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Lowenstein M, Popova E, Jalloh A, Mazzella S, Botcheos D, Bertocchi J, Westfahl S, Garcia KP, Truchil R, Chertok J. The Mobile Overdose Response Program: A mobile, low-threshold opioid use disorder treatment model in Philadelphia. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 164:209429. [PMID: 38857828 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low-threshold substance use treatment programs may help overcome barriers for marginalized individuals. The aims of this study were to 1) describe participant characteristics and treatment outcomes for a multi-site, Philadelphia-based mobile program providing street-based buprenorphine initiation, stabilization, and referral to ongoing care and 2) examine associations between patient characteristics and successful linkage. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving buprenorphine through Prevention Point Philadelphia's mobile overdose response program from 9/2020-12/2021. We abstracted electronic medical record data, including patient characteristics, mobile program treatment, and care linkage. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the sample and assessed the association between patient characteristics and successful care linkage using multi-variable logistic regression. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-seven patients initiated buprenorphine in the program across six sites. Mean age was 46. Participants were majority men (67 %); 59 % identified as Black, 33 % identified as White, and 15 % reported Hispanic ethnicity. Most were publicly insured (74 %) and 30 % were unstably housed. Basedline engagement in primary care (32 %), psychiatric treatment (5 %), and counseling (2 %) were low. Most participants reported heroin or fentanyl use at intake (87 %), with high rates of IV drug use (37 %)., and co-occurring substance use and prior buprenorphine treatment experience were common.. 86 % completed ≥1 mobile follow-up visit, and 69 % completed ≥4 mobile program visits. 51 % of patients attended at least one visit at an outside site, and 30 % had ≥2 visits for buprenorphine prescriptions at an outside site. 35 % of the referrals were internal, meaning they went to University-based practices staffed by the mobile unit physicians. In a multivariable logistic regression model, internal referral was associated with significantly increased odds of effective care linkage (aOR 2.47, 95 % CI 1.20-5.09). CONCLUSIONS Targeted community outreach with low-threshold substance use care facilitated treatment access among marginalized individuals. Participants showed high levels of engagement with the mobile program, but rates of outside care linkage, while comparable to retention in other low-threshold models, were lower. The only predictor of effective care linkage was referral to brick-and-mortar clinics staffed by mobile unit physicians. These findings support the importance of outreach beyond traditional health care settings to engage high-risk patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Lowenstein
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Ellena Popova
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aminata Jalloh
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachael Truchil
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Judy Chertok
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Dunham K, Rivas C, Medina Blanco P, Kolod B, Salvati C, Clark K, Sue KL, Hagaman A, Weiss JJ. "It's Like A Partnership": Exploring the Primary Care Experiences and Patient-Defined Goals of People Who Use Drugs. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1681-1689. [PMID: 38578536 PMCID: PMC11255174 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08743-5] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care is an important yet underutilized resource in addressing the overdose crisis. Previous studies have identified important aspects of primary care for people who use drugs (PWUD) and have found patient involvement in healthcare decisions and goal-setting to be especially critical. However, there has been limited research describing the primary care goals of PWUD. In harm reduction settings, where it is imperative that PWUD set their own goals, this research gap becomes especially relevant. OBJECTIVE To explore how PWUD navigate primary care with a focus on understanding their primary care goals. DESIGN A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. PARTICIPANTS PWUD currently engaged in primary care at the Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, a harm reduction-based primary care program in New York City. APPROACH Between June 2022 and August 2022, we conducted 17 semi-structured interviews. Informed by phenomenology, transcripts were coded using both inductive and deductive codes and themes were developed using thematic analysis approaches. KEY RESULTS Phenomenological analysis identified four core components that, together, created an experience that participants described as "a partnership" between patient and provider: (1) patient-provider collaboration around patient-defined healthcare goals; (2) support provided by harm reduction-based approaches to primary care anchored in incrementalism and flexibility; (3) care teams' ability to address healthcare system fragmentation; and (4) the creation of social connections through primary care. This holistic partnership fostered positive primary care experiences and supported participants' self-defined care goals, thereby facilitating meaningful care outcomes. CONCLUSIONS To best meet the primary care goals of PWUD, these findings underscore the importance of primary care providers and programs facilitating such partnerships through organizational-level support anchored in harm reduction. Future research should explore how these experiences in primary care affect patient health outcomes, ultimately shaping best practices in the provision of high-quality primary care for PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Dunham
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA.
| | - Catherine Rivas
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1087, New York, USA
| | - Paula Medina Blanco
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1087, New York, USA
| | - Betty Kolod
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1087, New York, USA
| | - Carli Salvati
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1087, New York, USA
| | - Katie Clark
- Clark Health Education and Research Solutions, Branford, USA
| | - Kimberly L Sue
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Ashley Hagaman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Weiss
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1087, New York, USA
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Lindenfeld Z, Franz B, Lai AY, Pagán JA, Fenstemaker C, Cronin CE, Chang JE. Barriers and Facilitators to Establishing Partnerships for Substance Use Disorder Care Transitions Between Safety-Net Hospitals and Community-Based Organizations. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08883-8. [PMID: 38937366 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of hospital-based transitional opioid programs (TOPs), which aim to connect patients with substance use disorders (SUD) to ongoing treatment in the community following initiation of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment in the hospital, hinges on successful patient transitions. These transitions are enabled by strong partnerships between hospitals and community-based organizations (CBOs). However, no prior study has specifically examined barriers and facilitators to establishing SUD care transition partnerships between hospitals and CBOs. OBJECTIVE To identify barriers and facilitators to developing partnerships between hospitals and CBOs to facilitate care transitions for patients with SUDs. DESIGN Qualitative study using semi structured interviews conducted between November 2022-August 2023. PARTICIPANTS Staff and providers from hospitals affiliated with four safety-net health systems (n=21), and leaders and staff from the CBOs with which they had established partnerships (n=5). APPROACH Interview questions focused on barriers and facilitators to implementing TOPs, developing partnerships with CBOs, and successfully transitioning SUD patients from hospital settings to CBOs. KEY RESULTS We identified four key barriers to establishing transition partnerships: policy and philosophical differences between organizations, ineffective communication, limited trust, and a lack of connectivity between data systems. We also identified three facilitators to partnership development: strategies focused on building partnership quality, strategic staffing, and organizing partnership processes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that while multiple barriers to developing hospital-CBO partnerships exist, stakeholders can adopt implementation strategies that mitigate these challenges such as using mediators, cross-hiring, and focusing on mutually beneficial services, even within resource-limited safety-net settings. Policymakers and health system leaders who wish to optimize TOPs in their facilities should focus on adopting implementation strategies to support transition partnerships such as inadequate data collection and sharing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Lindenfeld
- Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Berkeley Franz
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, The Institute to Advance Health Equity, Ohio University, 1 Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Alden Yuanhong Lai
- Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - José A Pagán
- Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Cheyenne Fenstemaker
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, The Institute to Advance Health Equity, Ohio University, 1 Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Cory E Cronin
- College of Health Sciences and Professions, The Institute to Advance Health Equity, Ohio University, 1 Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Ji Eun Chang
- Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY, 10003, USA
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Casey SK, Howard S, Regan S, Romero A, Powell EA, Kehoe L, Kane MT, Wakeman SE. Linkage to Care Outcomes Following Treatment in A Low-Threshold Substance Use Disorder Bridge Clinic. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024:29767342241261609. [PMID: 38912689 DOI: 10.1177/29767342241261609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) remains low in the United States. To better meet needs of people who use alcohol and other drugs, low threshold bridge clinics which offer treatment without barrier and harm reduction services have gained prevalence. Bridge clinics work to surmount barriers to care by providing same day medication and treatment for SUD and eventually transitioning patients to community-based treatment providers. In this study, we examine SUD treatment outcomes among patients who transitioned out of a bridge clinic. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of posttreatment outcomes of patients seen at an urban medical center's bridge clinic between 2017 and 2022. The primary outcome was being in care anywhere at time of follow-up. We also examined the proportion of patients who completed each step of the cascade of care following transfer: connection to transfer clinic, completion of a clinic visit, retention in care, and medication use among those remaining in care at the transfer clinic. We examined the association of different bridge clinic services with still being in care anywhere and the association between successful transfer with being in care and taking medication at follow-up. RESULTS Of 209 eligible participants, 63 were surveyed. Sixty-five percent of participants identified as male, 74% as white, 12% as Hispanic, 6% as Black, and 16% were unhoused. Most participants (78%) reported being connected to SUD treatment from the Bridge Clinic, and 37% remained in care at the same facility at the time of survey. Eighty-four percent reported being in treatment anywhere and 68% reported taking medication for SUD at follow-up, with most participants reporting taking buprenorphine (46%). CONCLUSION Of those participants who transitioned out of a bridge clinic into community-based SUD care, 78% were successfully connected to ongoing care and 84% were still in care at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Casey
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sydney Howard
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Regan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alison Romero
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Kehoe
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha T Kane
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Wakeman
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Harris MT, Weinberger E, O'Brien C, Althoff M, Paltrow-Krulwich S, Taylor JL, Judge A, Samet JH, Walley AY, Gunn CM. PrEP facilitators and barriers in substance use bridge clinics for women who engage in sex work and who use drugs. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:47. [PMID: 38831359 PMCID: PMC11145858 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00476-4] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who engage in sex work and use drugs (WSWUD) experience disproportionate HIV risks. Substance use treatment bridge clinics offer an opportunity to increase HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery to WSWUD, but research on best practices is lacking. Therefore, we explored facilitators and barriers to PrEP across the PrEP care continuum in these settings. METHODS Bridge clinic and affiliated harm reduction health service providers and WSWUD from Boston were recruited using passive and active outreach between December 2021 and August 2022. Participants were invited to take part in semi-structured phone or in-person interviews to explore HIV prevention and PrEP care experiences overall and within bridge clinic settings. Deductive codes were developed based on HIV risk environment frameworks and the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model and inductive codes were added based on transcript review. Grounded content analysis was used to generate themes organized around the PrEP care continuum. RESULTS The sample included 14 providers and 25 WSWUD. Most WSWUD were aware of PrEP and more than half had initiated PrEP at some point. However, most who initiated PrEP did not report success with daily oral adherence. Providers and WSWUD described facilitators and barriers to PrEP across the steps of the care continuum: Awareness, uptake, adherence, and retention. Facilitators for WSWUD included non-stigmatizing communication with providers, rapid wraparound substance use treatment and HIV services, having a PrEP routine, and service structures to support PrEP adherence. Barriers included low HIV risk perceptions and competing drug use and survival priorities. Provider facilitators included clinical note templates prompting HIV risk assessments and training. Barriers included discomfort discussing sex work risks, competing clinical priorities, and a lack of PrEP adherence infrastructure. CONCLUSION WSWUD and bridge clinic providers favored integrated HIV prevention and substance use services in harm reduction and bridge clinic settings. Harm reduction and bridge clinic programs played a key role in HIV prevention and PrEP education for WSWUD. Effective behavioral and structural interventions are still needed to improve PrEP adherence for WSWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Th Harris
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Emma Weinberger
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Christine O'Brien
- Project Trust Boston Area Substance Abuse and Harm Reduction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Mary Althoff
- AIDS Action Committee, Cambridge, MA, 02119, USA
| | - Samantha Paltrow-Krulwich
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Abigail Judge
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Christine M Gunn
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Taylor JL, Gott J, Weisenthal K, Colicchio P, Dyer S, Komaromy MS. Post-Overdose Extended-Release Buprenorphine Initiation Facilitated by a Partnership Between Emergency Medical Services and an Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Observation Unit. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024:29767342241249386. [PMID: 38736211 DOI: 10.1177/29767342241249386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who experience a nonfatal opioid overdose and receive naloxone are at high risk of subsequent overdose death but experience gaps in access to medications for opioid use disorder. The immediate post-naloxone period offers an opportunity for buprenorphine initiation. Limited data indicate that buprenorphine administration by emergency medical services (EMS) after naloxone overdose reversal is safe and feasible. We describe a case in which a partnership between a low-barrier substance use disorder (SUD) observation unit and EMS allowed for buprenorphine initiation with extended-release injectable buprenorphine after naloxone overdose reversal. CASE A man in his 40's with severe opioid use disorder and numerous prior opioid overdoses experienced overdose in the community. EMS was activated and he was successfully resuscitated with intranasal naloxone, administered by bystanders and EMS. He declined emergency department (ED) transport and consented to transport to a 24/7 SUD observation unit. The patient elected to start buprenorphine due to barriers attending opioid treatment programs daily. His largest barrier was unsheltered homelessness. His severe opioid withdrawal symptoms were successfully treated with 16/4 mg sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone and 300 mg extended-release injectable buprenorphine (XR-buprenorphine), without precipitated withdrawal. Two weeks later, he reported no interval fentanyl use. DISCUSSION We describe the case of a patient successfully initiated onto XR-buprenorphine in the immediate post-naloxone period via a partnership between an outpatient low-barrier addiction programs and EMS. Such partnerships offer promise in expanding buprenorphine access and medication choice, particularly for the high-risk population of patients who decline ED transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Taylor
