was high opioid and psychostimulant overdose mortality in the Middle Atlantic, South Atlantic, East North Central, and Mountain regions. The Central US had the lowest opioid and psychostimulant overdose mortality rates. Counties with higher SVI scores (i.e. higher social vulnerability) were significantly more likely to experience high opioid and high psychostimulant overdose (high-high) mortality. A 10-percentile increase in SVI score was associated with a 3.1 percentage point increase in the likelihood of being a high-high county (p < 0.001) in unadjusted models and a 1.5 percentage point increase (p < 0.05) in models adjusting for region. CONCLUSION Our results illustrated the heterogenous geographic distribution of the growing concurrent opioid and psychostimulant overdose crisis. The substantial regional variation we identified highlights the need for local data to guide policymaking and treatment planning. The association of opioid-psychostimulant overdose mortality with social vulnerability demonstrates the critical need in impacted counties for tailored treatment that addresses the complex medical and social needs of people who use both opioids and psychostimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel E Segel
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Riley D Shearer
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Abenaa A Jones
- Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Utsha G Khatri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin A Howell
- SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - D Max Crowley
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Glenn Sterner
- Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Criminal Justice, Penn State Abington, Abington, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Noel Vest
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Daniel Teixeira da Silva
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tyler N A Winkelman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Health, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Laboratory, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Heavey SC, Beehler GP, Funderburk J. (RE-)AIMing for Rapid Uptake: Pilot Evaluation of a Modified Hub and Spoke Model of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder. Med Care 2024; 62:44-51. [PMID: 37800974 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an effective, evidence-based treatment, but significant gaps in implementation remain. We evaluate one novel approach to address this gap: a Hub and Spoke model to increase buprenorphine access and management. METHODS This outcome evaluation was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework using secondary data analysis of clinical and administrative data to characterize program outcomes for program Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, and Maintenance. Implementation was assessed through a chart review of provider progress notes and through key informant interviews with program staff to understand why this site was able to introduce a novel approach to MOUD. RESULTS Nearly half of patients with opioid use disorder (45.48%, n=156) were reached by the program over 2 years. Of those, 91.67% had 1 or more program visits after an initial intake appointment, and 78.85% had a buprenorphine prescription. Patients in the program were 2.44 times more likely to have a buprenorphine prescription than those in comparator site that did not have a Hub and Spoke program (95% CI: 1.77-3.37; P <0.001). There was significantly greater program reach in year 1 than year 2, suggesting rapid initial uptake followed by modest program growth. Key informant interviews illustrated several themes regrading program implementation, including the importance of process champions, the beneficial impact of MOUD for patients, and addressing facility performance metrics. A supportive organizational culture and a receptive climate were also key factors for implementation. CONCLUSIONS This program led to rapid improvement in MOUD uptake across the facility. Future efforts should focus on improving program maintenance, including supporting the exchange of patients from the hub to appropriate spokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cercone Heavey
- Department of Community Health & Health Behavior, School of Public Health & Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
| | - Gregory P Beehler
- Department of Community Health & Health Behavior, School of Public Health & Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
| | - Jennifer Funderburk
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
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Hodgkin D, Horgan CM, Jordan Brown S, Bart G, Stewart MT. Financial Sustainability of Novel Delivery Models in Behavioral Health Treatment. THE JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH POLICY AND ECONOMICS 2023; 26:149-158. [PMID: 38113385 PMCID: PMC10752219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the US, much of the research into new intervention and delivery models for behavioral health care is funded by research institutes and foundations, typically through grants to develop and test the new interventions. The original grant funding is typically time-limited. This implies that eventually communities, clinicians, and others must find resources to replace the grant funding -otherwise the innovation will not be adopted. Diffusion is challenged by the continued dominance in the US of fee-for-service reimbursement, especially for behavioral health care. AIMS To understand the financial challenges to disseminating innovative behavioral health delivery models posed by fee-for-service reimbursement, and to explore alternative payment models that promise to accelerate adoption by better addressing need for flexibility and sustainability. METHODS We review US experience with three specific novel delivery models that emerged in recent years. The models are: collaborative care model for depression (CoCM), outpatient based opioid treatment (OBOT), and the certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) model. These examples were selected as illustrating some common themes and some different issues affecting diffusion. For each model, we discuss its core components; evidence on its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness; how its dissemination was funded; how providers are paid; and what has been the uptake so far. RESULTS The collaborative care model has existed for longest, but has been slow to disseminate, due in part to a lack of billing codes for key components until recently. The OBOT model faced that problem, and also (until recently) a regulatory requirement requiring physicians to obtain federal waivers in order to prescribe buprenorphine. Similarly, the CCBHC model includes previously nonbillable services, but it appears to be diffusing more successfully than some other innovations, due in part to the approach taken by funders. DISCUSSION A common challenge for all three models has been their inclusion of services that were not (initially) reimbursable in a fee-for-service system. However, even establishing new procedure codes may not be enough to give providers the flexibility needed to implement these models, unless payers also implement alternative payment models. