Multi-model implementation of evidence-based care in the treatment of opioid use disorder in Pennsylvania

Training the Next Generation of Local Public Health Leaders: A Case Study of Community Health Organizers in Pennsylvania

Few short-term training programs exist for persons with limited experience or training in public health to support public health initiatives. We describe a public health training designed by the Pennsylvania (PA) Training Center for Health Equity for the PA Community Health Organizer (CHO) program. The CHO program was created to address the immediate needs of underserved communities and promote lasting health equity during the pandemic. CHOs are professionals who promote community action and align efforts with local organizations to build sustainable public health infrastructure and apply evidence-based practices to program policy, planning, and development. The training content, delivered by Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) in 12 monthly sessions, focused upon foundational public health concepts in a novel community case study approach. The ECHO All Teach, All Learn training model was successful in providing relevant public health information to this new workforce, and the pre-/post-training evaluation demonstrated a positive increase in knowledge across all domains.

Relationship of hub and treatment characteristics with client outcomes in the initial Washington State hub and spoke cohort

INTRODUCTION

Washington State's Hub and Spoke (HS) approach aims to improve availability of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. Washington initially funded six hubs with expertise in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) that built care networks with referral and treatment partners (spokes). We assessed outcomes for the initial HS cohort, considering the role of HS and treatment characteristics.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort-based observational study using 2017-2019 Medicaid claims data for 2841 HS participants aged 18-64, excluding those with past-month MOUD, in an intent-to-treat analysis. We describe treatment characteristics (MOUD type, treatment setting, and hub type at the initial HS visit, number of outpatient services in their first HS month), and six-month outcomes (MOUD continuity, emergency department (ED) utilization, hospitalization, and intensive SUD treatment). We used multivariable regressions to assess associations with six-month outcomes, adjusting for client characteristics.

RESULTS

Two-thirds (68 %) of participants received buprenorphine, 22 % methadone, 5 % naltrexone, and 5 % outpatient without MOUD for their initial visit. Within six months, 45 % had an ED visit, 14 % any hospitalization, and 18 % entered intensive SUD treatment. Only 24 % remained on MOUD for six months. Compared to buprenorphine, the methadone sample had higher odds of MOUD continuity (aOR = 2.81, 95%CI 2.21-3.55), and the naltrexone sample had lower odds (aOR = 0.36, 95%CI 0.19-0.66). FQHC/public health treatment settings had higher odds of MOUD continuity (aOR = 1.70, 95%CI 1.17-2.47) but hub type was not significant. MOUD continuity increased with 2+ outpatient services for the buprenorphine sample (aOR range 2.55-4.73). Odds of intensive SUD treatment were lower for the methadone sample, compared to buprenorphine (aOR = 0.16, 95%CI 0.11-0.23), all settings compared to SUD settings (aOR range 0.32-0.58), and SUD + MH and medical/hospital hubs compared to SUD only hubs (aOR range 0.28-0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Most participants did not attain six-month MOUD continuity, despite the HS approach, with variations by MOUD type and treatment setting. The number of outpatient services in the first month for buprenorphine clients was associated with greater odds of MOUD continuity and reduced odds of intensive SUD treatment. More work is needed to improve MOUD continuity for people with OUD within the HS model.

Descriptive Analysis of Emergency Department Patients With Substance Use Disorders As Seen by Peer Recovery Specialists in Philadelphia

BACKGROUND

People with substance use disorders have regular contact with the emergency department (ED). Peer recovery specialists with lived experiences of substance use can provide critical linkages to substance use treatment and other services for patients who use drugs. Patient populations seen by peer recovery specialists remain largely undescribed.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the demographics, substance use patterns, and barriers to treatment of patients seen by peer recovery specialists in an ED in Philadelphia.

METHOD

A review of patient records about demographics, the reason for ED visits, housing, primary drug of choice, previous treatment, treatment barriers, and urine toxicology screening results was conducted.

RESULTS

Of 228 patients seen between December 1, 2020, and April 8, 2021, those who listed alcohol as their drug of choice (n=56, 24.6%) came to the ED primarily for withdrawal symptoms (n=19, 33.9%). Patients who listed other drug use (n=172, 75.4%) were largely seen for infection (n=57, 33.1%). Polysubstance use was prevalent in patients whose primary drugs of choice were not alcohol. Inpatient treatment was the most common previous treatment previously (n=106, 46.5%) and the most desired treatment preferred for future treatment (n=97, 42.5%). The most common barriers to treatment for patients were medical comorbidities (n=70, 30.7%) and difficulty navigating the healthcare system (n=43, 18.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients consulted by peer recovery specialists had distinct demographics, substance use patterns, and perceived goals and barriers to care. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing and treating polysubstance use for people who use drugs and the critical role of peer recovery programs in navigating subsequent care.

Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: differences by co-use of illicit opioids and methamphetamine

BACKGROUND

The current fourth wave of the United States opioid overdose epidemic is characterized by the co-use of opioids and stimulants, including illicit opioids and methamphetamine. The co-use of these two drugs, known as "goofballing," is associated with higher risk for several adverse outcomes, including more frequent injections, greater health risks, and higher morbidity. Considering these differences, this unique subpopulation of people who inject drugs (PWID) may also have unique unmet needs and harm reduction preferences.

