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Wyse JJ, Mackey K, Kauzlarich KA, Morasco BJ, Carlson KF, Gordon AJ, Korthuis PT, Eckhardt A, Newell S, Ono SS, Lovejoy TI. Improving access to buprenorphine for rural veterans in a learning health care system. Health Serv Res 2024. [PMID: 38953536 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a learning health care system research process designed to increase buprenorphine prescribing for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in rural primary care settings within U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) treatment facilities. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Using national administrative data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse, we identified six rural VA health care systems that had improved their rate of buprenorphine prescribing within primary care from 2015 to 2020 (positive deviants). We conducted qualitative interviews with leaders, clinicians, and staff involved in buprenorphine prescribing within primary care from these sites to inform the design of an implementation strategy. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative interviews to inform implementation strategy development. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by a primary coder and secondary reviewer. Analysis utilized a mixed inductive/deductive approach. To develop an implementation strategy, we matched clinical needs identified within interviews with resources and strategies participants had utilized to address these needs in their own sites. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Interview participants (n = 30) identified key clinical needs and strategies for implementing buprenorphine in rural, primary care settings. Common suggestions included the need for clinical mentorship or a consult service, buprenorphine training, and educational resources. Building upon interview findings and in partnership with a clinical team, we developed an implementation strategy composed of an engaging case-based training, an audit and feedback process, and educational resources (e.g., Buprenorphine Frequently Asked Questions, Rural Care Model Infographic). CONCLUSIONS We describe a learning health care system research process that leveraged national administrative data, health care provider interviews, and clinical partnership to develop an implementation strategy to encourage buprenorphine prescribing in rural primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Wyse
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Katherine Mackey
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kim A Kauzlarich
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Benjamin J Morasco
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kathleen F Carlson
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alison Eckhardt
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Summer Newell
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sarah S Ono
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- VA Office of Rural Health, Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- VA Office of Rural Health, Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Liu P, Korthuis PT, Buchheit BM. Novel Therapeutic and Program-Based Approaches to Opioid Use Disorders. Annu Rev Med 2024; 75:83-97. [PMID: 37827194 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-050522-033924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder continues to drive overdose deaths in many countries, including the United States. Illicit fentanyl and its analogues have emerged as key contributors to the complications and mortality associated with opioid use disorder. Medications for opioid use disorder treatment, such as methadone and buprenorphine, are safe and substantially reduce opioid use, infectious complications, and mortality risk, but remain underutilized. Polysubstance use and emerging substances such as xylazine and designer benzodiazepines create additional treatment challenges. Recent clinical and policy innovations in treatment delivery, including telemedicine, bridge clinics, and expanded models for accessing methadone have the potential to increase access to life-saving care for people living with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Liu
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Bradley M Buchheit
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Tay Wee Teck J, Gittins R, Zlatkute G, Oteo Pérez A, Galea-Singer S, Baldacchino A. Developing a Theoretically Informed Implementation Model for Telemedicine-Delivered Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: Qualitative Study With Key Informants. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e47186. [PMID: 37851506 PMCID: PMC10620637 DOI: 10.2196/47186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine-delivered medication for opioid use disorder (TMOUD) has become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in North America. This is considered a positive development as TMOUD has the potential to increase access to evidence-based treatment for a population heavily affected by the opioid crisis and consequent rising mortality and morbidity rates in relation to opioid use disorder. Despite the increase in the use of TMOUD, there are no established service- and process-focused models to guide the implementation of this intervention. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a process- and service-focused implementation model in collaboration with key stakeholders and bring together peer-reviewed literature, practice-based knowledge, and expert opinions. METHODS The simple rules for evidence translation in complex systems framework was applied to guide the development of a 6-step qualitative study. The steps were definition of the scope and objectives of the model, identification of evidence, stakeholder engagement, draft model development, key informant consultation, and final model specification. RESULTS The final specification for the TMOUD implementation model incorporated key strategic priorities, service delivery prerequisites, service design elements, stakeholder identification and engagement, key process domains, and iterative cycles of evaluation and improvement. CONCLUSIONS Through stakeholder engagement and key informant consultation, we produced a process- and service-focused TMOUD implementation model. The model is modifiable to different contexts and settings while also in keeping with the current evidence base and national and international standards of high-quality opioid use disorder care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tay Wee Teck
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giedre Zlatkute
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Oteo Pérez
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexander Baldacchino