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND USE For providers who receive time-limited grant funding to implement these novel delivery models, one key lesson is the need to start early on planning how services will be sustained after the grant ends. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH POLICY For research funders (e.g., federal agencies), it is clearly important to speed up the process of obtaining coverage for each novel delivery model, including the development of new billable service codes, and to plan for this as early as possible. Funders also need to collaborate with providers early in the grant period on sustainability planning for the post-grant environment. For payers, a key lesson is the need to fold novel models into stable existing funding streams such as Medicaid and commercial insurance coverage, rather than leaving them at the mercy of revolving time-limited grants, and to provide pathways for contracting for innovations under new payment models. IMPLICATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH For researchers, a key recommendation would be to pay greater attention to the payment environment when designing new delivery models and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Hodgkin
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
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14
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Feder KA, Harris SJ, Byrne L, Miller SM, Sodder S, Berman V, Livingston A, Edwards J, Hartman S, Sugarman OK, Shah H, Xu J, Raikes J, Gattine S, Saloner B. Attitudes and beliefs about Vermont's 2021 buprenorphine decriminalization law among residents who use illicit opioids. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110879. [PMID: 37473698 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110879] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In July 2021, Vermont removed all criminal penalties for possessing 224mg or less of buprenorphine. METHODS Vermont residents (N=474) who used illicit opioid drugs or received treatment for opioid use disorder in the past 90 days were recruited for a mixed-methods survey on the health and criminal legal effects of decriminalization. Topics assessed included: motivations for using non-prescribed buprenorphine, awareness of and support for decriminalization, and criminal legal system experiences involving buprenorphine. We examined the frequencies of quantitative measures and qualitatively summarized themes from free-response questions. RESULTS Three-quarters of respondents (76%) reported lifetime use of non-prescribed buprenorphine. 80% supported decriminalization, but only 28% were aware buprenorphine was decriminalized in Vermont. Respondents described using non-prescribed buprenorphine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and avoid use of other illicit drugs. 18% had been arrested while in buprenorphine, with non-White respondents significantly more likely to report such arrests (15% v 33%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Decriminalization of buprenorphine may reduce unnecessary criminal legal system involvement, but its health impact was limited by low awareness at the time of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Feder
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, United States.
| | - Samantha J Harris
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Lauren Byrne
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Samantha M Miller
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Shereen Sodder
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Vanessa Berman
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, United States
| | - Amy Livingston
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, United States
| | - Jessica Edwards
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, United States
| | - Shane Hartman
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, United States
| | - Olivia K Sugarman
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Hridika Shah
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Justin Xu
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Jewyl Raikes
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Sabrina Gattine
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States
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Claypool AL, DiGennaro C, Russell WA, Yildirim MF, Zhang AF, Reid Z, Stringfellow EJ, Bearnot B, Schackman BR, Humphreys K, Jalali MS. Cost-effectiveness of Increasing Buprenorphine Treatment Initiation, Duration, and Capacity Among Individuals Who Use Opioids. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e231080. [PMID: 37204803 PMCID: PMC10199347 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.1080] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Buprenorphine is an effective and cost-effective medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), but is not readily available to many people with OUD in the US. The current cost-effectiveness literature does not consider interventions that concurrently increase buprenorphine initiation, duration, and capacity. Objective To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis and compare interventions associated with increased buprenorphine treatment initiation, duration, and capacity. Design and Setting This study modeled the effects of 5 interventions individually and in combination using SOURCE, a recent system dynamics model of prescription opioid and illicit opioid use, treatment, and remission, calibrated to US data from 1999 to 2020. The analysis was run during a 12-year time horizon from 2021 to 2032, with lifetime follow-up. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis on intervention effectiveness and costs was conducted. Analyses were performed from April 2021 through March 2023. Modeled participants included people with opioid misuse and OUD in the US. Interventions Interventions included emergency department buprenorphine initiation, contingency management, psychotherapy, telehealth, and expansion of hub-and-spoke narcotic treatment programs, individually and in combination. Main Outcomes and Measures Total national opioid overdose deaths, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and costs from the societal and health care perspective. Results Projections showed that contingency management expansion would avert 3530 opioid overdose deaths over 12 years, more than any other single-intervention strategy. Interventions that increased buprenorphine treatment duration initially were associated with an increased number of opioid overdose deaths in the absence of expanded treatment capacity. With an incremental cost- effectiveness ratio of $19 381 per QALY gained (2021 USD), the strategy that expanded contingency management, hub-and-spoke training, emergency department initiation, and telehealth was the preferred strategy for any willingness-to-pay threshold from $20 000 to $200 000/QALY gained, as it was associated with increased treatment duration and capacity simultaneously. Conclusion and Relevance This modeling analysis simulated the effects of implementing several intervention strategies across the buprenorphine cascade of care and found that strategies that were concurrently associated with increased buprenorphine treatment initiation, duration, and capacity were cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke L. Claypool