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Gott
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nursing, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karrin Weisenthal
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige Colicchio
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Dyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Emergency Medical Services, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miriam S Komaromy
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Martinez NG, Truong AQ, Nordeck CD, Agus D, Genberg BL, Buresh ME. "I want to stay here": Patient and staff perspectives on transitioning from a low-threshold buprenorphine program to clinic-based care. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111130. [PMID: 38452408 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111130] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Project Connections At Re-Entry (PCARE) Van is a low-threshold buprenorphine program operating outside the Baltimore City Detention Center. Like other low-threshold programs, PCARE seeks to engage a vulnerable population in care, stabilize patients, then transition patients to longer-term care; however, <10% of patients transition to clinic-based buprenorphine treatment. Our goal was to better understand these low transition rates and center patient perspectives in discussion of broader low-threshold program design. METHODS From December 2022 to June 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 former and current PCARE patients and 6 staff members. We used deductive and inductive coding followed by thematic content analysis to identify themes around treatment experiences and care preferences. RESULTS There were strong preferences among current and former patients for continuing buprenorphine treatment at the PCARE Van. Several themes emerged from the data that explained patient preferences, including both advantages to continuing care at the van (preference for continuity, feeling respected by the program's structure and philosophy) and disadvantages to transitioning to a clinic (perceived harms associated with rigid or punitive care models). Staff noted limited program capacity, and patients expressed that if needed, they would transition to a clinic for altruistic reasons. Staff expressed varied perspectives on low-threshold care, emphasizing both larger systems factors, as well as beliefs about individual patient responsibility. CONCLUSIONS While many low-threshold care settings are designed as transitional bridge models, this research highlights patient preference for long-term care at low-threshold programs and supports efforts to adapt low-threshold models to be sustainable as longitudinal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle G Martinez
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Mason F. Lord Building East Tower 2nd Floor, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Ashley Q Truong
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Courtney D Nordeck
- Friends Research Institute, 1040 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Deborah Agus
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Behavioral Health Leadership Institute, 2601N. Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Megan E Buresh
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Mason F. Lord Building East Tower 2nd Floor, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Hughes T, Nasser N, Mitra A. Overview of best practices for buprenorphine initiation in the emergency department. Int J Emerg Med 2024; 17:23. [PMID: 38373992 PMCID: PMC10877824 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-024-00593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, opioid overdoses have increased dramatically in the United States and peer countries. Given this, emergency medicine physicians have become adept in reversing and managing complications of acute overdose. However, many remain unfamiliar with initiating medication for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine, a high-affinity partial opioid agonist. Emergency department-based buprenorphine initiation is supported by a significant body of literature demonstrating a marked reduction in mortality in addition to increased engagement in care. Buprenorphine initiation is also safe, given both the pharmacologic properties of buprenorphine that reduce the risk of diversion or recreational use, and previously published literature demonstrating low rates of respiratory depression, sedation, and precipitated withdrawal. Further, barriers to emergency department-based initiation have been reduced in recent years, with publicly available dosing and up-titration schedules, numerous publications overviewing best practices for managing precipitated withdrawal, and removal of USA policies previously restricting patient access and provider prescribing, with the removal of the X-waiver via the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act. Despite reductions in barriers, buprenorphine initiation in the emergency room remains underutilized. Poor uptake has been attributed to numerous individual and systemic barriers, including inadequate education, provider stigma, and insufficient access to outpatient follow-up care. The following practice innovation aims to summarize previously published evidence-based best practices and provide an accessible, user-friendly initiation guide to increase emergency physician comfortability with buprenorphine initiation going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Hughes
- The Mount Sinai Hospital, 1 Gustav Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
| | - Nicholas Nasser
- The Mount Sinai Hospital, 1 Gustav Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA.
| | - Avir Mitra
- Mount Sinai Beth Israel, 281 1st Ave, New York, NY, 10003, USA
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Wakeman SE, Powell E, Shehab S, Herman G, Kehoe L, Kaplan RS. A Cost Model for a Low-Threshold Clinic Treating Opioid Use Disorder. J Behav Health Serv Res 2024; 51:22-30. [PMID: 37644350 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-023-09853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The US fee-for-service payment system under-reimburses clinics offering access to comprehensive treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD). The funding shortfall limits a clinic's ability to expand and improve access, especially for socially marginalized patients with OUD. New payment models, however, should reflect the high variation in cost for using a clinic's clinical and voluntary psychosocial and recovery support services. The authors applied time-driven activity-based costing, a patient-level, micro-costing approach, to estimate the cost at an outpatient clinic that delivers medication for opiate used disorder (MOUD) and voluntary psychosocial and recovery support services. Much of the cost variation could be explained by classifying patients into three archetypes: (1) light touch (1-3 visits): no significant co-occurring psychiatric illness, stable housing, and easy to connect for ongoing OUD treatment in a traditional outpatient setting; (2) standard (average of 8 visits): initially requires an integrated team-based care model but soon stabilizes for transition to community-based outpatient care; (3) quad morbidity (> 20 visits): multiple co-occurring substance use disorders, unhoused, co-occurring medical and psychiatric complexity, and limited social supports. With the cost of the initial visit set at an indexed value of 100, an average light touch patient had a cost of 352, a standard patient was 718, and a quad morbidity patient was 1701. The cost structure revealed by this analysis provides the foundation for alternative payment models that would enable new MOUD clinics, staffed with multi-disciplinary care teams, and located for convenient access by high-risk patients, to be established and sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Wakeman
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Elizabeth Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | | | - Grace Herman
- Jacobs School of Medicine at University of Buffalo, Buffalo, USA
| | - Laura Kehoe
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Robert S Kaplan
- Harvard University, Cambridge, USA.
- Harvard Business School, Boston, USA.
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Jones KF, Khodyakov D, Han BH, Arnold RM, Dao E, Morrison J, Kapo J, Meier DE, Paice JA, Liebschutz JM, Ritchie CS, Merlin JS, Bulls HW. Expert consensus-based guidance on approaches to opioid management in individuals with advanced cancer-related pain and nonmedical stimulant use. Cancer 2023; 129:3978-3986. [PMID: 37691479 PMCID: PMC10910244 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34921] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians treating cancer-related pain with opioids regularly encounter nonmedical stimulant use (i.e., methamphetamine, cocaine), yet there is little evidence-based management guidance. The aim of the study is to identify expert consensus on opioid management strategies for an individual with advanced cancer and cancer-related pain with nonmedical stimulant use according to prognosis. METHODS The authors conducted two modified Delphi panels with palliative care and addiction experts. In Panel A, the patient's prognosis was weeks to months and in Panel B the prognosis was months to years. Experts reviewed, rated, and commented on the case using a 9-point Likert scale from 1 (very inappropriate) to 9 (very appropriate) and explained their responses. The authors applied the three-step analytical approach outlined in the RAND/UCLA to determine consensus and level of clinical appropriateness of management strategies. To better conceptualize the quantitative results, they thematically analyzed and coded participant comments. RESULTS Consensus was achieved for all management strategies. The 120 Experts were mostly women (47 [62%]), White (94 [78%]), and physicians (115 [96%]). For a patient with cancer-related and nonmedical stimulant use, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to continue opioids, increase monitoring, and avoid opioid tapering. Buprenorphine/naloxone transition was inappropriate for a patient with a short prognosis and of uncertain appropriateness for a patient with a longer prognosis. CONCLUSION Study findings provide urgently needed consensus-based guidance for clinicians managing cancer-related pain in the context of stimulant use and highlight a critical need to develop management strategies to address stimulant use disorder in people with cancer. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Among palliative care and addiction experts, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to continue opioids, increase monitoring, and avoid opioid tapering in the context of cancer-related pain and nonmedical stimulant use. Buprenorphine/naloxone transition as a harm reduction measure was inappropriate for a patient with a short prognosis and of uncertain appropriateness for a patient with a longer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- New England Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center and Division of Palliative Care, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Benjamin H. Han
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Robert M. Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily Dao
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Jeni Morrison
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer Kapo
- Palliative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Diane E. Meier
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith A. Paice
- Division Hematology-Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jane M. Liebschutz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christine S. Ritchie
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica S. Merlin
- Challenges in Managing and Preventing Pain Clinical Research Center, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hailey W. Bulls
- Challenges in Managing and Preventing Pain Clinical Research Center, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Becker TD, Eschliman EL, Thakrar AP, Yang LH. A conceptual framework for how structural changes in emerging acute substance use service models can reduce stigma of medications for opioid use disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1184951. [PMID: 37829763 PMCID: PMC10565357 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1184951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Stigma toward people taking medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is prevalent, harmful to the health and well-being of this population, and impedes MOUD treatment resource provision, help-seeking, and engagement in care. In recent years, clinicians have implemented new models of MOUD-based treatment in parts of the United States that integrate buprenorphine initiation into emergency departments and other acute general medical settings, with post-discharge linkage to office-based treatment. These service models increase access to MOUD and they have potential to mitigate stigma toward opioid use and MOUD. However, the empirical literature connecting these emerging service delivery models to stigma outcomes remains underdeveloped. This paper aims to bridge the stigma and health service literatures via a conceptual model delineating how elements of emerging MOUD service models can reduce stigma and increase behavior in pursuit of life goals. Specifically, we outline how new approaches to three key processes can counter structural, public, and self-stigma for this population: (1) community outreach with peer-to-peer influence, (2) clinical evaluation and induction of MOUD in acute care settings, and (3) transition to outpatient maintenance care and early recovery. Emerging service models that target these three processes can, in turn, foster patient empowerment and pursuit of life goals. There is great potential to increase the well-being of people who use opioids by reducing stigma against MOUD via these structural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D. Becker
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Evan L. Eschliman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ashish P. Thakrar
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lawrence H. Yang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Lowenstein M, Abrams MP, Crowe M, Shimamoto K, Mazzella S, Botcheos D, Bertocchi J, Westfahl S, Chertok J, Garcia KP, Truchil R, Holliday-Davis M, Aronowitz S. "Come try it out. Get your foot in the door:" Exploring patient perspectives on low-barrier treatment for opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109915. [PMID: 37207615 PMCID: PMC10330675 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109915] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low-barrier treatment is an emerging strategy for opioid use disorder (OUD) care that prioritizes access to evidence-based medication while minimizing requirements that may limit treatment access in more traditional delivery models, particularly for marginalized patients. Our objective was to explore patient perspectives about low-barrier approaches, with a focus on understanding barriers to and facilitators of engagement from the patient point of view. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients accessing buprenorphine treatment from a multi-site, low-barrier mobile treatment program in Philadelphia, PA from July-December 2021. We analyzed interview data using thematic content analysis and identified key themes. RESULTS The 36 participants were 58% male, 64% Black, 28% White, and 31% Latinx. 89% were enrolled in Medicaid, and 47% were unstably housed. Our analysis revealed three main facilitators of treatment in the low-barrier model. These included 1) program structure that met participant needs, such as flexibility, rapid medication access and robust case management services; 2) harm reduction approach that included acceptance of patient goals other than abstinence and provision of harm reduction services on-site; and 3) strong interpersonal connections with team members, including those with lived experience. Participants contrasted these experiences with other care they had received in the past. Barriers related to lack of structure, limitations of street-based care, and limited support for co-occurring needs, particularly mental health. CONCLUSIONS This study provides key patient perspectives on low-barrier approaches for OUD treatment. Our findings can inform future program design to increase treatment access and engagement for individuals poorly served by traditional delivery models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Lowenstein