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Magee T, Peters C, Jacobsen SM, Nees D, Dunford B, Ford AI, Vassar M. Inequities in the treatment of opioid use disorder: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 152:209082. [PMID: 37271346 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209082] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the lack of access to evidenced-based OUD treatment and the corresponding overdose crisis, researchers must evaluate and report health care inequities involving the treatment of OUD. Additionally, clinicians should be aware of these inequities in the treatment of patients. METHODS We carried out a scoping review of the literature regarding health inequities in treatment for OUD in July 2022. The study team retrieved articles published between 2016 and 2021 from MEDLINE and Ovid Embase. After authors received training, screening and data extraction were performed in masked, duplicate fashion. The team screened a total of 3673 titles and abstracts, followed by 172 articles for full-text review. The inequities that we examined were race/ethnicity, sex or gender, income, under-resourced/rural, occupational status, education level, and LGBTQ+. We used Stata 17.0 (StataCorp, LLC, College Station, TX) to summarize data and statistics of the studies within our sample. RESULTS A total of 44 studies evaluating inequities in OUD treatment met inclusion criteria. The most common inequity that studies examined was race/ethnicity (34/44 [77.27 %] studies), followed by under-resourced/rural (19/44 [43.18 %] studies), and sex or gender (18/44 [40.91 %] studies). LGBTQ+ (0/44 [0.0 %] studies) was not reported in the included studies. Our results indicate that many historically marginalized populations experience inequities related to access and outcomes in OUD treatment. The included studies in our scoping review occasionally demonstrated inconsistent findings. CONCLUSIONS Gaps exist within the literature on health inequities in treatment for OUD. The most examined inequities were race/ethnicity, under-resourced/rural and sex or gender, while studies did not examine LGBTQ+ status. Future research should aim to advance and supplement literature investigating health inequities in OUD treatment to ensure inclusive, patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Magee
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States.
| | - Caleb Peters
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Samuel M Jacobsen
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Danya Nees
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Bryan Dunford
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Alicia Ito Ford
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Matt Vassar
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
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Tofighi B, Badiei B, Badolato R, Lewis CF, Nunes E, Thomas A, Lee JD. Integrating Text Messaging in a Low Threshold Telebuprenorphine Program for New York City Residents with Opioid Use Disorder during COVID-19: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Addict Med 2023; 17:e281-e286. [PMID: 37788603 PMCID: PMC10544683 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pragmatic innovations are needed to optimize clinical outcomes among people who use opioids initiating buprenorphine. This pilot randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of integrating text messaging in a low threshold telebuprenorphine bridge program for people who use opioids during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Eligible adult patients with opioid use disorder inducted on buprenorphine (N = 128) in the NYC Health+Hospitals Virtual Buprenorphine Clinic between May and November 2020 were randomized to an automated texting intervention based on the medical management model versus treatment as usual. A participant feedback survey was administered at 8 weeks (n = 18). Primary outcomes consisted of acceptability (eg, study enrollment, engagement with the intervention) and feasibility (eg, lack of phone number and/or mobile phone ownership) of integrating texting in clinical care. A secondary outcome included retention in treatment at week 8 (ie, active buprenorphine prescription within the prior 7 days). RESULTS Nearly all eligible patients consented to enroll in the study (90.8%) and few were excluded because of lack of mobile phone ownership (n = 27, 14.6%). Requests to discontinue receipt of texts (n = 6, 9.4%) was attributed to excessive message frequency, perceived lack of relevancy, and reduced interest in the intervention. Respondents completing the follow-up feedback survey were generally satisfied with the frequency of software-generated messages (14/18, 77.8%) and half shared text content with peers (9/18, 50%). There were no perceived issues with privacy, intrusiveness, or ease of use. Retention did not differ between participants randomized to the texting (M = 5.23 weeks, SD = 3.41) and treatment as usual groups (M = 4.98 weeks, SD = 3.34) at week 8 ( P = 0.676). CONCLUSIONS This pilot randomized controlled trial confirms high acceptability and feasibility of integrating an automated texting tool in a telebuprenorphine bridge program. Future studies should assess whether text messaging may be efficacious when combined with staff contact and content addressing social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Tofighi
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Division of Social Solutions and Services Research, Center for Research on Cultural & Structural Equity in Behavioral Health
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health
| | - Beita Badiei
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
| | - Ryan Badolato
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Crystal Fuller Lewis
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Division of Social Solutions and Services Research, Center for Research on Cultural & Structural Equity in Behavioral Health
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Edward Nunes
- Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Anil Thomas
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Joshua D. Lee
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health
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Pham H, Lin C, Zhu Y, Clingan SE, Lin LA, Mooney LJ, Murphy SM, Campbell CI, Liu Y, Hser YI. Telemedicine-delivered treatment for substance use disorder: A scoping review. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231190945. [PMID: 37537907 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231190945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID pandemic prompted a significant increase in the utilization of telemedicine (TM) for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. As we transition towards a "new normal" policy, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the evidence of TM in SUD treatment. This scoping review aims to summarize existing evidence regarding TM's acceptability, quality, effectiveness, access/utilization, and cost in the context of SUD treatment in order to identify knowledge gaps and inform policy decisions regarding TM for SUDs. METHOD We searched studies published in 2012-2022 from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and other sources. Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 856 relevant articles were screened, with a final total of 42 articles included in the review. TM in SUD treatment was perceived to be generally beneficial and acceptable. TM was as effective as in-person SUD care in terms of substance use reduction and treatment retention; however, most studies lacked rigorous designs and follow-up durations were brief (≤3 months). Telephone-based TM platforms (vs video) were positively associated with older age, lower education, and no prior overdose. Providers generally consider TM to be affordable for patients, but no relevant studies were available from patient perspectives. CONCLUSIONS TM in SUD treatment is generally perceived to be beneficial and acceptable and as effective as in-person care, although more rigorously designed studies on effectiveness are still lacking. Access and utilization of TM may vary by platform. TM service quality and costs are the least studied and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Pham