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Catherine DiGennaro
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - W. Alton Russell
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Melike F. Yildirim
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Alan F. Zhang
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Zuri Reid
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Erin J. Stringfellow
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Benjamin Bearnot
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Veterans Affairs and Stanford University Medical Centers, Palo Alto, California
| | - Mohammad S. Jalali
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston
- MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Krupp J, Hung F, LaChapelle T, Yarrington ME, Link K, Choi Y, Chen H, Marais AD, Sachdeva N, Chakraborty H, McKellar MS. Impact of Policy Change on Access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care. South Med J 2023; 116:333-340. [PMID: 37011580 PMCID: PMC10045971 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001544] [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] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The opioid overdose epidemic is escalating. Increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder in primary care is crucial. The impact of the US Department of Health and Human Services' policy change removing the buprenorphine waiver training requirement on primary care buprenorphine prescribing remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of the policy change on primary care providers' likelihood of applying for a waiver and the current attitudes, practices, and barriers to buprenorphine prescribing in primary care. METHODS We used a cross-sectional survey with embedded educational resources disseminated to primary care providers in a southern US academic health system. We used descriptive statistics to aggregate survey data, logistic regression models to evaluate whether buprenorphine interest and familiarity correlate with clinical characteristics, and a χ2 test to evaluate the effect of the educational intervention on screening. RESULTS Of the 54 respondents, 70.4% reported seeing patients with opioid use disorder, but only 11.1% had a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. Few nonwaivered providers were interested in prescribing, but perceiving buprenorphine to be beneficial to the patient population was associated with interest (adjusted odds ratio 34.7, P < 0.001). Two-thirds of nonwaivered respondents reported the policy change having no impact on their decision to obtain a waiver; however, among interested providers, it increased their likelihood of obtaining a waiver. Barriers to buprenorphine prescribing included lack of clinical experience, clinical capacity, and referral resources. Screening for opioid use disorder did not increase significantly after the survey. CONCLUSIONS Although most primary care providers reported seeing patients with opioid use disorder, interest in prescribing buprenorphine was low and structural barriers remained the dominant obstacles. Providers with a preexisting interest in buprenorphine prescribing reported that removing the training requirement was helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frances Hung
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine
| | | | - Michael E. Yarrington
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Katherine Link
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Yujung Choi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hillary Chen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Andrea Des Marais
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Nidhi Sachdeva
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Mehri S. McKellar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine
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Louie DL, Jegede OO, Hermes GL. Chronic use of benzodiazepines: The problem that persists. Int J Psychiatry Med 2023:912174231166252. [PMID: 36972700 DOI: 10.1177/00912174231166252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Though clinical guidelines and policies discourage the chronic prescribing of benzodiazepines, rates of prescribing have continued to rise in the United States to the tune of an estimated 65.9 million office visits per year. Quietly, we have become a nation on benzodiazepines. There are numerous reasons for this discrepancy between official recommendations on the one hand, and actual clinical practice on the other. Drawing from the literature, we argue that while patients and providers both shoulder some of the responsibility, they also cannot be solely blamed. Rather, policies and guidelines regarding benzodiazepines have become out of touch with the clinical reality that benzodiazepines are now deeply entrenched in modern medicine. We propose that guidelines regarding benzodiazepines need to reconsider how to apply concepts such as harm reduction and other lessons learned in the opioid epidemic in order to help physicians manage this oft-deferred, but increasingly pressing problem affecting millions of Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter L Louie
- 19977Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Oluwole O Jegede
- 12228Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gretchen L Hermes
- 12228Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
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18
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Bailey A, Harrington C, Evans EA. A scoping review of community-based post-opioid overdose intervention programs: implications of program structure and outcomes. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2023; 11:3. [PMID: 36707446 PMCID: PMC9883127 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-022-00201-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An emergent intervention to address the opioid epidemic is the use of multidisciplinary outreach teams which connect an individual in the community to healthcare resources after the experience of an opioid overdose. While these interventions are receiving federal funding, less is known empirically to inform future interventions. Understanding the process and outcomes of these interventions is advisable due to the novel partnerships of public health and law enforcement agencies who sometimes hold divergent goals. The objective of the present review was to describe program structure and evaluated outcomes of community-based post-overdose interventions. RESULTS A search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science yielded 5 peer-reviewed articles that detail the implementation and outcomes of interventions delivered in the United States published from 2001 to July 2021. Most interventions used a multidisciplinary outreach team and referenced first responder data to contact individuals who recently experienced an overdose at their residence. Services offered often included referral to substance use treatment, recovery coaches, and social services. Method of outreach, evaluation measures, and outcomes varied. From the available literature, facilitators of program engagement included communication, information sharing, and leadership buy-in among multidisciplinary partners. CONCLUSIONS Future studies could benefit from exploration of service provision in rural areas, for family affected by overdose, and for minoritized populations. Community-based post-overdose interventions utilizing a law enforcement partnership are emergent with promising yet limited examples in empirical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Bailey