METHODS

We collected self-reported data from participants (N = 50) of a syringe services program (SSP), including basic needs and harm reduction preferences. Using bivariate analyses, we examined differences between SSP participants who do and do not co-use illicit opioids and methamphetamine. Co-use was defined as reporting the use of both drugs, which may or may not have been used simultaneously.

RESULTS

In the overall sample, the mean level of need was highest for bus passes or other transportation, a person who can help you get the services you need, medication for opioid use disorder, and a job or job training. Additionally, all participants reported being either interested or very interested in fentanyl test strips, safe consumption sites, delivery of syringe service supplies, and delivery of naloxone. Those who endorsed co-use had a greater need for food, healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, a support person to help them access needed services, and bus passes or transportation.

CONCLUSIONS

Unmet needs were prevalent, and the desire for more harm reduction services was high among these PWID. Results also suggest people who co-use illicit opioids and methamphetamine may have the greatest unmet needs and desire for additional harm reduction services.

First Response to Opioids Survey Tool (FROST): Pilot study of a brief screening tool to assess opioid use disorder risk

OBJECTIVE

Early work suggests the type of subjective experiences upon first opioid use may predict opioid use disorder (OUD) risk. This study developed and pilot-tested a brief survey to evaluate the "first response" to opioids.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey research study. The survey was administered to a subsample for the second time to assess test-retest reliability.

SETTING

Outpatient.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample of adults treated for OUD at an opioid treatment program.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A seven-question First Response to Opioids Survey Tool (FROST), developed based on the existing questionnaires and stakeholder-advisor feedback, was evaluated.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 157) were 36.8 (standard deviation [SD] = 9.4) years old, with 79.6 percent identifying as Caucasian and 56.7 percent male. They reported opioid initiation at 20.6 (SD = 8.8) years old, with a prescription-based (78.3 percent), orally administered (66.2 percent), and illicitly procured (51.0 percent) opioids. Upon opioid initiation, positive-valence, euphoria-like subjective experiences of feeling "comfortable" (65.0 percent), "happy" (61.1 percent), "euphoria" (58.6 percent), and "energized" (44.6 percent) were common, and different (p < 0.05) from other types of subjective experiences. Among 64 individuals who answered a question about "drug-liking," 50 (78.1 percent) reported drug-liking. Among 31 respondents who completed the survey a second time, the test-retest consistency was 78.2 percent for subjective experience characteristics and 72 percent for drug-liking responses. Qualitative results corroborated quantitative findings.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that euphoria-type experiences and drug-liking upon opioid initiation are common among adults with OUD and FROST's promising psychometric properties. Future research should assess clinical utility of this brief survey, which could be applied at bedside and help identify those at risk for OUD, guide safer opioid prescribing, and reduce opioid-related harm.

COVID-19-related flexibility in methadone take-home doses associated with decreased attrition: Report from an opioid treatment program in central Pennsylvania

INTRODUCTION

Pennsylvania saw a dramatic increase in take-home doses of methadone after the COVID-19 pandemic-related relaxation in regulations. We evaluated whether pandemic-initiated relaxation in take-home methadone dose regulations was associated with changes in attrition and urine drug test (UDT) results at one outpatient opioid treatment program (OTP) among adult patients treated with methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD).

METHODS

We analyzed aggregated, retrospective clinical practice data, using data abstracted from the OTP's electronic health record (EHR) on the number of patients treated with methadone, those allowed take-home doses, the number of take-home methadone doses dispensed, and the number and type of patient discharge ("attrition") from treatments for 12 months before (March 2019-February 2020; "pre-pandemic") and 12 months after (March 2020-February 2021; "pandemic") the regulatory changes took place. We also examined monthly aggregate data on the number of urine samples testing positive for amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines or illicit opioids, and compared these findings between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

RESULTS

Pre-pandemic, 229 patients were treated with methadone, compared to 278 patients during the pandemic period. They received 11,047 and 28,563 take-home daily-doses of methadone (p < 0.0001) during each assessment period, respectively. All-cause treatment attrition (discharge from the program for any reason) decreased from 27.1 % in the pre-pandemic to 15.5 % in the pandemic period (p < 0.001). Compared to pre-pandemic, during the pandemic period the urine toxicology testing showed reduced positivity rates for cocaine (26.4 % vs 18.9 %, p < 0.001), and oxycodone and morphine (1.8 % vs 1.1 %, p < 0.019), and increased for fentanyl (24.0 % vs 30.5 %, p < 0.007), without statistically significant changes for benzodiazepines or amphetamines.

CONCLUSIONS

The relaxation of regulations guiding take-home methadone doses accompanied reduced treatment attrition and favorable changes in urine toxicology results in one OTP. Allowing OTPs to apply flexible decisions regarding take-home methadone doses could improve treatment retention, outcomes, and, in turn, save lives.

A Peer Recovery Coach Intervention for Hospitalized Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasingly being hospitalized for acute medical illnesses. Despite initiation of medications for OUD (MOUDs), many discontinue treatment after discharge. To evaluate whether a psychosocial intervention can improve MOUD retention after hospitalization, we conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of a peer recovery coach intervention.