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Chunqing Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yuhui Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sarah E Clingan
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lewei Allison Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Larissa J Mooney
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia I Campbell
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Yanping Liu
- Center for Clinical Trials Network, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, USA
| | - Yih-Ing Hser
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
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Tauscher JS, DePue MK, Swank J, Salloum RG. Determinants of preference for telehealth versus in-person treatment for substance use disorders: A discrete choice experiment. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 146:208938. [PMID: 36880898 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2022.208938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment remains a significant issue in the United States. Telehealth has potential for increasing access to services; however, it is underutilized in SUD treatment compared to mental health treatment. This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to examine stated preferences for telehealth (videoconferencing, text-based + video, text only) versus in-person SUD treatment (community-based, in-home) and the attributes (location, cost, therapist choice, wait time, evidence-based practices) most important when choosing between modalities. Subgroup analyses are reported about preference differences based on type of substance and substance use severity. METHODS Four hundred participants completed a survey containing a DCE with eighteen choice sets, the alcohol use disorders inventory test, drug abuse screening test, and a brief demographic questionnaire. The study collected data between April 15, 2020, and April 22, 2020. Conditional logit regression provided a measure of strength for participant preferences for technology-assisted treatment compared to in-person care. The study provides willingness to pay estimates as a real-world measure for the importance of each attribute in participants' decision-making. RESULTS Telehealth options that include a video conference option were equally preferrable to in-person care modalities. Text-only treatment was significantly less preferable to all other modalities of care. The ability to choose one's own therapist was a significant driver of treatment preference beyond modality, while wait time did not appear significant in making decisions. Participants with the most severe substance use differed in that they were open to text-based care without video conferencing, did not express a preference for evidence-based care, and valued therapist choice significantly more than those with only moderate substance use. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth for SUD treatment is equally preferable to in-person care offered in the community or at home, signifying preference is not a barrier for utilization. Text-only modalities may be enhanced by offering videoconference options for most individuals. Individuals with the most severe substance use issues may be willing to engage in text-based support without synchronous meetings with a provider. This approach may offer a less intensive method to engage individuals in treatment who may not otherwise access services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Tauscher
- BRiTE Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; School of Human Development and Organizational Studies, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - M Kristina DePue
- Department of Human Development, Family Science, and Counseling, University of Nevada- Reno, Reno, NV, USA; School of Human Development and Organizational Studies, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Swank
- School of Human Development and Organizational Studies, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Educational, School, and counseling Psychology, College of Education & Human Development, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Teck JTW, Zlatkute G, Perez A, Dritschel H, Ghosh A, Potenza MN, Ambekar A, Ekhtiari H, Stein D, Khazaal Y, Arunogiri S, Torrens M, Ferri M, Galea-Singer S, Baldacchino A. Key implementation factors in telemedicine-delivered medications for opioid use disorder: a scoping review informed by normalisation process theory. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:50-64. [PMID: 36526346 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00374-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Telemedicine could improve access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Telemedicine-delivered MOUD (TMOUD) has expanded substantially in response to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person clinical contact, yet this expansion has not happened consistently across all health systems and countries. This Review aims to understand key factors in TMOUD implementation that might explain variations in uptake. We did a scoping review using three English language databases for articles reporting on the implementation of TMOUD services. 57 peer-reviewed articles were identified, subjected to open coding and thematic analysis, and further interpreted through normalisation process theory (NPT). NPT was originally used to evaluate telehealth innovations and has been applied extensively to describe, assess, and develop the implementation potential of a broad range of complex health-care interventions. By categorising our findings according to the four core NPT constructs of coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring, we aim to rationalise the current evidence base to show the workability of TMOUD in practice. We find that variations in TMOUD models in practice depend on organisations' attitudes towards risk, clinicians' tensions around giving up control over standard practices, organisation-level support in overcoming operational and technological challenges, and evaluation methods that might neglect a potential widening of the digital divide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tay Wee Teck
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK; Forward Leeds and Humankind Charity, Durham, UK.