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Calla Harrington
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Evans
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
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Marcovitz DE, Pettapiece-Phillips M, Kast KA, White K, Himelhoch H, Audet C. Implementation of a Hub-and-Spoke Partnership for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in a Medicaid Nonexpansion State. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:819-822. [PMID: 34875847 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hub-and-spoke (H&S) partnerships for managing opioid use disorder vary by U.S. state. This column provides the first description of the development of an H&S partnership in Tennessee, a Medicaid nonexpansion state. Medicaid expansion allows states to fund evidence-based substance use disorder treatment and community-based psychosocial interventions. In an H&S model in a Medicaid nonexpansion context, federal grant support must fund not only treatment itself but also the creation and maintenance of parallel billing and documentation processes for various partners, reducing the funds available for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Marcovitz
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (Marcovitz, Pettapiece-Phillips, Kast, White, Audet); Department of Surgery and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago (Himelhoch). Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Enrico G. Castillo, M.D., M.S.H.P.M., and Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D., are editors of this column
| | - Mariah Pettapiece-Phillips
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (Marcovitz, Pettapiece-Phillips, Kast, White, Audet); Department of Surgery and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago (Himelhoch). Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Enrico G. Castillo, M.D., M.S.H.P.M., and Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D., are editors of this column
| | - Kristopher A Kast
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (Marcovitz, Pettapiece-Phillips, Kast, White, Audet); Department of Surgery and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago (Himelhoch). Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Enrico G. Castillo, M.D., M.S.H.P.M., and Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D., are editors of this column
| | - Katie White
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (Marcovitz, Pettapiece-Phillips, Kast, White, Audet); Department of Surgery and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago (Himelhoch). Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Enrico G. Castillo, M.D., M.S.H.P.M., and Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D., are editors of this column
| | - Heather Himelhoch
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (Marcovitz, Pettapiece-Phillips, Kast, White, Audet); Department of Surgery and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago (Himelhoch). Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Enrico G. Castillo, M.D., M.S.H.P.M., and Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D., are editors of this column
| | - Carolyn Audet
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee (Marcovitz, Pettapiece-Phillips, Kast, White, Audet); Department of Surgery and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago (Himelhoch). Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Enrico G. Castillo, M.D., M.S.H.P.M., and Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D., are editors of this column
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del Pozo B. CommunityStat: A Public Health Intervention to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths in Burlington, Vermont, 2017-2020. CONTEMPORARY DRUG PROBLEMS 2022; 49:3-19. [PMID: 35068616 PMCID: PMC8782438 DOI: 10.1177/00914509211052107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
From 2017 to early 2020, the US city of Burlington, Vermont led a county-wide effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths by concentrating on the widespread, low-barrier distribution of medications for opioid use disorder. As a small city without a public health staff, the initiative was led out of the police department-with an understanding that it would not be enforcement-oriented-and centered on a local adaptation of CompStat, a management and accountability program developed by the New York City Police Department that has been cited as both yielding improvements in public safety and overemphasizing counterproductive police performance metrics if not carefully directed. The initiative was instrumental to the implementation of several novel interventions: low-threshold buprenorphine prescribing at the city's syringe service program, induction into buprenorphine-based treatment at the local hospital emergency department, elimination of the regional waiting list for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and the de-facto decriminalization of diverted buprenorphine by the chief of police and county prosecutor. An effort by local legislators resulted in a state law requiring all inmates with opioid use disorder be provided with MOUD as well. By the end of 2018, these interventions were collectively associated with a 50% (17 vs. 34) reduction in the county's fatal overdose deaths, while deaths increased 20% in the remainder of Vermont. The reduction was sustained through the end of 2019. This article describes the effort undertaken by officials in Burlington to implement these interventions. It provides an example that other municipalities can use to take an evidence-based approach to reducing opioid deaths, provided stakeholders assent to sustained collaboration in the furtherance of a commitment to save lives. In doing so, it highlights that police-led public health interventions are the exception, and addressing the overdose crisis will require reform that shifts away from criminalization as a community's default framework for substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon del Pozo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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21