METHODS

An existing peer recovery coach intervention was adapted for this trial. Hospitalized adults with OUD receiving MOUD treatment were randomized to receive either a recovery coach intervention or treatment-as-usual. For those in the intervention arm, the coach guided the participant to complete a relapse prevention plan, maintained contact throughout the 6-month follow-up period, encouraged MOUD continuation, and helped to identify community resources. Those receiving treatment-as-usual were discharged with a referral to outpatient treatment. Primary outcome was retention in MOUD treatment at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants readmitted to the hospital and the number of days until treatment discontinuation and to hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Twenty-five individuals who provided consent and randomized to the recovery coach intervention (n = 13) or treatment-as-usual (n = 12) were included in the analysis. No significant differences were found in the proportion of participants retained in MOUD treatment at 6 months (38.5% vs 41.7%, P = 0.87), proportion of participants readmitted at 6 months (46.2% vs 41.2%, P = 0.82), or the time to treatment discontinuation (log-rank P = 0.92) or readmission (log-rank P = 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot trial failed to demonstrate that a recovery coach intervention improved MOUD treatment retention compared with treatment-as-usual among hospitalized individuals with OUD.

Evaluation of the New England Office Based Addiction Treatment ECHO: A Tool for Strengthening the Addiction Workforce

INTRODUCTION

Reducing substance-related morbidity requires an educated and well-supported workforce. The New England Office Based Addiction Treatment Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (NE OBAT ECHO) began in 2019 to support community-based addiction care teams through virtual mentoring and case-based learning. We sought to characterize the program's impact on the knowledge and attitudes of NE OBAT ECHO participants.

METHODS

We conducted an 18-month prospective evaluation of the NE OBAT ECHO. Participants registered for 1 of 2 successive ECHO clinics. Each 5-month clinic included ten 1.5-hour sessions involving brief didactic lectures and de-identified patient case presentations. Participants completed surveys at Month-0, -6, -12, and -18 to assess attitudes about working with patients who use drugs and evidence based practices (EBPs), stigma toward people who use drugs, and addiction treatment knowledge. We compared outcomes using 2 approaches: (i) between-groups, which involved comparing the first intervention group to the delayed intervention (comparison) group, and (ii) within-groups, which involved comparing outcomes at different time points for all participants. In the within-group approach, each participant acted as their own control.

RESULTS

Seventy-six health professionals participated in the NE OBAT ECHO, representing various roles in addiction care teams. Approximately half (47% [36/76]) practiced primary care, internal, or family medicine. The first intervention group reported improved job satisfaction and openness toward EBPs compared to the delayed intervention group. Within-group analyses revealed that ECHO participation was associated with increased positive perceptions of role adequacy, support, legitimacy, and satisfaction 6 months following program completion. No changes were identified in willingness to adopt EBPs or treatment knowledge. Stigma toward people who use drugs was persistent in both groups across time points.

CONCLUSIONS

NE OBAT ECHO may have improved participants' confidence and satisfaction providing addiction care. ECHO is likely an effective educational tool for expanding the capacity of the addiction workforce.

Impact Over 3 Years of a Family Medicine-led Addiction Medicine Curriculum for Medical Students

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Innovations in medical school training are essential for family physicians to enter practice confident in addressing the opioid epidemic and substance use disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a distance-learning addiction medicine curriculum led by family medicine physicians for third-year medical students.

METHODS

Our prospective cohort study of third-year medical students compared our educational model to a traditional curriculum. Our distance-learning collaboration employed videoconferencing and community experts to engage students across Minnesota in an addiction medicine curriculum. Students in a family medicine-focused 9-month longitudinal integrated curriculum (LIC) participated in this 16-session curriculum while embedded in a rural or urban underserved community for their core third-year clerkships. We evaluated program effectiveness through a knowledge and attitude self-assessment survey of student participants before and after the program compared to students in a traditional curriculum.

RESULTS

The pre- and postsurvey response rates, respectively, were 22.8% for the control group and 98.4% for the ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) group. Compared to classmates in a traditional curriculum, program participants reported significantly higher self-perceived ability managing addiction concerns upon completing this curriculum (mean score of 3.2 vs 2.2 on a 5-point Likert scale, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Data from our LIC showed promise that the model can be effective in building confidence in students' abilities to practice addiction medicine. Because of its broad reach and low cost, this form of medical education may be a key model for medical schools to respond to the opioid epidemic and better serve our patients.

Promoting the integration of peer support specialists into the healthcare team

ABSTRACT

The 21st Century Cures Act to address the opioid crisis spurred the expansion of the peer support specialist (PSS) workforce. Nurses are in key positions to promote the successful integration of the PSS into the healthcare team. This article describes the role of the PSS, including key functions that overlap with those of nurses and ways they can help mitigate stigma, which remains a significant barrier to patients' access to treatment.

Implementation and Evaluation of Primary Care Team Participation in Opioid Use Disorder Learning Sessions

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies show that some primary care clinicians do not feel equipped to treat patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). This study addressed the gaps in confidence and knowledge of primary care physicians and other participants (i.e., participants who were not physicians) in diagnosing, treating, prescribing, and educating patients with OUD through interactive learning sessions.

METHODS

The American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network held monthly OUD learning sessions from September 2021 to March 2022 with physicians and other participants (n = 31) from 7 practices. Participants took baseline (n = 31), post-session (n = 11-20), and post-intervention (n = 21) surveys. Questions focused on confidence, knowledge, among others. We used non-parametric tests to compare individual responses pre-versus-post participation as well as to compare responses between groups.