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Matthew P Abrams
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Molly Crowe
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Denise Botcheos
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Shawn Westfahl
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Judy Chertok
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kristine Pamela Garcia
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachael Truchil
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - M Holliday-Davis
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shoshana Aronowitz
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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13
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Moore KE, Wyatt JP, Phillips S, Burke C, Bellamy C, McKee SA. The role of substance use treatment in reducing stigma after release from incarceration: A qualitative analysis. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2023; 11:25. [PMID: 37191937 PMCID: PMC10186797 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-023-00225-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with substance use disorders (SUD) who have been involved in the legal system often experience stigma upon reentry into the community after incarceration. Although substance use treatment can sometimes be a source of stigma, it may also reduce stigma by facilitating connections with providers, reducing distress, or helping people feel more integrated in their community. However, research has rarely examined the potential for treatment to reduce stigma. METHODS This study examined stigma experiences and the degree to which substance use treatment reduced stigma among 24 people with SUDs who were receiving care in an outpatient treatment facility after release from incarceration. Qualitative interviews were conducted and analyzed using a content analysis approach. RESULTS Participants reported negative self-judgements as well as perceiving negative judgments from the community upon reentry. With regard to stigma reduction, themes emerged around substance use treatment repairing strained family relationships and reducing participants' self-stigma. Aspects of treatment that reportedly reduced stigma included the treatment facility having a nonjudgmental atmosphere, patients trusting the staff, and working with peer navigators who had lived experience of SUD and incarceration. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study suggest that substance use treatment has the potential to decrease the negative impacts of stigma upon release from incarceration, which continues to be a major barrier. Though more research on stigma reduction is needed, we suggest some preliminary considerations for treatment programs and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Moore
- East Tennessee State University, 420 Rogers-Stout Hall, P.O. Box 70649, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA.
| | - Janan P Wyatt
- Yale University School of Medicine, 2 Church St. South, #109, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Sarah Phillips
- Yale University School of Medicine, 2 Church St. South, #109, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Catherine Burke
- Yale University School of Medicine, 2 Church St. South, #109, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Chyrell Bellamy
- Yale University School of Medicine, 2 Church St. South, #109, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Sherry A McKee
- Yale University School of Medicine, 2 Church St. South, #109, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
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14
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Taylor JL, Wakeman SE, Walley AY, Kehoe LG. Substance use disorder bridge clinics: models, evidence, and future directions. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:23. [PMID: 37055851 PMCID: PMC10101823 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid overdose and polysubstance use crises have led to the development of low-barrier, transitional substance use disorder (SUD) treatment models, including bridge clinics. Bridge clinics offer immediate access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and other SUD treatment and are increasingly numerous. However, given relatively recent implementation, the clinical impact of bridge clinics is not well described. METHODS In this narrative review, we describe existing bridge clinic models, services provided, and unique characteristics, highlighting how bridge clinics fill critical gaps in the SUD care continuum. We discuss available evidence for bridge clinic effectiveness in care delivery, including retention in SUD care. We also highlight gaps in available data. RESULTS The first era of bridge clinic implementation has yielded diverse models united in the mission to lower barriers to SUD treatment entry, and preliminary data indicate success in patient-centered program design, MOUD initiation, MOUD retention, and SUD care innovation. However, data on effectiveness in linking to long-term care are limited. CONCLUSIONS Bridge clinics represent a critical innovation, offering on-demand access to MOUD and other services. Evaluating the effectiveness of bridge clinics in linking patients to long-term care settings remains an important research priority; however, available data show promising rates of treatment initiation and retention, potentially the most important metric amidst an increasingly dangerous drug supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sarah E Wakeman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura G Kehoe
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Audet CM, Pettapiece-Phillips M, Kast K, White KD, Perkins JM, Marcovitz D. Implementation of a hospital-based intervention for MOUD initiation and referral to a Bridge Clinic for opioid use disorder. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 146:208961. [PMID: 36880904 PMCID: PMC10018480 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208961] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) utilize the adult emergency department (ED) and psychiatric emergency department at high rates. In 2019, Vanderbilt University Medical Center created a system for individuals identified in the emergency department with OUD to transition care to a Bridge Clinic for up to three months of comprehensive behavioral health treatment, alongside primary care, infectious diseases, and pain management, regardless of their insurance status. METHODS We conducted 20 interviews with patients enrolled in treatment in our Bridge Clinic and 13 providers in the psychiatric emergency department and emergency department. Our provider interviews focused on understanding experiences identifying people with OUD and referring them to care at the Bridge Clinic. Our patient interviews focused on understanding their experiences of care-seeking, the referral process, and their satisfaction with treatment at the Bridge Clinic. RESULTS Our analysis generated 3 major themes around patient identification, referral, and quality of care from providers and patients. The study found general agreement between both groups around the high quality of care delivered in the Bridge Clinic compared with OUD treatment at nearby treatment facilities, specifically because it offered a stigma-free environment for the delivery of medication for addiction therapy and psychosocial support. Providers highlighted the lack of a systematic strategy for identifying people with OUD in an ED setting. They also found the referral process cumbersome because it could not be done through EPIC and there were limited patient slots available. In contrast, patients reported a smooth and simple referral from the ED to the Bridge Clinic. CONCLUSIONS Creating a Bridge Clinic for comprehensive OUD treatment at a large university medical center has been challenging but has resulted in the creation of a comprehensive care system that prioritizes quality care. Funding to increase the number of patient slots available, coupled with an electronic system of patient referral, will increase the reach of the program to some of Nashville's most vulnerable constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
| | | | - Kristopher Kast
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Katie D White
- Department Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Jessica M Perkins
- Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
| | - David Marcovitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Eaves ER, Doerry E, Lanzetta SA, Kruithoff KM, Negron K, Dykman K, Thoney O, Harper CC. Applying User-Centered Design in the Development of a Supportive mHealth App for Women in Substance Use Recovery. Am J Health Promot 2023; 37:56-64. [PMID: 35815770 PMCID: PMC9771986 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221113834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE AND APPROACH Women in recovery describe stigma, negative treatment, and limited support as barriers to achieving their health and parenting goals. Mobile health technologies carefully tailored to support the unique needs of recovery communities can provide less burdensome alternatives to in-person services for women transitioning out of substance use treatment. An iterative design process integrated women's interests into the structure, content, and interaction flow of a mobile health (mHealth) app. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Participants included women in recovery from opioid, alcohol, and polysubstance use disorders in a comprehensive housing program in urban Arizona. METHODS Five focus groups with 3-7 participants each (n = 27 total) informed creation of the mHealth app. Informed by theoretical models of usability and person-centered design, development involved an iterative series of focus groups in which we asked women to comment on interest in using each feature. This provided a qualitative priority framework for feature development. We then modified the app and repeated the process to gauge consensus and continually refine our prototype. RESULTS Women were interested in access to resources, such as housing, counseling, and parenting advice in settings known to treat women in recovery with respect. They also asked for positive messages, chatting with peers, and access to expert answers. They were less interested in points-based learning modules and "scored" activities, leading us to develop a "daily challenges" concept that builds good habits, but does not feel like "classwork". Women's recommendations shaped an mHealth app tailored to maximize utility, access, and safety for this at-risk population. CONCLUSION Integration of user-centered design with applied ethnographic techniques guided the development of a custom-tailored mHealth app responsive to lived experiences and needs of women in recovery. Future research should evaluate the potential for user-centered apps to increase self-efficacy, perceived social support, and to reduce risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery R Eaves
- Department of Anthropology, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Eck Doerry
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Shana A Lanzetta
- Center for Health Equity Research, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Kathryn M Kruithoff
- Center for Health Equity Research, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Kayla Negron
- Center for Health Equity Research, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Dykman
- Center for Health Equity Research, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Olivia Thoney
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Calvin C Harper
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, 3356Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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Jack HE, Denisiuk ED, Collins BA, Stephens D, Blalock KL, Klein JW, Bhatraju EP, Merrill JO, Hallgren KA, Tsui JI. Peer providers and linkage with buprenorphine care after hospitalization: A retrospective cohort study. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1308-1316. [PMID: 35896006 PMCID: PMC9586121 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2095078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: People with opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasingly started on buprenorphine in the hospital, yet many patients do not attend outpatient buprenorphine care after discharge. Peer providers, people in recovery themselves, are a growing part of addiction care. We examine whether patients who received a low-intensity, peer-delivered intervention during hospitalization had a greater rate of linking with outpatient buprenorphine care relative to those not seen by a peer. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adults with OUD who were started on buprenorphine during hospitalization. The primary outcome was receipt of a buprenorphine prescription within 30 days of discharge. Secondary outcomes included attendance at a follow-up visit with a buprenorphine provider within 30 days and hospital readmission within 90 days. Modified Poisson regression analyses tested for differences in the rate ratios (RR) of each binary outcome for patients who were versus were not seen by a peer provider. Peer notes in the electronic health record were reviewed to characterize peer activities. Results: 111 patients met the study inclusion criteria, 31.5% of whom saw a peer provider. 55.0% received a buprenorphine prescription within 30 days of hospital discharge. Patients with versus without peer provider encounters did not significantly differ in the rates of receiving a buprenorphine prescription (RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.74-1.51), hospital readmission (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.80-2.64), or attendance at a buprenorphine follow-up visit (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.68-1.57). Peers most often listened to or shared experiences with patients (68.6% of encounters) and helped facilitate medical care (60.0% of encounters). Conclusions: There were no differences in multiple measures of buprenorphine follow-up between patients who received this low-intensity peer intervention and those who did not. There is need to investigate what elements of peer provider programs contribute to patient outcomes and what outcomes should be assessed when evaluating peer programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E. Jack
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eric D. Denisiuk
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brett A. Collins
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dan Stephens
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kendra L. Blalock
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jared W. Klein
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elenore P. Bhatraju
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joseph O. Merrill
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kevin A. Hallgren
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Judith I. Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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HIV Exposure Prophylaxis Delivery in a Low-barrier Substance Use Disorder Bridge Clinic during a Local HIV Outbreak at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Addict Med 2022; 16:678-683. [PMID: 36383918 PMCID: PMC9653062 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People who inject drugs (PWID) may experience high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk and inadequate access to biomedical HIV prevention. Emerging data support integrating HIV post-exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP, PrEP) into services already accessed by PWID. We describe PEP/PrEP eligibility and receipt in a low-barrier substance use disorder bridge clinic located in an area experiencing an HIV outbreak among PWID at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Retrospective chart review of new patients at a substance use disorder bridge clinic in Boston, MA (January 15, 2020-May 15, 2020) to determine rates of PEP/PrEP eligibility and prescribing. RESULTS Among 204 unique HIV-negative patients, 85.7% were assessed for injection-related and 23.0% for sexual HIV risk behaviors. Overall, 55/204 (27.0%) met CDC criteria for HIV exposure prophylaxis, including 7/204 (3.4%) for PEP and 48/204 (23.5%) for PrEP. Four of 7 PEP-eligible patients were offered PEP and all 4 were prescribed PEP. Thirty-two of 48 PrEP eligible patients were offered PrEP, and 7/48 (14.6%) were prescribed PrEP. Additionally, 6 PWID were offered PrEP who lacked formal CDC criteria. CONCLUSIONS Bridge clinics patients have high rates of PEP/PrEP eligibility. The majority of patients with identified eligibility were offered PEP/PrEP, suggesting that upstream interventions that increase HIV risk assessment may support programs in initiating PEP/PrEP care. Additional work is needed to understand why patients declined PEP/PrEP. PrEP offers to PWID who did not meet CDC criteria also suggested provider concern regarding the sensitivity of CDC criteria among PWID. Overall, bridge clinics offer a potential opportunity to increase biomedical HIV prevention service delivery.