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Hawkins EJ, Malte CA, Gordon AJ, Williams EC, Hagedorn HJ, Drexler K, Blanchard BE, Burden JL, Knoeppel J, Danner AN, Lott A, Liberto JG, Saxon AJ. Accessibility to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder After Interventions to Improve Prescribing Among Nonaddiction Clinics in the US Veterans Health Care System. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2137238. [PMID: 34870679 PMCID: PMC8649831 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.37238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE With increasing rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose deaths in the US, increased access to medications for OUD (MOUD) is paramount. Rigorous effectiveness evaluations of large-scale implementation initiatives using quasi-experimental designs are needed to inform expansion efforts. OBJECTIVE To evaluate a US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiative to increase MOUD use in nonaddiction clinics. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This quality improvement initiative used interrupted time series design to compare trends in MOUD receipt. Primary care, pain, and mental health clinics in the VA health care system (n = 35) located at 18 intervention facilities and nonintervention comparison clinics (n = 35) were matched on preimplementation MOUD prescribing trends, clinic size, and facility complexity. The cohort of patients with OUD who received care in intervention or comparison clinics in the year after September 1, 2018, were evaluated. The preimplementation period extended from September 1, 2017, through August 31, 2018, and the postimplementation period from September 1, 2018, through August 31, 2019. EXPOSURES The multifaceted implementation intervention included education, external facilitation, and quarterly reports. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcomes were the proportion of patients receiving MOUD and the number of patients per clinician prescribing MOUD. Segmented logistic regression evaluated monthly proportions of MOUD receipt 1 year before and after initiative launch, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. Poisson regression models examined yearly changes in clinician prescribing over the same time frame. RESULTS Overall, 7488 patients were seen in intervention clinics (mean [SD] age, 53.3 [14.2] years; 6858 [91.6%] male; 1476 [19.7%] Black, 417 [5.6%] Hispanic; 5162 [68.9%] White; 239 [3.2%] other race [including American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and multiple races]; and 194 [2.6%] unknown) and 7558 in comparison clinics (mean [SD] age, 53.4 [14.0] years; 6943 [91.9%] male; 1463 [19.4%] Black; 405 [5.4%] Hispanic; 5196 [68.9%] White; 244 [3.2%] other race; 250 [3.3%] unknown). During the preimplementation year, the proportion of patients receiving MOUD in intervention clinics increased monthly by 5.0% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07). Accounting for this preimplementation trend, the proportion of patients receiving MOUD increased monthly by an additional 2.3% (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04) during the implementation year. Comparison clinics increased by 2.6% monthly before implementation (AOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04), with no changes detected after implementation. Although preimplementation-year trends in monthly MOUD receipt were similar in intervention and comparison clinics, greater increases were seen in intervention clinics after implementation (AOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08). Patients treated with MOUD per clinician in intervention clinics saw greater increases from before to after implementation compared with comparison clinics (incidence rate ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.28-1.77). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A multifaceted implementation initiative in nonaddiction clinics was associated with increased MOUD prescribing. Findings suggest that engagement of clinicians in general clinical settings may increase MOUD access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Hawkins
- Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Carol A. Malte
- Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Adam J. Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, Health Services Research & Development, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge, and Advocacy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Emily C. Williams
- Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Hildi J. Hagedorn
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Health Services Research & Development, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Karen Drexler
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brittany E. Blanchard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Jennifer L. Burden
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
| | - Jennifer Knoeppel
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
| | - Anissa N. Danner
- Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aline Lott
- Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joseph G. Liberto
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Andrew J. Saxon
- Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
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22
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Harder VS, Villanti AC, Heil SH, Smith ML, Gaalema DE, Meyer MC, Schafrick NH, Sigmon SC. Opioid use disorder treatment in rural settings: The primary care perspective. Prev Med 2021; 152:106765. [PMID: 34411588 PMCID: PMC8591995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the efficacy of medications for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), they are underutilized, especially in rural areas. Our objectives were to determine the association between primary care practitioners (PCPs) rurality and concerns for patient substance use, and to identify factors associated with PCP comfort treating OUD, focusing on barriers to treatment. We developed a web-based survey completed by 116 adult-serving PCPs located in Vermont's rural and non-rural counties between April-August 2020. The instrument included PCP-identified concerns for substance use among patients, barriers to treating patients with OUD, and current level of comfort treating patients with OUD. On a scale from 0 to 10, rural PCPs reported higher concern for heroin (mean difference; Mdiff = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.13 to 2.63), fentanyl (Mdiff = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.74), and methamphetamine (Mdiff = 1.61, 95% CI: 0.33 to 2.90) use among patients compared to non-rural PCPs, and practitioners in both settings expressed high concern regarding their patients' use of tobacco (7.6 out of 10) and alcohol (7.0 out of 10). There was no difference in reported comfort in treating patients with OUD among rural vs. non-rural PCPs (Mdiff = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.17 to 1.46; P = 0.119), controlling for higher comfort among male PCPs and those waivered to prescribe buprenorphine (Ps < 0.05). Lack of training/experience and medication diversion were PCP-identified barriers associated with less comfort treating OUD patients, while time constraints was associated with more comfort (Ps < 0.05). Taken together, these data highlight important areas for dissemination of evidence-based training, support, and resources to expand OUD treatment capacity in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie S Harder
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, S-253 Given Courtyard, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.