RESULTS

All participants experienced significant changes in confidence and knowledge for most topics covered in the series. When comparing physicians to other participants, physicians had greater increases in confidence in dosing and monitoring for diversion (P = .047), but other participants had greater increases in confidence in the majority of topic areas. Physicians also had greater increases in knowledge than other participants in dosing and monitoring for safety (P = .033) and dosing and monitoring for diversion (P = .024), whereas other participants had greater increases in knowledge in most remaining topics. Participants agreed that sessions provided practical knowledge, except for relevancy of the case study portion of the session to current practice (P = .023) and the session improved participant ability to care for patients (P = .044).

CONCLUSION

Through participating in interactive OUD learning sessions, knowledge and confidence increased among physicians and other participants. These changes may impact participants' decisions to diagnose, treat, prescribe, and educate patients with OUD.

Implementation of a Hub-and-Spoke Partnership for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in a Medicaid Nonexpansion State

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.

Perceptions of Community Health Workers during Two Concurrent National Health Crises: Opioid Use Disorder and COVID-19

The purpose of this study is to describe the perceptions of community health workers (CHWs), post opioid use disorder training, including the impact of the intervening COVID-19 pandemic, on service delivery and communication. Semi-structured interviews with 10 CHWs were conducted. Categories from the interviews focused on the loss of connections with their clients and how the COVID-19 pandemic caused the CHWs to experience significant interruptions in both their professional and personal lives. The COVID-19 pandemic caused dramatic changes in how CHWs operate within the communities they serve and limiting the interpersonal relationships that are vital to their profession.

Patient- and Provider-Reported Experiences of a Mobile Novel Digital Therapeutic in People With Opioid Use Disorder (reSET-O): Feasibility and Acceptability Study

BACKGROUND

Medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine, are effective and essential for addressing the opioid epidemic. However, high dropout rates from medication remain a challenge. Behavioral treatment with contingency management and cognitive behavioral counseling has shown promise for improving the outcomes of buprenorphine treatment but is complicated to deliver. The delivery of behavioral treatment through technology-based platforms has the potential to make it more feasible for widespread dissemination.

OBJECTIVE

reSET-O is a prescription digital therapeutic and a commercial adaptation of the Therapeutic Education System, an internet-based program with a Community Reinforcement Approach to cognitive behavioral therapy. It delivers cognitive behavioral therapy modules and contingency management rewards upon completion of modules and negative urine drug screens. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of reSET-O in a community-based opioid treatment program with a Hub and Spoke model of care as part of a larger strategy to maintain individuals in treatment. Objective and qualitative results, as well as acceptability and likeability of reSET-O, were obtained from 15 individuals.

METHODS

English-speaking individuals aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of current opioid use disorder were recruited after being on buprenorphine for at least 1 week of treatment. Two 12-week prescriptions for reSET-O were written for the 24-week study. Patient reports of drug use and likeability scales of reSET-O were conducted at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 of the study. Qualitative interviews were also conducted. A total of 4 providers were recruited and provided feedback on the acceptability and feasibility of reSET-O.

RESULTS

Of the 15 participants who participated in this pilot study, 7 (47%) completed 24 weeks, and 8 (53%) were unable to complete because of dropout after enrollment, attrition in treatment, or incarceration. An average of US $96 in contingency management rewards were earned by participants for the completion of modules for the duration of the pilot study. Participants' subjective feedback revealed that reSET-O was easy to use, enjoyable, and helped provide a safe space to admit recurring substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

reSET-O was well accepted based on patient and provider feedback in this pilot study; however, adherence and retention in treatment remain areas for improvement. Randomized control trials are needed to assess whether retention of community-based buprenorphine treatment is enhanced through the use of technology-based behavioral interventions such as reSET-O.

Collaborative health systems ECHO: The use of a tele-education platform to facilitate communication and collaboration with recipients of state targeted response funds in Pennsylvania

Background: The opioid epidemic continues to erode communities across Pennsylvania (PA). Federal and PA state programs developed grants to establish Hub and Spoke programs for the expansion of medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD). Employing the telementoring platform Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes), Penn State Health engaged the other seven grant awardees in a Collaborative Health Systems (CHS) ECHO. We conducted key informant interviews to better understand impact of the CHS ECHO on health systems collaboration and opioid crisis efforts. Methods: For eight one-hour sessions, each awardee presented their unique strategies, challenges, and opportunities. Using REDCap, program characteristics, such as number of waivered prescribers and number of patients served were collected at baseline. After completion of the sessions, key informant interviews were conducted to assess the impact of CHS ECHO on awardee's programs. Results: Analysis of key informant interviews revealed important themes to address opioid crisis efforts, including the need for strategic and proactive program reevaluation and the convenience of collaborative peer learning networks. Participants expressed benefits of the CHS ECHO including allowing space for discussion of challenges and best practices and facilitating conversation on collaborative targeted advocacy and systems-level improvements. Participants further reported bolstered motivation and confidence. Conclusions: Utilizing Project ECHO provided a bidirectional platform of learning and support that created important connections between institutions working to combat the opioid epidemic. CHS ECHO was a unique opportunity for productive and convenient peer learning across external partners. Open dialogue developed during CHS ECHO can continue to direct systems-levels improvements that benefit individual and population outcomes.