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Predictors of engagement and retention in care at a low-threshold substance use disorder bridge clinic. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 141:108848. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Calcaterra SL, Lockhart S, Callister C, Hoover K, Binswanger IA. Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Initiation and Continuation: a Qualitative Study of Patients Who Received Addiction Consultation and Hospital-Based Providers. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:2786-2794. [PMID: 34981359 PMCID: PMC8722657 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalizations related to opioid use disorder (OUD) are rising. Addiction consultation services (ACS) increasingly provide OUD treatment to hospitalized patients, but barriers to initiating and continuing medications for OUD remain. We examined facilitators and barriers to hospital-based OUD treatment initiation and continuation from the perspective of patients and healthcare workers in the context of an ACS. METHODS In this qualitative study, we sought input using key informant interviews and focus groups from patients who received care from an ACS during their hospitalization and from hospitalists, pharmacists, social workers, and nurses who work in the hospital setting. A multidisciplinary team coded and analyzed transcripts using a directed content analysis. FINDINGS We conducted 20 key informant interviews with patients, nine of whom were interviewed following hospital discharge and 12 of whom were interviewed during a rehospitalization. We completed six focus groups and eight key informant interviews with hospitalists and hospital-based medical staff (n = 62). Emergent themes related to hospital-based OUD treatment included the following: the benefit of an ACS to facilitate OUD treatment engagement; expanded use of methadone or buprenorphine to treat opioid withdrawal; the triad of hospitalization, self-efficacy, and easily accessible, patient-centered treatment motivates change in opioid use; adequate pain control and stabilization of mental health conditions among patients with OUD contributed to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) continuation; and stable housing and social support are prerequisites for OAT uptake and continuation. CONCLUSION Modifiable factors which facilitate hospital-based OUD treatment initiation and continuation include availability of in-hospital addiction expertise to offer easily accessible, patient-centered treatment and the use of methadone or buprenorphine to manage opioid withdrawal. Further research and public policy efforts are urgently needed to address reported barriers to hospital-based OUD treatment initiation and continuation which include unstable housing, poorly controlled chronic medical and mental illness, and lack of social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Calcaterra
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1, Mailstop B180, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Steve Lockhart
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Service, Univeristy of Colorado, School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Kaitlyn Hoover
- Clinical Science Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ingrid A Binswanger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1, Mailstop B180, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Aurora, CO, USA
- Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA
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21
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Weisenthal K, Kimmel SD, Kehoe J, Larochelle MR, Walley AY, Taylor JL. Effect of police action on low-barrier substance use disorder service utilization. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:86. [PMID: 35906660 PMCID: PMC9338497 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00668-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Police action can increase risky substance use patterns by people who use drugs (PWUD), but it is not known how increased police presence affects utilization of low-barrier substance use disorder bridge clinics. Increased police presence may increase or decrease treatment-seeking behavior. We examined the association between Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), a 2-week police action in Boston, MA, and visit volume in BMC's low-barrier buprenorphine bridge clinic. METHODS In this retrospective cohort, we used segmented regression to investigate whether the increased police presence during OCS was associated with changes in bridge clinic visits. We used General Internal Medicine (GIM) clinic visit volume as a negative control. We examined visits during the 6 weeks prior, 2 weeks during, and 4 weeks after OCS (June 18-September 11, 2019). RESULTS Bridge clinic visits were 2.8 per provider session before, 2.0 during, and 3.0 after OCS. The mean number of GIM clinic visits per provider session before OCS was 7.0, 6.8 during, and 7.0 after OCS. In adjusted segmented regression models for bridge clinic visits per provider session, there was a nonsignificant level increase (0.643 P = 0.171) and significant decrease in slope (0.100, P = 0.045) during OCS. After OCS completed, there was a significant level increase (1.442, P = 0.003) and slope increase in visits per provider session (0.141, P = 0.007). There was no significant change in GIM clinic volume during the study period. CONCLUSIONS The increased policing during OCS was associated with a significant decrease in bridge clinic visits. Following the completion of OCS, there was a significant increase in clinic visits, suggesting pent-up demand for medications for opioid use disorder, a life-saving treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karrin Weisenthal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simeon D Kimmel
- Division of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Kehoe
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc R Larochelle
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston University, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, #2109, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston University, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, #2109, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Section of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston University, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, #2109, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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22
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Taylor JL, Laks J, Christine PJ, Kehoe J, Evans J, Kim TW, Farrell NM, White CS, Weinstein ZM, Walley AY. Bridge clinic implementation of "72-hour rule" methadone for opioid withdrawal management: Impact on opioid treatment program linkage and retention in care. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 236:109497. [PMID: 35607834 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment is restricted to licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) with substantial barriers to entry. Underutilized regulations allow non-OTP providers to administer methadone for opioid withdrawal for up to 72 h while arranging ongoing care. Our low-barrier bridge clinic implemented a new pathway to treat opioid withdrawal and facilitate OTP linkage utilizing the "72-hour rule." METHODS Patients presenting to a hospital-based bridge clinic were evaluated for OUD, opioid withdrawal, and treatment goals. Eligible patients were offered methadone opioid withdrawal management with rapid OTP referral. OTPs accepted patients as direct admissions. We described bridge clinic patients who received at least one dose of methadone between March-August 2021 and key clinical outcomes including OTP referral completion within 72 h. For the subset of patients referred to our two primary OTP partners, we described OTP linkage (i.e., attended at least one OTP visit within one month) and OTP retention at one month. RESULTS Methadone was administered during 150 episodes of care for 142 unique patients, the majority of whom were male (73%), white (67%), and used fentanyl (85%). In 92% of episodes (138/150), a plan for ongoing care was in place within 72 h. Among 121 referrals to two primary OTP partners, 87% (105/121) linked and 58% (70/121) were retained at one month. CONCLUSIONS Methadone administration for opioid withdrawal with direct OTP admission under the "72-hour rule" is feasible in an outpatient bridge clinic and resulted in high OTP linkage and 1-month retention rates. This model has the potential to improve methadone access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Taylor
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jordana Laks
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul J Christine
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Kehoe
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Evans
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theresa W Kim
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalija M Farrell
- Department of Pharmacy, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cedric S White
- Department of Pharmacy, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zoe M Weinstein
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Lockard R, Priest KC, Gregg J, Buchheit BM. A qualitative study of patient experiences with telemedicine opioid use disorder treatment during COVID-19. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1150-1157. [DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2060447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lockard
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kelsey C. Priest
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | | | - Bradley M. Buchheit
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- OHSU Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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24
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Khan GK, Harvey L, Johnson S, Long P, Kimmel S, Pierre C, Drainoni ML. Integration of a community-based harm reduction program into a safety net hospital: a qualitative study. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:35. [PMID: 35414072 PMCID: PMC9002225 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based harm reduction programs reduce morbidity and mortality associated with drug use. While hospital-based inpatient addiction consult services can also improve outcomes for patients using drugs, inpatient clinical care is often focused on acute withdrawal and the medical management of substance use disorders. There has been limited exploration of the integration of community-based harm reduction programs into the hospital setting. We conducted a qualitative study to describe provider perspectives on the implementation of a harm reduction in-reach program.