| | - Andrea C Villanti
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Sarah H Heil
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - M Lindsey Smith
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, 34 Bedford St., Portland, ME 04104, USA
| | - Diann E Gaalema
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Marjorie C Meyer
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 111 Colchester Ave, Main Campus, East Pavilion, Level 4, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Nathaniel H Schafrick
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Stacey C Sigmon
- Center on Rural Addiction, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05401, USA
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23
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Meteliuk A, Galvez S, Fomenko T, Kalandiia H, Iaryi V, Farnum SO, Islam Z, Altice FL, Madden LM. Successful transfer of stable patients on opioid agonist therapies from specialty addiction treatment to primary care settings in Ukraine: A pilot study. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 134:108619. [PMID: 34579978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Ukraine, HIV is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID), and opioid agonist therapies (OAT) are the most effective approach to preventing HIV transmission. OAT coverage is well below internationally recommended levels, with OAT provided primarily in specialty addiction treatment clinics. Integrating OAT into primary care settings represents a promising practice for increasing OAT coverage. METHODS The study collected data prospectively from the first 50 stable patients transferred from the largest OAT site to 10 primary care clinics in Kiev; patients had negative urine drug tests for the previous six months. Participants completed the BASIS-24-the 24-item Behaviour and Symptom Identification Scale-to assess symptoms of psychiatric and social function across 6 domains: (1) depression and functioning, (2) relationships, (3) self-harm, (4) emotional lability, (5) psychosis, and (6) substance use before transfer and 6 months after transfer from May through November 2019. RESULTS Participants were on average 36 years old, mostly male (84.0%) and had some employment (64.0%). After six months, some employment increased to 88.0% and BASIS-24 scores significantly improved on four domains: depression (1.09 vs 0.73, p = 0.0005), relationships (2.15 vs 1.7, p < 0.0001), emotional liability (1.30 vs 1.00, p = 0.0209) and substance use (1.23 vs 1.07, p = 0073). CONCLUSIONS Stable OAT patients can be successfully transferred from specialty to primary care clinics without deterioration in mental health symptoms or functioning. Patients transferred to primary care showed significant improvement in their emotional well-being, their substance use, and their employment status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meteliuk
- Alliance for Public Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Samy Galvez
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Hela Kalandiia
- Kyiv City Drug Addiction Clinical Hospital 'Sociotherapy', Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Iaryi
- Kyiv City Drug Addiction Clinical Hospital 'Sociotherapy', Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Zahedul Islam
- Alliance for Public Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States; APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, United States; Yale School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Lynn M Madden
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, United States; APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, United States
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24
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Green B, Rhubart DC, Filteau MR. Barriers for Implementing the Hub and Spoke Model to Expand Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: A Case Study of Montana. Subst Abuse 2021; 15:11782218211039781. [PMID: 34483660 PMCID: PMC8411614 DOI: 10.1177/11782218211039781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) varies across the rural-urban continuum. The Hub & Spoke Model (H&S) emerged to address these gaps in service whereby hubs with staff expertise in MOUD support delivery of specialized care to a network of spoke locations, often located in rural communities with workforce shortages. This paper presents a case study of efforts to implement the hub and spoke model in a frontier and rural (FAR) state: Montana. METHODS The primary data are structured interviews with 65 MOUD program staff in hub and spoke locations within Montana. Both inductive and deductive coding were used to analyze the transcripts. FINDINGS Using the H&S structure to expand access to MOUD in Montana led to mixed results. There were consistent themes identified in the interviews about the reasons why hubs struggled to successfully recruit spokes, including (1) geographic barriers, (2) a lack of interest among medical providers, (3) fears about excessive demand, (4) concerns about the financial viability of the model, and (5) a preference for informal technical assistance rather than a formal H&S relationship. In addition to these 5 themes, efforts to implement H&S across different medical systems were unsuccessful, whereas the H&S model worked more effectively when H&S locations were within the same organization. CONCLUSION This case study identified limits to the H&S model utility in supporting states' abilities to expand access to MOUD treatment and offers suggestions for adapting it to accommodate variation across divergent rural contexts. We conclude with recommendations for strategies that may assist in expansion of MOUD in rural communities that are like those found in Montana.
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25
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Hodgkin D, Horgan C, Bart G. Financial sustainability of payment models for office-based opioid treatment in outpatient clinics. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2021; 16:45. [PMID: 34225785 PMCID: PMC8256208 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-021-00253-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) is a delivery model which seeks to make medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), particularly buprenorphine, widely available in general medical clinics and offices. Despite evidence supporting its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, uptake of the OBOT model has been relatively slow. One important barrier to faster diffusion of OBOT may be the financial challenges facing clinics that could adopt it. METHODS We review key features and variants of the OBOT model, then discuss different approaches that have been used to fund it, and the findings from previous economic analyses of OBOT's impact on organizational finances. We conclude by discussing the implications of these analyses for the financial sustainability of the OBOT delivery model. RESULTS Like other novel services, OBOT poses challenges for providers due to its reliance on services which are 'non-billable' in a fee-for-service environment. A variety of approaches exist for covering the non-billable costs, but which approaches are feasible depends on local payer policies. The scale of the challenges varies with clinic size, organizational affiliations and the policies of the state where the clinic operates. Small clinics in a purely fee-for-service environment may be particularly challenged in pursuing OBOT, given the need to fund a dedicated staff and extra administrative work. The current pandemic may pose both opportunities and challenges for the sustainability of OBOT, with expanded access to telemedicine, but also uncertainty about the durability of the expansion. CONCLUSION The reimbursement environment for OBOT delivery varies widely around the US, and is evolving as Medicare (and possibly other payers) introduce alternative payment approaches. Clinics considering adoption of OBOT are well advised to thoroughly investigate these issues as they make their decision. In addition, payers will need to rethink how they pay for OBOT to make it sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Hodgkin
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States.