The Impact of a Peer-Navigator Program on Naloxone Distribution and Buprenorphine Utilization in the Emergency Department

Objectives: In recent years many emergency departments (EDs) have adopted interventions to help patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly buprenorphine initiation and ED-based peer recovery support. There are limited data on the impact of peer navigators on provider naloxone kit distribution and buprenorphine utilization. We aimed to examine the impact of a peer recovery program on naloxone kit distribution and buprenorphine administration. Methods: This was a retrospective study analyzing the change in naloxone kits distributed as well as buprenorphine administrations. Data on naloxone kit and buprenorphine administrations was generated every month between November 2017 and February 2021. Time periods were as follows: implementation of guidelines for buprenorphine and naloxone kits, initiation of the navigator program, and first wave of COVID-19. Numbers of naloxone kits distributed and buprenorphine administrations per month were computed. Results: Between November 2017 and December 2020, there was a significant increase overtime among the 238 naloxone kits distributed (p < 0.0001). Between implementation of guidelines and introduction of peer navigators, there were 49 kits distributed, compared to an increase overtime among 235 kits when the navigator program began (p = 0.0001). There was also a significant increase overtime among 1797 administrations of buprenorphine (p < 0.0001). Administrations increased by 22.4% after implementation of the navigator program-a total of 787 compared to 643 post guideline (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Peer recovery support programs for patients with OUD can have an impact on administration of naloxone kits and buprenorphine. Future studies should determine whether these programs can cause a long-term culture change in the ED.

Feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of Project ECHO to expand capacity for pediatricians in Vietnam

Background

The Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model is considered a platform for academic medical centers to expand their healthcare workforce capacity to medically underserved populations. It has been known as an effective solution of continuing medical education (CME) for healthcare workers that used a hub-and-spoke model to leverage knowledge from specialists to primary healthcare providers in different regions. In this study, we aim to explore the views of healthcare providers and hospital leaders regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of Project ECHO for pediatricians.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and its satellite hospitals from July to December 2020. We conducted 39 in-depth interviews with hospital managers and healthcare providers who participated in online Project ECHO courses. A thematic analysis approach was performed to extract the qualitative data from in-depth interviews.

Results

Project ECHO shows high feasibility when healthcare providers find motivated to improve their professional knowledge. Besides, they realized the advantages of saving time and money with online training. Although the courses had been covered fully by the Ministry of Health’s fund, the participants said they could pay fees or be supported by the hospital’s fund. In particular, the expectation of attaining the CME-credited certificates after completing the course also contributes to the sustainability of the program. Project ECHO’s online courses should be improved if the session was better monitored with suitable time arrangements.

Conclusions

Project ECHO model is highly feasible, acceptable, and sustainable as it brings great benefits to the healthcare providers, and is appropriate with the policy theme of continuing medical education of the Ministry of Health. We recommend that further studies should be conducted to assess the impact of the ECHO program, especially for patient and community outcomes.

Effectiveness of peer recovery support services on stages of the opioid use disorder treatment cascade: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Peer recovery support services (PRSS) have been increasingly incorporated during the recovery process for opioid use disorder (OUD), yet little is known about the effects of PRSS on clinical outcomes of individuals who misuse opioids. This study systematically synthesized existing literature reporting the effectiveness of PRSS interventions on stages of the OUD treatment cascade.

METHODS

A search conducted on five databases identified studies from database inception to January 26th 2021 that evaluated the effects of PRSS on PRSS engagement, medication for OUD (MOUD) initiation, MOUD retention, opioid and non-opioid misuse, and remission. Characteristics of PRSS interventions, study design, and clinical outcomes were extracted. Methodological quality was assessed with the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies by the Effective Public Health Practice Project.

RESULTS

Of 123 titles, 22 were subjected to full-text review and 12 ultimately met inclusion criteria. Only two studies were randomized control trials, half compared the outcomes of PRSS participants to those of a counterfactual group. Most PRSS were unstandardized and broadly described, involving linkage to treatment (91.7%) or follow-up support (91.7%). MOUD initiation was reported the most often (66.7%), followed by PRSS engagement (33.3%) and opioid use (25.0%). No studies reported findings for MOUD retention or remission. Findings for available outcomes were inconsistent and difficult to compare due to the heterogeneity of PRSS interventions and methodological limitations.

CONCLUSION

Effectiveness of PRSS interventions on stages of the OUD treatment cascade remain inconclusive. Additional research is necessary before supporting the implementation of PRSS on a broad scale.

Implementation of buprenorphine initiation and warm handoff protocols in emergency departments: A qualitative study of Pennsylvania hospitals

BACKGROUND

Emergency departments (ED) are a critical touchpoint for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). In 2019, Pennsylvania had the fifth highest drug overdose mortality rate in the United States. State efforts have focused on implementing evidence-based ED care protocols, including induction of buprenorphine and warm handoffs to community treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We examined hospital staff's perspectives on the processes, challenges, and facilitators to buprenorphine initiation and warm handoff protocols in the ED.

METHODS

We used a qualitative case study design to focus on six Pennsylvania hospitals. The study selected hospitals using purposive sampling to capture varying hospital size, rurality, teaching status, and phase of protocol implementation. The study staff interviewed hospital staff with key roles in OUD care delivery in the ED, which included administrators, physicians, nurses, recovery support professionals, care coordinators, a social worker, and a pharmacist. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with 21 key informants from June to November 2020. Interviews were transcribed, deductively coded, and analyzed using CFIR domains and constructs to summarize factors influencing implementation of OUD ED care protocols and warm handoff to care protocols, as well as suggestions that emerged between and across cases.