| | - Giedre Zlatkute
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Alberto Perez
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Heidi Dritschel
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Abhishek Ghosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Atul Ambekar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Dan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Research Center, Institute of Mental Health, Montréal University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marta Torrens
- School of Medicine, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVIC-UCC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marica Ferri
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susanna Galea-Singer
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK; NHS Fife Addiction Services, Leven, UK
| | - Alex Baldacchino
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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Rife-Pennington T, Dinges E, Ho MQ. Implementing syringe services programs within the Veterans Health Administration: facility experiences and next steps. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:234-240. [PMID: 36470732 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Syringe services programs are community-based prevention programs that provide evidence-based, lifesaving services for people who use illicit drugs, including access to syringes, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, infection screening, and linkage to treatment. Historically, syringe services programs did not exist within the Veterans Health Administration owing to many factors, including lack of clarity regarding legality for federal agency-purchased syringes. Three champions at Veterans Affairs facilities in Danville, IL, Orlando, FL, and San Francisco, CA, worked to clarify legal considerations, address barriers, and implement syringe services programs that are integrated in the health care systems. Since 2017, these 3 programs have engaged approximately 400 Veterans and distributed nearly 10,000 syringes, 2500 fentanyl test strips, 50 wound care kits, and 45 safer sex kits. These programs, both led by and in collaboration with clinical pharmacist practitioners, paved the way for nationwide implementation within the Veterans Health Administration. This commentary describes successes, challenges, and proposed next steps to increase Veteran access to syringe services programs, written from the perspective of 3 facility-based champions.
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Totten AM, Womack DM, Griffin JC, McDonagh MS, Davis-O'Reilly C, Blazina I, Grusing S, Elder N. Telehealth-guided provider-to-provider communication to improve rural health: A systematic review. J Telemed Telecare 2022:1357633X221139892. [PMID: 36567431 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221139892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telehealth may address healthcare disparities for rural populations. This systematic review assesses the use, effectiveness, and implementation of telehealth-supported provider-to-provider collaboration to improve rural healthcare. METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from 1 January 2010 to 12 October 2021 for trials and observational studies of rural provider-to-provider telehealth. Abstracts and full text were dual-reviewed. We assessed the risk of bias for individual studies and strength of evidence for studies with similar outcomes. RESULTS Seven studies of rural uptake of provider-to-provider telehealth documented increases over time but variability across geographic regions. In 97 effectiveness studies, outcomes were similar with rural provider-to-provider telehealth versus without for inpatient consultations, neonatal care, outpatient depression and diabetes, and emergency care. Better or similar results were reported for changes in rural clinician behavior, knowledge, confidence, and self-efficacy. Evidence was insufficient for other clinical uses and outcomes. Sixty-seven (67) evaluation and qualitative studies identified barriers and facilitators to implementing rural provider-to-provider telehealth. Success was linked to well-functioning technology, sufficient resources, and adequate payment. Barriers included lack of understanding of rural context and resources. Methodologic weaknesses of studies included less rigorous study designs and small samples. DISCUSSION Rural provider-to-provider telehealth produces similar or better results versus care without telehealth. Barriers to rural provider-to-provider telehealth implementation are common to practice change but include some specific to rural adaptation and adoption. Evidence gaps are partially due to studies that do not address differences in the groups compared or do not include sufficient sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana M Womack
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ian Blazina
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sara Grusing
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nancy Elder
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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11
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Garvin LA, Greenan MA, Edelman EJ, Slightam C, McInnes DK, Zulman DM. Increasing Use of Video Telehealth Among Veterans Experiencing Homelessness with Substance Use Disorder: Design of A Peer-Led Intervention. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1-12. [PMID: 36573210 PMCID: PMC9769469 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-022-00290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Telehealth offers promising opportunities, but also challenges, for veterans experiencing homelessness - during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Recent research found low utilization of clinical video visits among homeless veterans receiving a VA tablet, and having a substance use disorder (SUD) further reduced visit likelihood. Hence, this study sought to identify unique barriers to telehealth use among veterans experiencing homelessness with a SUD and design an intervention to promote adoption. This qualitative study was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The study's three phases included veteran interviews (N = 28) to identify barriers and facilitators to video telehealth use and propose intervention candidates, a provider expert panel to obtain feedback on interventions, and a focus group with veterans to complete the intervention. Finally, a prototype was designed using the intervention mapping approach. Veteran interviews revealed that barriers to video telehealth included complex physical and mental health issues, lack of digital literacy, and insufficient technical support. Together, veterans and experts proposed five intervention candidates. In the end, a veteran focus group combined two candidates, peer-led digital training and motivational interviewing. Intervention mapping was used to design a "stepped care" intervention that trains and activates veterans at all skill levels. This study demonstrates how inclusion of expert and veteran views led to development of a novel intervention to support and sustain video telehealth use among veterans experiencing homeless with SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A. Garvin
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mary Alexis Greenan
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA USA
| | - E. Jennifer Edelman
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Cindie Slightam
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA USA
| | - D. Keith McInnes
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA USA
| | - Donna M. Zulman
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
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12
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Rangachari P, Mushiana SS, Herbert K. A scoping review of applications of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to telehealth service implementation initiatives. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1450. [PMID: 36447279 PMCID: PMC9708146 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08871-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), introduced in 2009, has the potential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of implementation-effectiveness of health service innovations. Although the CFIR has been increasingly used in recent years to examine factors influencing telehealth implementation, no comprehensive reviews currently exist on the scope of knowledge gained exclusively from applications of the CFIR to telehealth implementation initiatives. This review sought to address this gap. METHODS PRISMA-ScR criteria were used to inform a scoping review of the literature. Five academic databases (PUBMED, PROQUEST, SCIDIRECT, CINAHL, and WoS) were searched for eligible sources of evidence from 01.01.2010 through 12.31.2021. The initial search yielded a total of 18,388 records, of which, 64 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. Included articles were reviewed in full to extract data, and data collected were synthesized to address the review questions. RESULTS Most included articles were published during or after 2020 (64%), and a majority (77%) were qualitative or mixed-method studies seeking to understand barriers or facilitators to telehealth implementation using the CFIR. There were few comparative- or implementation-effectiveness studies containing outcome measures (5%). The database search however, revealed a growing number of protocols for implementation-effectiveness studies published since 2020. Most articles (91%) reported the CFIR Inner Setting domain (e.g., leadership engagement) to have a predominant influence over telehealth implementation success. By comparison, few articles (14%) reported the CFIR Outer Setting domain (e.g., telehealth policies) to have notable influence. While more (63%) telehealth initiatives were focused on specialty (vs primary) care, a vast majority (78%) were focused on clinical practice over medical education, healthcare administration, or population health. CONCLUSIONS Organized provider groups have historically paid considerable attention to advocating for telehealth policy (Outer Setting) reform. However, results suggest that for effective telehealth implementation, provider groups need to refocus their efforts on educating individual providers on the complex inter-relationships between Inner Setting constructs and telehealth implementation-effectiveness. On a separate note, the growth in implementation-effectiveness study protocols since 2020, suggests that additional outcome measures may soon be available, to provide a more nuanced understanding of the determinants of effective telehealth implementation based on the CFIR domains and constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavani Rangachari
- grid.266831.80000 0001 2168 8754Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516 USA
| | - Swapandeep S. Mushiana
- grid.410372.30000 0004 0419 2775Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Scholars Program - San Francisco VA Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA 94121 USA
| | - Krista Herbert
- Portland Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, Portland, OR 97239 USA
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13
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Wyse JJ, Mackey K, Lovejoy TI, Kansagara D, Tuepker A, Gordon AJ, Todd Korthuis P, Herreid-O'Neill A, Williams B, Morasco BJ. Expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder through locally-initiated implementation. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:32. [PMID: 35725648 PMCID: PMC9207874 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00312-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite demonstrated efficacy, medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) remain inaccessible to many patients, with barriers identified at the individual, clinic and system level. A wide array of implementation strategies have guided efforts to expand access to MOUD, with most centered around externally-facilitated approaches to practice change. While effective, such approaches may be inaccessible to those clinics and systems that lack the resources necessary to partner with an external team, suggesting a need to identify and describe change-processes that are internally developed and promoted. Methods Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we utilized qualitative interviews and ethnographic observation to investigate the planning, design and implementation of a locally-initiated process to expand access to MOUD within one health care system. All study documents were coded by a primary coder and secondary reviewer using a codebook designed for use with the CFIR. To analyze data, we reviewed text tagged by key codes, compared these textual excerpts both across and within documents, and organized findings into themes. Processes identified were mapped to established implementation science constructs and strategies. Results Interviews with clinicians and administrators (n = 9) and ethnographic observation of planning meetings (n = 3) revealed how a self-appointed local team developed, established broad support for, and successfully implemented a Primary Care-based Buprenorphine Clinic and E-Consult Service to expand access to MOUD to patients across the health care system. First, national and local policy changes—including altered clinical practice guidelines, performance pay incentives regarding opioid prescribing, and a directive from VA Central Office increased individual staff and administrators’ perception of the need for change and willingness to invest time and resources. Then, a self-appointed interdisciplinary team utilized cross-clinic meetings and information gathering to identify appropriate, and widely supported, models of care delivery and care consultation. Finally, the team increased staff investment in these change efforts by bringing them into the planning process and encouraging collaborative problem solving. Conclusions This study reveals how a local team developed and built widespread support for new processes of care that were tailored to local needs and well-positioned for sustainability over time. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13722-022-00312-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Wyse
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, 1810 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| | - Katherine Mackey
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, 1810 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Devan Kansagara
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anais Tuepker
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anders Herreid-O'Neill
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Beth Williams
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Benjamin J Morasco
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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14
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Rosenberg NK, Hill AB, Johnsky L, Wiegn D, Merchant RC. Barriers and facilitators associated with establishment of emergency department-initiated buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in rural Maine. J Rural Health 2022; 38:612-619. [PMID: 34468047 PMCID: PMC10862358 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to grow, particularly impacting rural communities served by critical access hospitals (CAHs) in Maine. Buprenorphine is an effective medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) that can be successfully initiated in the emergency department (ED). However, many EDs have not implemented programs to initiate buprenorphine. This study sought to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of buprenorphine programs inCAH EDs. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with ED directors of Maine CAHs regarding barriers and facilitators to developing programs for ED-initiated buprenorphine. Seventeen Maine CAH EDs exist and 11 of their directors agreed to participate and completed interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS Four themes and 11 subthemes were identified, including (1) compelled to act-directors' personal experiences with patients facilitated the development of buprenorphine programs in their EDs; (2) leadership and mentorship-peer mentorship from other CAH ED directors facilitated, and senior hospital administrators facilitated, or created a barrier in some cases; (3) stigma-fear that EDs would be overcrowded by drug-seeking patients was a common barrier; and (4) follow-up-finding appropriate outpatient follow-up for OUD patients created the greatest logistical barrier. DISCUSSION ED directors' clinical experience with OUD patients, supportive hospital leadership, and peer mentorship facilitated ED-initiated buprenorphine programs in rural Maine CAH EDs. Overcoming stigma, developing community outreach, and appropriate follow-up were the greatest barriers. Future research should focus on enhancing peer mentorship, administrative support, community outreach, and staff education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah K Rosenberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alexander B Hill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lily Johnsky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Wiegn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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15