Methods We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with providers from three different primary work sites within a safety net hospital in Boston, MA, in 2021. Interviews explored perceived facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the harm reduction in-reach program in the hospital setting and solicited recommendations for potential improvements to the harm reduction in-reach program. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive approach that incorporated principles of grounded theory methodology to identify prevailing themes. Results Twenty-four participants were interviewed from the harm reduction in-reach program, inpatient addiction consult service, and the hospital observation unit. Thematic analysis revealed seven major themes and multiple facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the harm reduction in-reach program. Participants highlighted the impact of power differences within the medical hierarchy on inter-team communication and clinical care, the persistence of addiction-related stigma, the importance of coordination and role delineation between care team members, and the benefits of a streamlined referral process. Conclusions Harm reduction programs offer accessible, patient-centered, low-barrier care to patients using drugs. The integration of community-based harm reduction programs into the inpatient setting is a unique opportunity to bridge inpatient and outpatient care and expand the provision of harm reduction services. Trial registration: Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Karim Khan
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Leah Harvey
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Johnson
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Project TRUST, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Long
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Simeon Kimmel
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Project TRUST, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cassandra Pierre
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Infection Control, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Morgan JR, Quinn EK, Chaisson CE, Ciemins E, Stempniewicz N, White LF, Linas BP, Walley AY, LaRochelle MR. Variation in Initiation, Engagement, and Retention on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Based on Health Insurance Plan Design. Med Care 2022; 60:256-263. [PMID: 35026792 PMCID: PMC8852217 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between cost-sharing and receipt of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is unknown. METHODS We constructed a cohort of 10,513 commercially insured individuals with a new diagnosis of opioid use disorder and information on insurance cost-sharing in a large national deidentified claims database. We examined 4 cost-sharing measures: (1) pharmacy deductible; (2) medical service deductible; (3) pharmacy medication copay; and (4) medical office copay. We measured MOUD (naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone) initiation (within 14 d of diagnosis), engagement (second receipt within 34 d of first), and 6-month retention (continuous receipt without 14-d gap). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between cost-sharing and MOUD initiation, engagement, and retention. We calculated total out-of-pocket costs in the 30 days following MOUD initiation for each type of MOUD. RESULTS Of 10,513 individuals with incident opioid use disorder, 1202 (11%) initiated MOUD, 742 (7%) engaged, and 253 (2%) were retained in MOUD at 6 months. A high ($1000+) medical deductible was associated with a lower odds of initiation compared with no deductible (odds ratio: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.74-0.98). We found no significant associations between other cost-sharing measures for initiation, engagement, or retention. Median initial 30-day out-of-pocket costs ranged from $100 for methadone to $710 for extended-release naltrexone. CONCLUSIONS Among insurance plan cost-sharing measures, only medical services deductible showed an association with decreased MOUD initiation. Policy and benefit design should consider ways to reduce cost barriers to initiation and retention in MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- OptumLabs Visiting Scholar, OptumLabs, Eden Prairie, MN
| | - Emily K Quinn
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | - Benjamin P Linas
- Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Marc R LaRochelle
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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26
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Tofighi B, McNeely J, Yang J, Thomas A, Schatz D, Reed T, Krawczyk N. Outcomes of a NYC Public Hospital System Low-Threshold Tele-Buprenorphine Bridge Clinic at 1 Year. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1337-1340. [PMID: 35481461 PMCID: PMC10107046 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2069269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated clinical outcomes of a low barrier tele-buprenorphine bridge program for NYC residents with opioid use disorder (OUD) at 1 year during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods and materials: This retrospective analysis of the NYC Health + Hospitals (NYC H + H) Virtual Buprenorphine Clinic registry assessed baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, rates of referrals to community treatment, and induction-related adverse events among city residents with OUD, from March 2020 to the end of March 2021. Results: The program enrolled 199 patients, of whom 62.3% were provided same-day visits (n = 124). Patients were enrolled in the program for a median of 14 days (range 0-130 days). Referrals sources included hospital and clinic staff (n = 83, 47.7%), word of mouth (n = 30, 17.2%), and correctional health or reentry services (n = 30, 17.2%). Induction-related adverse events were mostly limited to precipitated withdrawal symptoms (n = 21, 5%). Roughly half of patients were referred to community treatment (n = 109, 54.8%) and of those 51.4% (n = 56/109) completed at least one visit in community treatment. Discussion: Our experience indicates that a low threshold tele-buprenorphine bridge program in place of a safe and feasible approach to facilitating entry in community treatment for underserved people who use opioids in a large metropolitan area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Tofighi
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Bellevue Hospital Center Division of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer McNeely
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Bellevue Hospital Center Division of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jenny Yang
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anil Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Schatz
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Bellevue Hospital Center Division of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,NYC Health + Hospitals Office of Behavioral Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Timothy Reed
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, New York, USA
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27
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Laks J, Kehoe J, Farrell NM, Komaromy M, Kolodziej J, Walley AY, Taylor JL. Methadone initiation in a bridge clinic for opioid withdrawal and opioid treatment program linkage: a case report applying the 72-hour rule. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2021; 16:73. [PMID: 34961554 PMCID: PMC8712102 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-021-00279-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the United States, methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) is limited to highly regulated opioid treatment programs (OTPs), rendering it inaccessible to many patients. The “72-hour rule” allows non-OTP providers to administer methadone for emergency opioid withdrawal management while arranging ongoing care. Low-barrier substance use disorder (SUD) bridge clinics provide rapid access to buprenorphine but offer an opportunity to treat acute opioid withdrawal while facilitating OTP linkage. We describe the case of a patient with OUD who received methadone for opioid withdrawal in a bridge clinic and linked to an OTP within 72 h. Case presentation A 54-year-old woman with severe OUD was seen in a SUD bridge clinic requesting OTP linkage and assessed with a clinical opiate withdrawal scale (COWS) score of 12. She reported daily nasal use of 1 g heroin/fentanyl. Prior OUD treatment included buprenorphine-naloxone, which was only partially effective. Her acute opioid withdrawal was treated with a single observed oral dose of methadone 20 mg. She returned the following day with persistent opioid withdrawal (COWS score 11) and was treated with methadone 40 mg. On day 3, the patient was successfully admitted to a local OTP, where she remained engaged 3 months later. Conclusions While patients continue to face substantial access barriers, bridge clinics can play an important role in treating opioid withdrawal, building partnerships with OTPs to initiate methadone on demand, and preventing life-threatening delays to methadone treatment. Federal policy reform is urgently needed to make methadone more accessible to people with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Laks
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. .,Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jessica Kehoe
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalija M Farrell
- Department of Pharmacy, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miriam Komaromy
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Alexander Y Walley
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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28
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Hoover K, Lockhart S, Callister C, Holtrop JS, Calcaterra SL. Experiences of stigma in hospitals with addiction consultation services: A qualitative analysis of patients' and hospital-based providers' perspectives. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 138:108708. [PMID: 34991950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addiction consultation services (ACS) provide evidence-based treatment to hospitalized patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Expansion of hospital-based addiction care may help to counteract the stigma that patients with SUD experience within the health care system. Stigma is among the most impactful barriers to seeking care and adhering to medical advice among people with SUD. We aimed to understand how the presence of an ACS affected patients' and hospital-based providers' experiences with stigma in the hospital setting. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study utilizing focus groups and key informant interviews with hospital-based providers (hospitalists and hospital-based nurses, social workers, pharmacists). We also conducted key informant interviews with patients who received care from an ACS during their hospitalization. An interprofessional team coded and analyzed transcripts using a thematic analysis approach to identify emergent themes. RESULTS Sixty-two hospital-based providers participated in six focus groups or eight interviews. Twenty patients participated in interviews. Four themes emerged relating to the experiences of stigma reported by hospital-based providers and hospitalized patients with SUD: (1) past experiences in the health care system propagate a cycle of stigmatization between hospital-based providers and patients; (2) documentation in medical charts unintentionally or intentionally perpetuates enacted stigma among hospital-based providers resulting in anticipated stigma among patients; (3) the presence of an ACS reduces enacted stigma among hospital-based providers through expanding the use of evidenced-based SUD treatment and reframing the SUD narrative; (4) ACS team members combat the effects of internalized stigma by promoting feelings of self-worth, self-efficacy, and mutual respect among patients with SUD. CONCLUSIONS An ACS can facilitate destigmatization of hospitalized patients with SUD by incorporating evidence-based SUD treatment into routine hospital care, by providing and modeling compassionate care, and by reframing addiction as a chronic condition to be treated alongside other medical conditions. Future reductions of stigma in hospital settings may result from promoting greater use of evidence-based treatment for SUD and expanded education for health care providers on the use of non-stigmatizing language and medical terminology when documenting SUD in the medical chart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Hoover
- Clinical Science Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Steve Lockhart
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Service, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Susan L Calcaterra
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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29
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Kapadia SN, Griffin JL, Waldman J, Ziebarth NR, Schackman BR, Behrends CN. The Experience of Implementing a Low-Threshold Buprenorphine Treatment Program in a Non-Urban Medical Practice. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 57:308-315. [PMID: 34889691 PMCID: PMC8862128 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2012484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To respond to the U.S. opioid crisis, new models of healthcare delivery for opioid use disorder treatment are essential. We used a qualitative approach to describe the implementation of a low-threshold buprenorphine treatment program in an independent, community-based medical practice in Ithaca, NY. METHODS We conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with program staff, leadership, and external stakeholders. Then we analyzed these data using content analysis. We used purposeful sampling aiming for variation in job title for program staff, and in organizational affiliation for external stakeholders. RESULTS We found that opening an independent medical practice allowed for low-threshold buprenorphine treatment with less regulatory oversight, but state-certification was ultimately required to ensure financial sustainability. Relying on health insurance reimbursement alone led to funding shortfalls and additional funding sources were also required. The practice's ability to build relationships with licensed substance use treatment programs, community organizations, the legal system, and government agencies in the region differed depending on how much these entities supported a harm reduction philosophy compared to abstinence-based treatment. Finally, expanding the practice to a second location in a different region, co-located with a syringe service program, required adapting to a new cultural and political environment. CONCLUSION The results from this study provide insight about the challenges that independent medical practices might face in delivering low-threshold buprenorphine treatment. They support policy efforts to address the financial burdens associated with providing low-threshold buprenorphine therapy and inform the external relationships that other providers would need to consider when delivering novel treatment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine. 1300 York Avenue A-421, New York NY 10065
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 425 East 61st St, New York NY 10065
| | - Judith L Griffin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine. 1300 York Avenue A-421, New York NY 10065
- REACH Medical, 402 N Cayuga St, Ithaca NY 14850
| | | | - Nicolas R. Ziebarth
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, 2218 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 425 East 61st St, New York NY 10065
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 425 East 61st St, New York NY 10065
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30
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Taylor JL, Johnson S, Cruz R, Gray JR, Schiff D, Bagley SM. Integrating Harm Reduction into Outpatient Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Settings : Harm Reduction in Outpatient Addiction Treatment. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:3810-3819. [PMID: 34159545 PMCID: PMC8218967 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is increasingly recognized as a chronic, relapsing brain disease whose treatment should be integrated into primary care settings alongside other chronic conditions. However, abstinence from all non-prescribed substance use continues to be prioritized as the only desired goal in many outpatient, primary care-based treatment programs. This presents a barrier to engagement for patients who continue to use substances and who may be at high risk for complications of ongoing substance use such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), superficial and deep tissue infections, and overdose. Harm reduction aims to reduce the negative consequences of substance use and offers an alternative to abstinence as a singular goal. Incorporating harm reduction principles into primary care treatment settings can support programs in engaging patients with ongoing substance use and facilitate the delivery of evidence-based screening and prevention services. The objective of this narrative review is to describe strategies for the integration of evidence-based harm reduction principles and interventions into outpatient, primary care-based OUD treatment settings. We will offer specific tools for providers and programs including strategies to support safer injection practices, assess the risks and benefits of continuing medications for opioid use disorder in the setting of ongoing substance use, promote a non-stigmatizing program culture, and address the needs of special populations with ongoing substance use including adolescents, parents, and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine & Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Samantha Johnson
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo Cruz
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine & Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica R Gray
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Davida Schiff
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah M Bagley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine & Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Sexually Transmitted and Blood-borne Infections Among Patients Presenting to a Low-barrier Substance Use Disorder Medication Clinic. J Addict Med 2021; 15:461-467. [PMID: 34734572 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the infection-related needs of patients with substance use disorders initiating care at a low-barrier-to-access program (LBAP) by describing the proportion with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus (HBV, HCV), syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia and determining rates of treatment and/or linkage to care. METHODS We reviewed the records of patients who completed an intake visit at an LBAP in Boston, MA during the first 9 months after implementation of a standardized intake laboratory panel (January 30, 2017-September 30, 2017). RESULTS Among 393 patients initiating care, 84.7% (n = 333) completed at least 1 screening test. Baseline rates of HIV (9/393, 2.3%), current or past HCV (151/393, 38.4%), and chronic HBV (2/393, 0.5%) were high. Sixty-one new, active infections were identified through screening, including 1 HIV, 3 syphilis, 4 gonorrhea, 3 chlamydia, 1 chronic, and 1 acute HBV, and 48 cases of viremic HCV. Many patients were nonimmune to HBV (102/270, 37.8%) and HAV (112/255, 43.9%). Among new diagnoses, treatment was documented in 88% of bacterial infections and linkage occurred in 0/1 HIV, 2/2 HBV (100.0%), and 16/48 HCV (33.3%) cases. CONCLUSIONS Patients initiating SUD care at an LBAP have substantial, unmet infection-related needs. Results justify the inclusion of comprehensive infection prevention, screening, and linkage-to-treatment protocols in LBAPs.