RESULTS

Despite variation in the local context between hospitals, we identified common themes that influenced buprenorphine and warm handoffs across sites. Attention to hospital OUD care through state-level initiatives like the Hospital Quality Improvement Program generated hospital leadership buy-in toward implementing best OUD care practices. Factors at the hospital-level that influenced implementation success included supporting interdisciplinary OUD care champions, addressing knowledge gaps and biases around patients with OUD, having data systems that capture OUD care and integrate clinical protocols, incorporating patient comorbidities and non-medical needs into care, and fostering community provider linkages and capacity for warm handoffs. Although themes were largely consistent among hospital and staff types, protocol implementation was tailored by each hospital's size, patient volume, and hospital and community resources.

CONCLUSIONS

By understanding frontline staff's perspectives around factors that impact OUD care practices in the ED, stakeholders may better optimize implementation efforts.

Understanding Polarizing Community Perspectives on Harm Reduction Strategies: Challenges to Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Appalachian Pennsylvania

Introduction

Rural communities face barriers to opioid treatment and overdose prevention including concerns about stigma and lack of harm reduction services.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore community perspectives and understanding of harm reduction approaches to opioid use and overdose in a high-risk Northern Appalachian case community in Pennsylvania.

Methods

A small town approximately 10 miles from Pittsburgh was identified as the community with the greatest predicted probabilities of epidemic outbreak using posteriors from spatial models of hospitalizations for opioid use disorders. We interviewed 20 key stakeholders in the case community in using a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed the qualitative data using an inductive grounded theory approach.

Results

Our findings illustrate how conflicting perspectives about opioid dependence lay the foundation for the polarizing community perspectives on addressing opioid use and overdose and general disagreement regarding the legitimacy of harm reduction approaches versus abstinence-based recovery plans. Community members shared varying perspectives on multiple aspects of the opioid epidemic, including appropriate strategies, treatment, and overdose prevention methods and how community leaders and organizations should respond.

Implications

Opinions, coupled with a general lack of education regarding opioid use and harm reduction options, make it challenging for small communities with limited resources to create comprehensive plans to address the opioid crisis.

Emergency department-based efforts to offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder: What can we learn from current approaches?

BACKGROUND

The opioid epidemic remains a public health crisis and most people with opioid use disorder (OUD) do not receive effective treatment. The emergency department (ED) can be a critical entry point for treatment. EDs are developing and implementing ED-based efforts to address OUD to improve access to OUD treatment. This study's objective is to identify features of ED-based OUD treatment programs that relate to program implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability.

METHODS

We obtained data through literature review and semistructured interviews with ED physicians and leaders. The study analyzed these data to develop a framework of key components of ED-based efforts and highlight barriers and facilitators to implementation and program effectiveness.

RESULTS

We identify five key features of ED-based opioid treatment programs that vary across programs and may influence effectiveness and impact: patient identification methods; treatment approaches; program structure; relationship with community partners; and financing and sustainability. Successful implementation of ED-based OUD treatment includes having a champion, a reliable referral network, and systematic tracking and reporting of data for monitoring and feedback.

CONCLUSION

Going forward, attention to these features may help to improve effectiveness. As researchers conduct studies of ED-based care models, they should assess the impact of variation in key features to improve program effectiveness.

A multimodal mentorship intervention to improve surgical quality in Tanzania's Lake Zone: a convergent, mixed methods assessment

BACKGROUND

Safe, high-quality surgical care in many African countries is a critical need. Challenges include availability of surgical providers, improving quality of care, and building workforce capacity. Despite growing evidence that mentoring is effective in African healthcare settings, less is known about its role in surgery. We examined a multimodal approach to mentorship as part of a safe surgery intervention (Safe Surgery 2020) to improve surgical quality. Our goal was to distill lessons for policy makers, intervention designers, and practitioners on key elements of a successful surgical mentorship program.

METHODS

We used a convergent, mixed-methods design to examine the experiences of mentees, mentors, and facility leaders with mentorship at 10 health facilities in Tanzania's Lake Zone. A multidisciplinary team of mentors worked with surgical providers over 17 months using in-person mentorship, telementoring, and WhatsApp. We conducted surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups to capture data in four categories: (1) satisfaction with mentorship; (2) perceived impact; (3) elements of a successful mentoring program; and (4) challenges to implementing mentorship. We analyzed quantitative data using frequency analysis and qualitative data using the constant comparison method. Recurrent and unifying concepts were identified through merging the qualitative and quantitative data.

RESULTS

Overall, 96% of mentees experienced the intervention as positive, 88% were satisfied, and 100% supported continuing the intervention in the future. Mentees, mentors, and facility leaders perceived improvements in surgical practice, the surgical ecosystem, and in reducing postsurgical infections. Several themes related to the intervention's success emerged: (1) the intervention's design, including its multimodality, side-by-side mentorship, and standardization of practices; (2) the mentee-mentor relationship, including a friendly, safe, non-hierarchical, team relationship, as well as mentors' understanding of the local context; and (3) mentorship characteristics, including non-judgmental feedback, experience, and accessibility. Challenges included resistance to change, shortage of providers, mentorship dose, and logistics.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests a multimodal mentorship approach is promising in building the capacity of surgical providers. By distilling the experiences of the mentees, mentors, and facility leaders, our lessons provide a foundation for future efforts to establish effective surgical mentorship programs that build provider capacity and ultimately improve surgical quality.