| | - Constance Horgan
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Gavin Bart
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School and Division of Addiction Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, United States
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26
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Furst JA, Mynarski NJ, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Pronounced Regional Disparities in United States Methadone Distribution. Ann Pharmacother 2021; 56:271-279. [PMID: 34184584 DOI: 10.1177/10600280211028262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone is an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain management. Methadone for OUD may be difficult for some patients to access, particularly those in rural areas. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to characterize methadone distribution patterns between 2017 and 2019 across the United States. METHODS The US Drug Enforcement Administration's Automated Reports and Consolidated Ordering System was used to acquire the number of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) per state and methadone distribution weight in grams. Methadone distributions by weight, corrected for state population and number of OTPs, were compared from 2017 to 2019 between states, within regions, and nationally. RESULTS The national distribution of methadone increased +12.3% for OTPs but decreased -34.6% for pain. Whereas all states saw a decrease in pain distribution, the Northeast showed a significantly smaller decrease than all other regions. Additionally, the majority of states experienced an increase in distribution for OTPs, and most states demonstrated a relatively stable or increasing number of OTPs, with an +11.5% increase nationally. The number of OTPs per 100K state population ranged from 2.1 in Rhode Island to 0.0 in Wyoming. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Although methadone distribution for OUD was increasing in the United States, the pronounced regional disparities identified warrant further consideration to improve patient access to this evidence-based pharmacotherapy, particularly in the Midwest and West regions. Greater implementation of telehealth and involvement of primary care into opioid treatment practice offer possible solutions to eliminating geographical treatment barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Furst
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Brian J Piper
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA.,Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Forty Fort, PA, USA
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27
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Lim MAWT, Liberali SAC, Calache H, Parashos P, Borromeo GL. Specialist Networks Influence Clinician Willingness to Treat Individuals with Special Needs. JDR Clin Trans Res 2021; 7:267-276. [PMID: 34148391 DOI: 10.1177/23800844211020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The South Australian Dental Service's Special Needs Network was established to support oral health professionals working within their statewide government-funded dental service to treat patients with special needs. This study aimed to investigate how a structured network relationship with specialists in special needs dentistry influenced the willingness of dentists to treat this group of patients. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the views of specialists and dentists involved in the South Australian Dental Service's Special Needs Network. Inductive thematic analysis identified emerging themes enabling completion of a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. RESULTS Dentists felt that a strength of the Network was a greater sense of collegiality, particularly for those working in rural areas. Although the inability to get immediate advice was seen as a weakness, dentists felt a more structured relationship with specialists improved communication pathways and resulted in more timely care. The aging workforce, systemic barriers in the public dental system, such as productivity pressures and infrastructure, and the lack of support from other health professionals were seen as ongoing barriers and threats. Regardless, dentists identified the use of telehealth and visiting specialists as future opportunities. Specialists felt that the Network was a valuable resource but were skeptical about its effectiveness, feeling that a limitation was the ability of dentists to recognize the complexity of cases. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing support from and communication with specialists in special needs dentistry through a structured network improved the perceived ability and willingness of dentists to treat patients with special needs. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT This research suggests that providing support to dentists through a hub-and-spoke network that facilitates additional training, professional interaction, and improved communication with specialists in special needs dentistry may help overcome some of the current barriers to access to care experienced by individuals with special needs, particularly those associated with the willingness and capability of clinicians treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A W T Lim
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Dental Services, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S A C Liberali
- Special Needs Unit, Adelaide Dental Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - H Calache
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - P Parashos
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - G L Borromeo
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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28
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Gunn CM, Maschke A, Harris M, Schoenberger SF, Sampath S, Walley AY, Bagley SM. Age-based preferences for risk communication in the fentanyl era: 'A lot of people keep seeing other people die and that's not enough for them'. Addiction 2021; 116:1495-1504. [PMID: 33119196 PMCID: PMC8081736 DOI: 10.1111/add.15305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To explore how people who use fentanyl and health-care providers engaged in and responded to overdose risk communication interactions, and how these engagements and responses might vary by age. DESIGN A single-site qualitative in-depth interview study. SETTING Boston, MA, United States. PARTICIPANTS The sample included 21 people (10 women, 11 men) who were either 18-25 or 35+, English-speaking, and reported illicit fentanyl use in the last year and 10 health-care providers who worked directly with people who use fentanyl (PWUF) in clinical and community settings. MEASUREMENTS Open-ended, flexible interview questions guided by a risk communication framework were used in all interviews. Codes used for thematic analysis included deductive codes related to the risk communication framework and inductive, emergent codes from interview content. FINDINGS We identified potential age-based differences in perceptions of fentanyl overdose, including that younger participants appeared to display more perceptions of an immunity to fentanyl's lethality, while older people seemed to express a stronger aversion to fentanyl due to its heightened risk of fatal overdose, shorter effects and potential for long-term health consequences. Providers perceived greater challenges relaying risk information to young PWUF and believed them to be less open to risk communication. Compassionate harm reduction communication was preferred by all participants and perceived to be delivered most effectively by community health workers and peers. PWUF and providers identified structural barriers that limited compassionate harm reduction, including misalignment of available treatment with preferred options and clinical structures that impeded the delivery of risk communication messages. CONCLUSIONS Among people who engage in illicit fentanyl use, fentanyl-related risk communication experiences and preferences may vary by age, but some foundational elements including compassionate, trust-building approaches seem to be preferred across the age spectrum. Structural barriers in the clinical setting such as provider-prescribing power and infrequent encounters may impede the providers' ability to provide compassionate harm reduction communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Gunn