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Marcovitz DE, White KD, Sullivan W, Limper HM, Dear ML, Buie R, Edwards DA, Chastain C, Kast KA, Lindsell CJ. Bridging Recovery Initiative Despite Gaps in Entry (BRIDGE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a bridge clinic compared with usual care for patients with opioid use disorder. Trials 2021; 22:757. [PMID: 34717736 PMCID: PMC8556830 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05698-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with substance use disorders are overrepresented among general hospital inpatients, and their admissions are associated with longer lengths of stay and increased readmission rates. Amid the national opioid crisis, increased attention has been given to the integration of addiction with routine medical care in order to better engage such patients and minimize fragmentation of care. General hospital addiction consultation services and transitional, hospital-based “bridge” clinics have emerged as potential solutions. We designed the Bridging Recovery Initiative Despite Gaps in Entry (BRIDGE) trial to determine if these clinics are superior to usual care for these patients. Methods This single-center, pragmatic, randomized controlled clinical trial is enrolling hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are initiating medication for OUD (MOUD) in consultation with the addiction consult service. Patients are randomized for referral to a co-located, transitional, multidisciplinary bridge clinic or to usual care, with the assignment probability being determined by clinic capacity. The primary endpoint is hospital length of stay. Secondary endpoints include quality of life, linkage to care, self-reported buprenorphine or naltrexone fills, rate of known recurrent opioid use, readmission rates, and costs. Implementation endpoints include willingness to be referred to the bridge clinic, attendance rates among those referred, and reasons why patients were not eligible for referral. The main analysis will use an intent-to-treat approach with full covariate adjustment. Discussion This ongoing pragmatic trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of proactive linkage to a bridge clinic intervention for hospitalized patients with OUD initiating evidence-based pharmacotherapy in consultation with the addiction consult service. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT04084392. Registered on 10 September 2019. The study has been approved by the Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board. The current approved protocol is dated version May 12, 2021. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05698-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Marcovitz
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
| | - Katie D White
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - William Sullivan
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Heather M Limper
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Mary Lynn Dear
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Reagan Buie
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - David A Edwards
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Cody Chastain
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Kristopher A Kast
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Christopher J Lindsell
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, 1603 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
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Stewart MT, Coulibaly N, Schwartz D, Dey J, Thomas CP. Emergency department-based efforts to offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder: What can we learn from current approaches? J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 129:108479. [PMID: 34080563 PMCID: PMC8380665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen T Stewart
- Institute for Behavioral Health, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA, USA.
| | - Neto Coulibaly
- Global Health Policy & Management, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA, USA.
| | - Daniel Schwartz
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Judith Dey
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Cindy Parks Thomas
- Schneider Institutes for Health Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA, USA.
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Crable EL, Drainoni ML, Jones DK, Walley AY, Milton Hicks J. Predicting longitudinal service use for individuals with substance use disorders: A latent profile analysis. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 132:108632. [PMID: 34607732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Substance use disorders (SUD) are chronic conditions that often warrant coordinated medical care throughout a relapsing and remitting course. However, SUD treatment is frequently measured as a binary outcome, where individuals either receive or do not receive care following the immediate treatment seeking event. This study aimed to describe longitudinal treatment seeking behaviors by assessing service use patterns among individuals with diagnosed SUDs in a safety net hospital that offers a "no wrong door" care model. This study also examined whether certain patient subgroups were more likely to transition to service use patterns that support recovery or treatment disengagement over time. METHODS The team conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data from adult patients diagnosed with SUDs (n = 1157) who regularly accessed services at a safety net hospital over a five-year period. The study used latent class analysis (LCA) and latent profile analysis to empirically identify distinct treatment utilization profiles of individuals with SUDs. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate predictors of class membership and transitions over a five-year period. RESULTS The research team identified five distinct service use classes, including patients who disengaged from services (42.4%), or those who predominantly used outpatient substance use services (7.0%), mental health services (13.0%), primary care services (24.7%), or other specialty care services (13.1%). Being female and an older adult were statistically significant predictors for membership in any service use-driven status. Black patients had increased odds for "substance use service" and "primary care" service statuses over time. CONCLUSION LCA and latent transition analysis (LTA) methods are novel approaches for identifying profiles of patients with higher risk for health services disengagement. SUD treatment engagement strategies are needed to reach males, young adults, and individuals with non-opioid SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Crable
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; ACTRI UC San Diego Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David K Jones
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Yeow RY, El-Dalati S, Jouney EA, Firn JI, Deeb GM, Konerman MC. The Root of the Problem. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2021; 14:e007750. [PMID: 34517727 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.120.007750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Y Yeow
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.Y.Y., M.C.K.), Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Sami El-Dalati
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA (S.E.-D.)
| | - Edward A Jouney
- Department of Psychiatry (E.A.J.), Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Janice I Firn
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (J.I.F.).,Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (J.I.F.)
| | - G Michael Deeb
- Department of Cardiac Surgery (G.M.D.), Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Matthew C Konerman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.Y.Y., M.C.K.), Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
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Moore SK, Saunders EC, McLeman B, Metcalf SA, Walsh O, Bell K, Meier A, Marsch LA. Implementation of a New Hampshire community-initiated response to the opioid crisis: A mixed-methods process evaluation of Safe Station. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 95:103259. [PMID: 33933923 PMCID: PMC8530836 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New Hampshire (NH) ranked first for fentanyl- and all opioid-related overdose deaths per capita from 2014 to 2016 and third in 2017 with no rate reduction from the previous year relative to all other states in the US. In response to the opioid crisis in NH, Manchester Fire Department (MFD), the state's largest city fire department, launched the Safe Station program in 2016 in partnership with other community organizations. This community-based response to the crisis-described as a connection to recovery-focuses on reducing barriers to accessing resources for people with substance use and related problems. The study aim is to characterize the multi-organizational partnerships and workflow of the Safe Station model and identify key components that are engaging, effective, replicable, and sustainable. METHODS A mixed-methods design included: semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with 110 stakeholders from six groups of community partners (Safe Station clients, MFD staff and leadership, and local emergency department, ambulance, and treatment partner staff); implementation and sustainability surveys (completed by MFD stakeholders); and ethnographic observations conducted at MFD. Qualitative data were content analyzed and coded using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Survey subscales were scored and evaluated to corroborate the qualitative findings. RESULTS Community partners identified key program characteristics including firefighter compassion, low-threshold access, and immediacy of service linkage. Implementation and sustainability survey data corroborate the qualitative interview and observation data in these areas. All participants agreed that community partnerships are key to the program's success. There were mixed evaluations of the quality of communication among the organizations. CONCLUSION Safe Station is a novel response to the opioid crisis in New Hampshire that offers immediate, non-judgmental access to services for persons with opioid use disorders requiring community-wide engagement and communication. Data convergence provides guidance to the sustainability and replicability of the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Moore
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA.
| | - Elizabeth C Saunders
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Bethany McLeman
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Stephen A Metcalf
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Olivia Walsh
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Andrea Meier
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Lisa A Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
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Assoumou SA, Paniagua SM, Gonzalez P, Wang J, Beckwith CG, White LF, Taylor JL, Coogan K, Samet JH, Linas BP. HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Buprenorphine at a Drug Detoxification Center During the Opioid Epidemic: Opportunities and Challenges. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2591-2598. [PMID: 33751315 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03220-0] [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] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and buprenorphine decrease HIV acquisition. Between November, 2016 and July, 2017, we surveyed persons (N = 200) at a drug detoxification center to assess their interest in PrEP and in buprenorphine, and to examine factors associated with such interests. Over the previous 6 months, 58% (117/200) injected drugs, 87% (173/200) used opioids, 50% (85/171) had condomless sex. Only 22% (26/117) of persons who injected drugs were aware of PrEP, yet 74% (86/116) and 72% (84/116) were interested in oral or injectable PrEP, respectively. Thirty-eight percent (47/125) of persons not receiving buprenorphine or methadone expressed interest in buprenorphine. After multivariable adjustment, Latinx ethnicity was associated with interest in PrEP (aOR 3.80; 95% CI 1.37-10.53), while male gender (aOR 2.76; 95% CI 1.21-6.34) was associated with interest in buprenorphine. Opportunities exist to implement PrEP and buprenorphine within drug detoxification centers.Clinical trial registration NCT02869776. Clinicaltrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02869776?term=Sabrina+Assoumou&cond=HIV+HCV&rank=1 .