Office-Based Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder and Pharmacy Dispensing: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

The authors conducted a scoping review to survey the evidence landscape for studies that assessed outcomes of treating patients with opioid use disorder with methadone in office-based settings.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched, and reference lists were reviewed to identify additional studies. Studies were eligible if they focused on methadone treatment in office-based settings conducted in the United States or other highly developed countries and reported outcomes (e.g., retention in care). Randomized trials and controlled observational studies were prioritized; uncontrolled and descriptive studies were included when stronger evidence was unavailable. One investigator abstracted key information, and a second verified data. A scoping review approach broadly surveyed the evidence, and therefore study quality was not rated formally.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies of patients treated with office-based methadone were identified, including six trials, eight observational studies, and four additional articles discussing use of pharmacies to dispense methadone. Studies on office-based methadone treatment, including primary care-based dispensing, were limited but consistently found that stable methadone patients valued office-based care and remained in care with low rates of drug use; outcomes were similar compared with stable patients in regular care. Office-based methadone treatment was associated with higher treatment satisfaction and quality of life. Limitations included underpowered comparisons and small samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited research suggests that office-based methadone treatment and pharmacy dispensing could enhance access to methadone treatment for patients with opioid use disorder without adversely affecting patient outcomes and, potentially, inform modifications to federal regulations. Research should assess the feasibility of office-based care for less stable patients.

Bridge clinic buprenorphine program decreases emergency department visits

INTRODUCTION

Opioid withdrawal due to opioid use disorder (OUD) is an increasing health emergency and complaint in emergency departments (EDs) across the United States. As a response to the increased need for OUD treatment, a low threshold buprenorphine program, or Bridge Clinic, was established within our hospital system. Patients are primarily connected to the Bridge Clinic through the ED, and are able to complete their consultation appointment reliably within 1-3 days of referral. This program also serves to connect patients to community resources for continued treatment of OUD.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify ED-based referrals to the Bridge Clinic in the period from January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018. Outcomes of interest included: (1) ED utilization in the six months before and after consultation at the Bridge Clinic and (2) adherence to buprenorphine therapy at 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 269 patients were included in the study, with 167 males (62%) and a mean age of 37.8 years. There were 654 total visits to the ED six months before referral to the Bridge Clinic and 381 visits in the six-month period after the initial appointment. There was a high adherence to buprenorphine treatment at 2 year follow up (56%).

CONCLUSIONS

These early results suggest that prompt referral to a buprenorphine treatment program significantly reduces ED utilization and connects patients to community resources for continued buprenorphine treatment for OUD.

Opioid Use Disorder ECHO: A Program Evaluation of a Project That Provides Knowledge and Builds Capacity for Community Health Workers in Medically Underserved Areas of South Texas

Opioid use disorder is a growing public health concern in South Texas. To assist in mitigating the effects of this epidemic, staff produced a program that focused on replicating, modifying, and evaluating the impact of the "Opioid Addiction Treatment ECHO™ (Extension of Community Health Outcomes) for CHWs (community health workers) program" on 26 CHWs practicing in rural and other medically underserved areas through teleconferencing technology. CHWs trained on the topic of substance use disorder concentrated on behavioral health integration with a focus on opioid prescription misuse. The analysis found that knowledge attainment was increased above the pretest means. The ECHO™ model proved to be effective at linking subject matter experts and specialists at an academic "hub" with CHWs in local communities.

The opioid epidemic: Mobilizing an academic health center to improve outcomes

Since 2000, opioid use disorder (OUD) has become an epidemic in the United States with more than 600,000 total deaths and a $51 billion annual cost. Patients with OUD require services from community-based organizations, local and state health departments, and health systems, all of which necessitate communication and collaboration among these groups to develop an effective strategy for diagnosis, treatment, and coordination of care. Academic health centers (AHCs) are poised to make significant contributions to the care of patients with OUD given in-house expertise across multiple medical specialties and the mission to care for patients in need. Despite the potential for AHCs to provide necessary services and address this public health crisis, progress has been slow. Many AHCs lack a clear roadmap for moving this agenda forward in their local regions. In response to rising deaths due to OUD, the authors' AHC undertook a significant redesign effort to facilitate the necessary processes and interdepartmental collaboration to provide patient-centered, comprehensive care for patients with OUD. In this article, using an organizational development framework (McKinsey 7S model), the authors describe their transformation process, and articulate strategies and potential barriers to implementing this framework. The goal of the article is to highlight the structural, procedural, and cultural changes that have occurred in one AHC so we can assist other AHCs in addressing the opioid epidemic.

The impact of project ECHO on physician preparedness to treat opioid use disorder: a systematic review

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a medical condition that has evolved into a serious and deadly epidemic in the United States. Both medical and psychological interventions are called for to end this growing epidemic, but too few health care professionals are trained to treat OUD. One proven model of training physicians and cross-disciplinary teams in treating a variety of disorders is exemplified by Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a collaborative tele-mentoring program in which specialists train health-care workers to treat medical conditions, especially those that affect underserved populations. This systematic review found that Project ECHO has the potential to effectively extend current services to patients suffering from OUD, but that there is also a gap in knowledge regarding this type of training. The articles that we reviewed all presented evidence that Project ECHO improves healthcare provider preparedness to treat OUD, especially in regard to improving knowledge and self-efficacy.

Reducing Alcohol and Opioid Use Among Youth in Rural Counties: An Innovative Training Protocol for Primary Health Care Providers and School Personnel

Background

Given that youth alcohol use is more common in rural communities, such communities can play a key role in preventing alcohol use among adolescents. Guidelines recommend primary care providers incorporate screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) into routine care.