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Women's Health Unit, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ariel Maschke
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Women's Health Unit, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miriam Harris
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha F Schoenberger
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Alexander Y Walley
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah M Bagley
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Billings ME, Pendharkar SR. Alternative Care Pathways for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Impact on Positive Airway Pressure Adherence: Unraveling the Puzzle of Adherence. Sleep Med Clin 2020; 16:61-74. [PMID: 33485532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The high burden of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), combined with inadequate supply of sleep specialists and constraints on polysomnography resources, has prompted interest in alternative models of care to improve access and treatment effectiveness. In appropriately selected patients, ambulatory clinical pathways and use of nonphysicians or primary care providers to manage OSA can improve timely access and costs without compromising adherence or other clinical outcomes. Although initial studies show promising results, there are several potential barriers that must be considered before broad implementation, and further implementation research and economic evaluation studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha E Billings
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, UW Medicine Sleep Center at Harborview Medical Center, Box 359803, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
| | - Sachin R Pendharkar
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, TRW Building, Room 3E23, 3280 Hospital Drive Northwest, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
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30
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Snell-Rood C, Willging C, Showalter D, Peters H, Pollini RA. System-level factors shaping the implementation of “hub and spoke” systems to expand MOUD in rural areas. Subst Abus 2020; 42:716-725. [DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2020.1846149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Snell-Rood
- University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Cathleen Willging
- Behavioral Health Research Center of the Southwest, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David Showalter
- Department of Sociology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Hannah Peters
- University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Robin A. Pollini
- West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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31
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Abraham AJ, Andrews CM, Harris SJ, Friedmann PD. Availability of Medications for the Treatment of Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder in the USA. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:55-69. [PMID: 31907876 PMCID: PMC7007488 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00814-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite high mortality rates due to opioid overdose and excessive alcohol consumption, medications for the treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorder have not been widely used in the USA. This paper provides an overview of the literature on the availability of alcohol and opioid used disorder medications in the specialty substance use disorder treatment system, other treatment settings and systems, and among providers with a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. We also present the most current data on the availability of alcohol and opioid use disorder medications in the USA. These estimates show steady growth in availability of opioid use disorder medications over the past decade and a decline in availability of alcohol use disorder medications. However, overall use of medications in the USA remains low. In 2017, only 16.3% of specialty treatment programs offered any single medication for alcohol use disorder treatment and 35.5% offered any single medication for opioid use disorder treatment. Availability of buprenorphine-waivered providers has increased significantly since 2002. However, geographic disparities in access to buprenorphine remain. Some of the most promising strategies to increase availability of alcohol and opioid use disorder medications include the following: incorporating substance use disorder training in healthcare education programs, educating the substance use disorder workforce about the benefits of medication treatment, reducing stigma surrounding the use of medications, implementing medications in primary care settings, implementing integrated care models, revising regulations on methadone and buprenorphine, improving health insurance coverage of medications, and developing novel medications for the treatment of substance use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Abraham
- School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia, 280F Baldwin Hall, 355 S. Jackson Street, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Christina M. Andrews
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton St., Room 309, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Samantha J. Harris
- School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia, 280F Baldwin Hall, 355 S. Jackson Street, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Peter D. Friedmann
- University of Massachusetts Medical School Baystate, 280 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01199 USA
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Watson DP, Andraka-Christou B, Clarke T, Wiegandt J. Introduction to the special issue on innovative interventions and approaches to expand medication assisted treatment: Seizing research opportunities made available by the opioid STR program. J Subst Abuse Treat 2019; 108:1-3. [PMID: 31668689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The 21st Century Cures Act is the most significant piece of U.S. legislation aimed at tackling the opioid epidemic to date. This special issue comprises papers reflecting medication-assisted treatment (MAT)-related research made possible through the Cures Act-authorized State Targeted Response (STR) grant mechanism. Work related to both STR evaluation and original research conducted within the context of STR activities are included in the issue, with topics including community assessments of MAT-related needs, MAT access and linkage, criminal justice-oriented MAT implementation, and adjunctive MAT supports and treatments. All of the research represented this issue is early-stage, with results reflecting data collected primarily within the first of STR's two year funding cycle. While such formative work does have inherent limitations, the gravity of the opioid epidemic requires rapid assessment and dissemination of results to inform the public health response in a manner that will have a timely and meaningful impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis P Watson
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Research, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America.
| | - Barbara Andraka-Christou
- Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32816, United States of America.
| | - Thomas Clarke
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20866, United States of America.
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