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Kapadia SN, Griffin JL, Waldman J, Ziebarth NR, Schackman BR, Behrends CN. A Harm Reduction Approach to Treating Opioid Use Disorder in an Independent Primary Care Practice: a Qualitative Study. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:1898-1905. [PMID: 33469774 PMCID: PMC7815286 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma is a barrier to the uptake of buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. Harm reduction treatment models intend to minimize this stigma by organizing care around non-judgmental interactions with people who use drugs. There are few examples of implementing buprenorphine treatment using a harm reduction approach in a primary care setting in the USA. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study by interviewing leadership, staff, and external stakeholders at Respectful, Equitable Access to Compassionate Healthcare (REACH) Medical in Ithaca, NY. REACH is a freestanding medical practice that provides buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder since 2018. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 participants with the objective of describing REACH's model of care. We selected participants based on their position at REACH or in the community. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes using content analysis, guided by the CDC Evaluation Framework. RESULTS REACH provided buprenorphine, primary care, and mental health services in a low-threshold model. We identified three themes related to delivery of buprenorphine treatment. First, an organizational mission to provide equitable and low-stigma healthcare, which was a key to organizational identity. Second, a low-threshold buprenorphine treatment approach that was critical, but caused concern about over-prescribing and presented logistical challenges. Third, creation and retention of a harm reduction-oriented workforce by offering value-based work and by removing administrative barriers providers may face elsewhere to providing buprenorphine treatment. CONCLUSIONS A harm reduction primary care model can help reduce stigma for people who use drugs and engage in buprenorphine treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate whether this model leads to improved patient outcomes, can overcome community stakeholder concerns, and is sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Judith L Griffin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- REACH Medical, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Nicolas R Ziebarth
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Hohmeier KC, Cernasev A, Sensmeier M, Hall E, Webb K, Barenie R, Cochran G. U.S. student pharmacist perceptions of the pharmacist's role in methadone for opioid use disorder: A qualitative study. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:20503121211022994. [PMID: 34158941 PMCID: PMC8182209 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211022994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of the over 20 million Americans reporting an opioid use disorder, only around 3 million report receiving treatment of any kind. The gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment is medication in combination with psychosocial support, but despite robust evidence supporting treatment, barriers are substantial and include limited insurance coverage, patient beliefs, ease of access, regulatory hurdles, and stigma. Although trained as medication experts, U.S. pharmacists are not routinely involved in opioid use disorder treatment and may represent an underutilized care team member. OBJECTIVE To explore U.S. pharmacy students' perspectives on pharmacists as providers of methadone-based medications for opioid use disorder treatment. METHODS A qualitative design with focus groups of student pharmacists in a U.S. college of pharmacy in the Southeastern United States. RESULTS Over 2 months in 2020, three focus groups were conducted with 15 students in each group participating, and including second-, third-, and fourth-year student pharmacists. Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) student pharmacists desire exposure to therapeutic knowledge and lived experiences related to opioid use disorder and methadone treatment, (2) students perceive stigmatizing views held by practicing pharmacists toward opioid use disorder and methadone treatment, (3) pharmacists should play a role in methadone treatment. CONCLUSION Student pharmacists desire an active and larger role in the care of patients managing opioid use disorder. Findings indicate these students perceive less stigma toward opioid use disorder than currently practicing pharmacists. Pharmacy curricula should emphasize stories of lived experiences of patients with opioid use disorder, therapeutic knowledge and guidelines related to medications for opioid use disorder, and the regulatory environment surrounding opioid use disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth C Hohmeier
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and
Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alina Cernasev
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and
Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Megan Sensmeier
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and
Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hall
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and
Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Rachel Barenie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and
Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gerald Cochran
- School of Medicine, University of Utah,
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Buchheit BM, Wheelock H, Lee A, Brandt K, Gregg J. Low-barrier buprenorphine during the COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid transition to on-demand telemedicine with wide-ranging effects. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 131:108444. [PMID: 34098299 PMCID: PMC8081577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Low barrier addiction clinics increase access to medications to treat substance use disorders, while emphasizing harm reduction. The Harm Reduction and BRidges to Care (HRBR) Clinic is an on demand, low barrier addiction clinic that opened in October 2019. In the first three months of operation (November through January 2020), HRBR saw steadily increasing numbers of patients. Oregon saw its first case of novel coronavirus in February, and declared a state of emergency and enacted a formal “Stay at Home” order in March. That same month, the DEA announced that patients could be initiated on buprenorphine through telemedicine visits without an in-person exam. Within a week of being granted the ability to see patients virtually, HRBR had transitioned to over 90% virtual visits, while still allowing patients without technology to access in-person care. Within four weeks, the clinic expanded hours significantly, established workflows with community harm reduction partners, and was caring for patients in rural areas of the state. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the HRBR clinic was able to quickly transition from in-person to almost completely virtual visits within a week. This rapid pivot to telemedicine significantly increased access to care for individuals seeking low-threshold treatment in multiple contexts. Overarching institutional support, grant funding and a small flexible team were critical. HRBR's increased access and capacity were only possible with the Drug Enforcement Agency loosening restrictions around the use of telehealth for new patients. Keeping these altered regulations in place will be key to improving health and health care equity for people who use drugs, even after the pandemic subsides. Further research is needed in to whether addiction telemedicine impacts medication diversion rates, continued substance use, or provider practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M Buchheit
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Haven Wheelock
- Outside In Injection Drug Users Health Services, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Abby Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly Brandt
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jessica Gregg
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Transporting to treatment: Evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile engagement unit. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 129:108377. [PMID: 34080548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use treatment providers have increasingly developed novel engagement and low-threshold treatment services (such as mobile treatment units) to meet the needs of people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Use of these service models has outpaced the research on their effectiveness. The current study examines the effectiveness of a mobile engagement unit in connecting individuals with OUD to a treatment program. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 468 Medicaid-enrolled individuals served through a managed care behavioral health system. Analyses used administrative data from 2018 to 2019 to compare the characteristics and service use of individuals transported to an intake appointment by a mobile engagement unit with individuals who arrived through typical referral routes such as walk-in, other providers, and court order. The authors employed a difference-in-differences analysis to adjust for prior service history. The outcomes of interest were any utilization of substance use treatment services. RESULTS The groups were virtually identical in age and gender, prior to matching, except for race where there was a lower proportion of Black individuals (17% versus 44%) and lower pre-service utilization of outpatient and methadone services by the mobile group. Following intake, mobile participants used significantly more outpatient substance use treatment services (23 percentage point relative increase) and methadone maintenance (32 percentage point relative increase) than the comparison group. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that mobile engagement units designed to identify and serve individuals with OUD in the community hold promise for reaching underserved high-risk populations and reduce barriers to treatment entry and recovery.
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Jones KF, Ho JJ, Sager Z, Childers J, Merlin J. Adapting Palliative Care Skills to Provide Substance Use Disorder Treatment to Patients With Serious Illness. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:101-107. [PMID: 33685244 DOI: 10.1177/1049909121999783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of Palliative Care (PC) clinicians report recently caring for a person with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The impact of an untreated SUD is associated with significant suffering but many PC clinicians report a lack of confidence in managing this population. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to demonstrate existing PC skills that can be adapted to provide primary SUD treatment. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted on quality PC domains and core SUD treatment principles. To demonstrate the shared philosophy and skills of PC clinicians and SUD treatment, the National Consensus Project Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care and resources outlining core Addiction Medicine and Nursing Competencies were used. RESULTS There is an abundance of overlapping domains in PC and SUD treatment. This paper focuses on the domains of communication, team-based care, quality of life considerations, addressing social determinants of health, and adherence to ethical principles. In each section, the shared domain in PC and SUD treatment is discussed and steps to expand PC clinician's skills are provided. CONCLUSION PC clinicians may be among the last healthcare touchpoint for persons with SUD, by naming the shared skills required in PC and evidenced-based SUD treatment, we challenge the field to undertake primary SUD treatment as part of its constant pursuit to better serve people living with serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Janet Ho
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zachary Sager
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Childers
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Merlin
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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ASSOUMOU SA, SIAN CR, GEBEL CM, LINAS BP, SAMET JH, BERNSTEIN JA. Patients at a drug detoxification center share perspectives on how to increase hepatitis C treatment uptake: A qualitative study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108526. [PMID: 33465604 PMCID: PMC8064807 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US opioid crisis is associated with a surge in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among persons who inject drugs (PWID), and yet the uptake of HCV curative therapy among PWID is low. PURPOSE To explore potential solutions to overcome barriers to HCV treatment uptake among individuals at a drug detoxification center. METHODS Qualitative study with in-depth interviews and thematic analysis of coded data. RESULTS Patients (N = 24) had the following characteristics: mean age 37 years; 67 % White, 13 % Black, 8 % Latinx, 4 % Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 8 % other; 71 % with a history of injecting drugs. Most patients with a positive HCV test had not pursued treatment due to few perceived immediate consequences from a positive test and possible complications arising in a distant poorly imagined future. Active substance use was a major barrier to HCV treatment uptake because of disruptions to routine activities. In addition, re-infection after treatment was perceived as inevitable. Patients had suggestions to improve HCV treatment uptake: high-intensity wraparound care characterized by frequent interactions with supportive services; same-day/walk-in options; low-barrier access to substance use treatment; assistance with navigating the health care system; attention to immediate needs, such as housing; and the opportunity to select an approach that best fits individual circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Active substance use was a major barrier to treatment initiation. To improve uptake, affected individuals recommended that HCV treatment be integrated within substance use treatment programs. Such a model should incorporate patient education within low-barrier, high-intensity wraparound care, tailored to patients' needs and priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A. ASSOUMOU
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos R. SIAN
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Benjamin P. LINAS
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA,Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. SAMET
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Clark SA, Davis C, Wightman RS, Wunsch C, Keeler LAJ, Reddy N, Samuels EA. Using telehealth to improve buprenorphine access during and after COVID-19: A rapid response initiative in Rhode Island. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 124:108283. [PMID: 33771282 PMCID: PMC7817486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite its proven efficacy, buprenorphine remains dramatically underutilized for management of opioid use disorder largely due to onerous barriers to treatment initiation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many substance use disorder treatment facilities have reduced their hours and services, exacerbating existing barriers. To this end, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration adjusted their guidelines to allow for new buprenorphine prescriptions following audio-only telehealth encounters, no longer requiring an in-person evaluation prior to treatment initiation. Under this new guidance, we established a 24/7 telephone hotline to function as a "tele-bridge" clinic where people with opioid use disorder can be linked with a buprenorphine prescriber in real-time for OUD assessment and unobserved buprenorphine initiation with connection to follow-up if appropriate. Additionally, we developed an ED callback protocol to reach patients recently seen for opioid overdose and facilitate their entry into care if interested. In this commentary we describe our hotline and ED callback protocols, discuss theoretical and anecdotal benefits to this approach, and advocate for continuation of current regulatory changes post-COVID-19 to maintain expanded access to novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Clark
- Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America.