Objective

The aim is to train primary care providers and school nurses within a rural 10-county catchment area in Pennsylvania to use SBIRT and facilitate collaboration with community organizations to better coordinate substance use prevention efforts.

Methods

To build capacity to address underage drinking and opioid use among youth aged 9-20 years, this project uses telehealth, specifically Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), to train primary care providers and school nurses to address substance use with SBIRT. Our project will provide 120 primary care providers and allied health professionals as well as 20 school nurses with SBIRT training. Community-based providers will participate in weekly virtual ECHO sessions with a multidisciplinary team from Penn State College of Medicine that will provide SBIRT training and facilitate case discussions among participants.

Results

To date, we have launched one SBIRT ECHO project with school personnel, enrolling 34 participants. ECHO participants are from both rural (n=17) and urban (n=17) counties and include school nurses (n=15), school counselors (n=8), teachers (n=5), administrators (n=3), and social workers (n=3). Before the study began, only 2/13 (15.5%) of schools were screening for alcohol use.

Conclusions

This project teaches primary care clinics and schools to use SBIRT to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance use disorders, reduce problems associated with substance use disorders, and strengthen communities’ prevention capacity. Ours is an innovative model to improve rural adolescent health by reducing alcohol and opioid use.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/21015

Prescribing Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorders in the ED: A Review of Best Practices, Barriers, and Future Directions

ED-initiated addiction treatment holds promise for enhancing access to treatment for those with opioid use disorder (OUD). We present a literature review summarizing the evidence for buprenorphine induction in the ED including best practices for dosing, follow-up care, and reducing implementation barriers. A literature search of Pubmed, PsychInfo, and Embase identified articles studying OUD treatment in the ED published after 1980. Twenty-five studies were identified including eleven scientific abstracts. Multiple studies suggest that buprenorphine induction improves engagement in substance treatment up to 30 days after ED treatment. Many different induction protocols were presented, but no particular approach was best supported as criteria for induction and initial dosing vary widely. Similarly, transition of care models focused on either a "hub and spoke" model or "warm hand-offs" model, but no studies compared these approaches. Common barriers to implementing induction programs were provider inexperience, discomfort with addiction treatment, and limited time during the ED visit. No studies described the number of EDs offering induction. While ED buprenorphine induction is safe and enhances adherence to addiction treatment, uncertainty persists in how to best identify patients needing treatment, how to initiate buprenorphine, and how to enhance follow-up after ED-initiated treatment.

A mixed methods evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a pilot project ECHO for community health workers (CHWs)

BACKGROUND

Despite the positive effects of community health workers (CHWs) on addressing social determinants of health, improving patient health outcomes, and decreasing overall healthcare costs, there is a lack of standardization in training and certifying this workforce, resulting in different approaches to integrating this role into medical home models. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the application of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) in enhancing CHWs' capacity to address health and social issues of vulnerable populations.

METHODS

An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was applied in which all participants (N = 49) completed pre (January 2019) and post (July 2019) quantitative online surveys measuring changes in self-efficacy, behavior change intent, and knowledge. Virtual focus groups were conducted with a subset of participants (n = 20) in July 2019 to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of Project ECHO.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference of + 0.453 in the composite self-efficacy mean score pre- to post-series. For every 1 additional Project ECHO CHW session attended, there was a .05 improvement in participants' self-efficacy to perform CHW-related job duties and address social determinants of health (SDOH). Four major themes emerged from the qualitative focus group data: value in learning from other participants' caseloads, CHW-care team integration, availability of training and resources, and shared decision-making with patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This evaluation suggests that ECHO is a viable means of increasing access to training resources for CHWs. Future studies on the ECHO model as a means of educating and broadening implementation of CHWs are warranted. Programs such as Project ECHO can support CHWs by providing continuing education opportunities, as well as standardizing training content across large geographic areas.

Building Capacity for Medication Assisted Treatment in Rural Primary Care Practices: The IT MATTTRs Practice Team Training

OBJECTIVES

In response to rural communities and practice concerns related to opioid use disorder (OUD), the Implementing Technology and Medication Assisted Treatment Team Training in Rural Colorado study (IT MATTTRs) developed a training intervention for full primary care practice (PCP) teams in MAT for OUD. This evaluation reports on training implementation, participant satisfaction, and impact on perceived ability to deliver MAT.

METHODS

PCPs in the High Plains Research Network and Colorado Research Network were randomized to receive team training either in-person or through virtual tele-mentoring. Training attendance logs recorded the number of participants and their roles. Participants completed a survey within one month of the last training session to evaluate satisfaction and ability to deliver components of MATs.

RESULTS

441 team members at 42 PCPs were trained, including 22% clinicians, 47% clinical support staff, 24% administrative support staff. Survey respondents reported high levels of satisfaction, including 82% reporting improved understanding of the topic, and 68% identifying actions to apply information. Self-rated ability was significantly higher after training for all items (P < .0001), including ability to identify patients for MAT and to manage patients receiving MAT. Mean change scores, adjusted for role, were significantly greater for all measures (P < .001) in SOuND practices compared to ECHO practices.

CONCLUSIONS

The IT MATTTRs Practice Team Training successfully engaged PCP team members in diverse roles in MAT for OUD training and increased self-efficacy to deliver MAT. Results support the training as a resource for a team-based approach to build rural practices' capacity to deliver MAT.