| | - Corey Davis
- Network for Public Health Law, United States of America
| | - Rachel S Wightman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Caroline Wunsch
- Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Lee Ann Jordison Keeler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Neha Reddy
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Samuels
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
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Sokol R, Tammaro E, Kim JY, Stopka TJ. Linking MATTERS: Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Emergency Department-Initiated Buprenorphine-Naloxone in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder and Linkage to Long-Term Care. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:1045-1053. [PMID: 33825669 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1906280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In March 2019, our health system launched a project called Linking MATTERS (Medication for Addiction Treatment linkage Through Emergency depaRtmentS) to initiate evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) with buprenorphine-naloxone (B/N) in our emergency departments and connect patients to our primary care sites to continue their addiction care. Methods: Six months after project implementation, we conducted in-depth interviews with frontline providers (n = 14), including emergency physicians and hospitalists, recovery coaches, ED and outpatient nurses, and case managers. We used qualitative thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and suggestions for improving the project. Results: We identified five salient themes: (1) provider trainings: mandated, rather than optional trainings, facilitated provider uptake; (2) provider attitudes: there was a growing recognition of addiction as a chronic, medical disease and the value of B/N in supporting patients' recovery, driven by a desire to make a difference in patients' lives; (3) patient engagement: frontline providers with lived experience of addiction who had designated time (such as recovery coaches) were optimally positioned to engage patients; (4) the linking mechanism: personal connections between ED and outpatient providers, rather than follow-up telephone calls, facilitated linkage; and (5) suggestions for improving the program, including: a physical space/bridge clinic to provide patient linkage, expansion of the recovery coach program, and standardized, evidence-based interdisciplinary trainings for all frontline providers. Conclusion: The insights provided will support further program modifications. Healthcare systems should explore whether the components we identified warrant attention locally based on their unique infrastructure and culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Sokol
- Tufts Family Medicine Residency Program, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tammaro
- Tufts Family Medicine Residency Program, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ja Young Kim
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Motavalli D, Taylor JL, Childs E, Valente PK, Salhaney P, Olson J, Biancarelli DL, Edeza A, Earlywine JJ, Marshall BDL, Drainoni ML, Mimiaga MJ, Biello KB, Bazzi AR. "Health Is on the Back Burner:" Multilevel Barriers and Facilitators to Primary Care Among People Who Inject Drugs. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:129-137. [PMID: 32918199 PMCID: PMC7858998 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The estimated 2.2 million people who inject drugs (PWID) in the USA experience significant gaps in preventive healthcare and a high burden of infectious, psychiatric, and other chronic diseases. Many PWID rely on emergency medical services, which are costly and not designed to deliver preventive services, manage chronic conditions, or address social needs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to primary care utilization from the perspectives of PWID in New England, a region highly affected by the overdose crisis. DESIGN Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring substance use and healthcare utilization patterns. PARTICIPANTS We recruited 78 PWID through community-based organizations (e.g., syringe service programs) in 16 urban and non-urban communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. APPROACH Thematic analysis identified barriers and facilitators to primary care utilization at the individual, interpersonal, and systemic levels. KEY RESULTS Among 78 PWID, 48 described recent primary care experiences; 33 had positive experiences and 15 described negative experiences involving discrimination or mistrust. Individual-level barriers to primary care utilization included perceived lack of need and competing priorities (e.g., avoiding opioid withdrawal, securing shelter beds). Interpersonal-level barriers included stigma and perceived low quality of care for PWID. Systemic-level barriers included difficulty navigating healthcare systems, inadequate transportation, long wait times, and frequent provider turnover. Participants with positive primary care experiences explained how appointment reminders, flexible hours, addiction medicine-trained providers, case management services, and transportation support facilitated primary care utilization and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Findings regarding the multilevel barriers and facilitators to accessing primary care among PWID identify potential targets for programmatic interventions to improve primary care utilization in this population. Based on these findings, we make recommendations for improving the engagement of PWID in primary care as a means to advance individual and public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Childs
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Peter Salhaney
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer Olson
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Dea L Biancarelli
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alberto Edeza
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joel J Earlywine
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, ENRM VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Stringer KL, Langdon KJ, McKenzie M, Brockmann B, Marotta P. Leveraging COVID-19 to sustain regulatory flexibility in the treatment of opioid use disorder. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 123:108263. [PMID: 33612196 PMCID: PMC7900610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The U.S. government declared the opioid epidemic as a national public health emergency in 2017, but regulatory frameworks that govern the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) through pharmaceutical interventions have remained inflexible. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has effectively removed regulatory restrictions that experts in the field of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) have been proposing for decades and has expanded access to care. The regulatory flexibilities implemented to avoid unnecessary COVID-related death must be made permanent to ensure that improved access to evidence-based treatment remains available to vulnerable individuals with OUD who otherwise face formidable barriers to MOUD. We must seize this moment of COVOD-19 regulatory flexibilities to demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of delivering treatment for OUD through a low-threshold approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Lynn Stringer
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, NY, New York, United States of America; The Lifespan/Brown Criminal Justice Research Training Program on Substance Use, HIV, and Comorbidities, Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, Brown University, United States of America.
| | - Kirsten J Langdon
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, United States of America
| | - Michelle McKenzie
- The Miriam Hospital/Brown Alpert Medical School, United States of America
| | - Brad Brockmann
- Dept. of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Phillip Marotta
- The Lifespan/Brown Criminal Justice Research Training Program on Substance Use, HIV, and Comorbidities, Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, Brown University, United States of America; Washington University in St. Louis, United States of America
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Vodovotz Y, Barnard N, Hu FB, Jakicic J, Lianov L, Loveland D, Buysse D, Szigethy E, Finkel T, Sowa G, Verschure P, Williams K, Sanchez E, Dysinger W, Maizes V, Junker C, Phillips E, Katz D, Drant S, Jackson RJ, Trasande L, Woolf S, Salive M, South-Paul J, States SL, Roth L, Fraser G, Stout R, Parkinson MD. Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:585744. [PMID: 33415115 PMCID: PMC7783318 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.585744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining life expectancy and increasing all-cause mortality in the United States have been associated with unhealthy behaviors, socioecological factors, and preventable disease. A growing body of basic science, clinical research, and population health evidence points to the benefits of healthy behaviors, environments and policies to maintain health and prevent, treat, and reverse the root causes of common chronic diseases. Similarly, innovations in research methodologies, standards of evidence, emergence of unique study cohorts, and breakthroughs in data analytics and modeling create new possibilities for producing biomedical knowledge and clinical translation. To understand these advances and inform future directions research, The Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit was convened at the University of Pittsburgh on December 4-5, 2019. The Summit's goal was to review current status and define research priorities in the six core areas of lifestyle medicine: plant-predominant nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, addictive behaviors, and positive psychology/social connection. Forty invited subject matter experts (1) reviewed existing knowledge and gaps relating lifestyle behaviors to common chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, many cancers, inflammatory- and immune-related disorders and other conditions; and (2) discussed the potential for applying cutting-edge molecular, cellular, epigenetic and emerging science knowledge and computational methodologies, research designs, and study cohorts to accelerate clinical applications across all six domains of lifestyle medicine. Notably, federal health agencies, such as the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration have begun to adopt "whole-person health and performance" models that address these lifestyle and environmental root causes of chronic disease and associated morbidity, mortality, and cost. Recommendations strongly support leveraging emerging research methodologies, systems biology, and computational modeling in order to accelerate effective clinical and population solutions to improve health and reduce societal costs. New and alternative hierarchies of evidence are also be needed in order to assess the quality of evidence and develop evidence-based guidelines on lifestyle medicine. Children and underserved populations were identified as prioritized groups to study. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacts people with chronic diseases that are amenable to effective lifestyle medicine interventions, makes the Summit's findings and recommendations for future research particularly timely and relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoram Vodovotz
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Neal Barnard
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Frank B. Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John Jakicic
- School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Liana Lianov
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Chesterfield, MO, United States
| | | | - Daniel Buysse
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Eva Szigethy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Toren Finkel
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gwendolyn Sowa
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Paul Verschure
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalunya, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Catalan Institute of Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kim Williams
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Victoria Maizes
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Caesar Junker
- United States Air Force, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Edward Phillips
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David Katz
- True Health Initiative, Derby, CT, United States
| | - Stacey Drant
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richard J. Jackson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics and Environmental Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steven Woolf
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Marcel Salive
- Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeannette South-Paul
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sarah L. States
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Loren Roth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gary Fraser
- Department of Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Ron Stout
- Ardmore Institute of Health, Ardmore, OK, United States
| | - Michael D. Parkinson
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan/WorkPartners, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Winhusen T, Walley A, Fanucchi LC, Hunt T, Lyons M, Lofwall M, Brown JL, Freeman PR, Nunes E, Beers D, Saitz R, Stambaugh L, Oga EA, Herron N, Baker T, Cook CD, Roberts MF, Alford DP, Starrels JL, Chandler RK. The Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA): Evidence-based practices in the HEALing Communities Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 217:108325. [PMID: 33091842 PMCID: PMC7533113 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of opioid-involved overdose deaths in the United States remains a national crisis. The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) will test whether Communities That HEAL (CTH), a community-engaged intervention, can decrease opioid-involved deaths in intervention communities (n = 33), relative to wait-list communities (n = 34), from four states. The CTH intervention seeks to facilitate widespread implementation of three evidence-based practices (EBPs) with the potential to reduce opioid-involved overdose fatalities: overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND), effective delivery of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and safer opioid analgesic prescribing. A key challenge was delineating an EBP implementation approach useful for all HCS communities. METHODS A workgroup composed of EBP experts from HCS research sites used literature reviews and expert consensus to: 1) compile strategies and associated resources for implementing EBPs primarily targeting individuals 18 and older; and 2) determine allowable community flexibility in EBP implementation. The workgroup developed the Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA) to organize EBP strategies and resources to facilitate EBP implementation. CONCLUSIONS The ORCCA includes required and recommended EBP strategies, priority populations, and community settings. Each EBP has a "menu" of strategies from which communities can select and implement with a minimum of five strategies required: one for OEND, three for MOUD, and one for prescription opioid safety. Identification and engagement of high-risk populations in OEND and MOUD is an ORCCArequirement. To ensure CTH has community-wide impact, implementation of at least one EBP strategy is required in healthcare, behavioral health, and criminal justice settings, with communities identifying particular organizations to engage in HCS-facilitated EBP implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Winhusen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Alexander Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Tim Hunt
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, Center for Healing of Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders (CHOSEN), 1255 Amsterdam, Avenue, Rm 806, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Mike Lyons
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- Departments of Behavioral Science and Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, 789 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Edward Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division on Substance Use, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Donna Beers
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Richard Saitz
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Leyla Stambaugh
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 902, Rockville. MD 20852, USA
| | - Emmanuel A Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 902, Rockville. MD 20852, USA
| | - Nicole Herron
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Trevor Baker
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Christopher D Cook
- Opioid/Substance Use Priority Research Area, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Monica F Roberts
- Opioid/Substance Use Priority Research Area, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Daniel P Alford
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joanna L Starrels
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E. 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Redonna K Chandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
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Bearnot B, Mitton JA. "You're Always Jumping Through Hoops": Journey Mapping the Care Experiences of Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder-associated Endocarditis. J Addict Med 2020; 14:494-501. [PMID: 32142056 PMCID: PMC7483139 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Serious infectious complications of opioid use disorder (OUD), and specifically endocarditis, are becoming more common in the US. Individuals with OUD-associated endocarditis require long periods of complex medical care, often face recurrent addiction- and infection-related complications, and have dismal clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to perform journey mapping analysis to capture common trajectories and patterns of care for people with OUD-associated endocarditis. METHODS This was an analysis of qualitative semi-structured interviews of individuals who received care for OUD-associated endocarditis. Interviews were conducted among individuals receiving care at a single academic healthcare system in Boston, Massachusetts. Ten participants meeting DSM-5 criteria for at least mild OUD and a culture-positive diagnosis of endocarditis who had previously completed care for OUD-associated endocarditis were recruited from inpatient and ambulatory settings. Details of participant's care episodes were extracted and visualized in an iterative journey mapping process. A grounded theory approach was then used to identify shared themes and care patterns among participants' journey maps. RESULTS Common patterns of care included early addiction treatment and intensive outpatient care preceding periods without rehospitalization, while leaving outpatient care and return to drug use often directly preceded rehospitalization. Participants frequently left care by choice and proactively reengaged with care. CONCLUSIONS Journey mapping is a novel, patient-centered approach to capturing the care experiences and trajectories of a patient population experiencing significant stigma, who engage with the healthcare system in unexpected and fragmented ways. For individuals with OUD-associated endocarditis, we identified critical moments to support and engage patients to prevent return to drug use and rehospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bearnot
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julian A. Mitton
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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