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Braganza MZ, Pearson E, Avila CJ, Zlowe D, Øvretveit J, Kilbourne AM. Aligning quality improvement efforts and policy goals in a national integrated health system. Health Serv Res 2022; 57 Suppl 1:9-19. [PMID: 35243629 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the design and impact of a systematic, enterprise-wide process for engaging US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) leadership in prioritizing scarce implementation and evaluation resources. DATA SOURCES From 2017 to 2021, the VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) identified priorities from local, regional, and national leaders through qualitative discussions and a national survey and tracked impacts via reports generated from competitively funded initiatives addressing these priorities. STUDY DESIGN Guided by the Learning Health System framework and QUERI Implementation Roadmap, QUERI engaged stakeholders to nominate and rank-order priorities, peer-reviewed and funded initiatives to scale up and spread evidence-based practices (EBPs) using theory-based implementation strategies, and evaluated the impact of these initiatives using the QUERI Impact Framework. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS QUERI collected priority nominations through qualitative discussions and a web-based survey, and live voting was used to rank-order priorities. QUERI-funded teams regularly submitted progress reports describing the key activities, findings, and impacts of the quality improvement (QI) initiatives using a standardized form created in the VA Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS QUERI launched five QI initiatives to address priorities selected by VA leadership. In partnership with 28 health system leaders, these initiatives are implementing 10 EBPs across 53 sites, supporting 1055 VA employees in delivering evidence-based care. The success of these initiatives led to an expansion of QUERI's process to address 2021 VA leadership priorities: virtual care, health disparities, delayed or suppressed care due to COVID-19, employee burnout, long-term and home care options, and quality and cost of community care. CONCLUSIONS QUERI, a unique program embedded in a national integrated health system, deployed a novel approach to inform policy making and enhance the real-world impact of research through prioritization of limited resources, rigorous peer-review, and assessment of impacts on the health system, employees, and Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Z Braganza
- Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Health Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Elsa Pearson
- Partnered Evidence-based Policy Resource Center, Veterans Health Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cecille Joan Avila
- Partnered Evidence-based Policy Resource Center, Veterans Health Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dave Zlowe
- Office of Enterprise Integration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - John Øvretveit
- C7 Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institute Medical University Stockholm, and Research and Development Officer Region Stockholm Health Care, Solna, Sweden
| | - Amy M Kilbourne
- Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Health Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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16
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Lin LA, Fortney JC, Bohnert ASB, Coughlin LN, Zhang L, Piette JD. Comparing telemedicine to in-person buprenorphine treatment in U.S. veterans with opioid use disorder. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 133:108492. [PMID: 34175175 PMCID: PMC8627529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine-delivered buprenorphine (tele-buprenorphine) can potentially increase access to buprenorphine for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we know little about use in clinical care. METHODS This study was a retrospective national cohort study of veterans diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving buprenorphine treatment from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in fiscal years 2012-2019. The study examined trends in use of tele-buprenorphine and compared demographic and clinical characteristics in patients who received tele-buprenorphine versus those who received in-person treatment only. RESULTS Utilization of tele-buprenorphine increased from 2.29% of buprenorphine patients in FY2012 (n = 187) to 7.96% (n = 1352) in FY2019 in VHA veterans nationally. Compared to patients receiving only in-person care, tele-buprenorphine patients were less likely to be male (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73-0.98) or Black (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.45-0.65). Tele-buprenorphine patients were more likely to be treated in community-based outpatient clinics rather than large medical centers (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 2.67-3.17) and to live in rural areas (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI:1.92-2.35). The median days supplied of buprenorphine treatment was 722 (interquartile range: 322-1459) among the tele-buprenorphine patients compared to 295 (interquartile range: 67-854) among patients who received treatment in-person. CONCLUSIONS Use of telemedicine to deliver buprenorphine treatment in VHA increased 3.5-fold between 2012 and 2019, though overall use remained low prior to COVID-19. Tele-buprenorphine is a promising modality especially when treatment access is limited. However, we must continue to understand how practitioners and patient are using telemedicine and how these patients' outcomes compare to those using in-person care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewei A Lin
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - John C Fortney
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research and Development, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lara N Coughlin
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lan Zhang
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John D Piette
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Behavior Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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17
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Taylor EN, Timko C, Binswanger IA, Harris AHS, Stimmel M, Smelson D, Finlay AK. A national survey of barriers and facilitators to medications for opioid use disorder among legal-involved veterans in the Veterans Health Administration. Subst Abus 2022; 43:556-563. [PMID: 34586978 PMCID: PMC9423124 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1975867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are clinically effective at treating OUD among legal-involved populations. However, research shows that legal-involved veterans who receive care through the VHA have lower rates of MOUD use compared to non-legal-involved veterans. Education may be a key factor in intervention strategies to improve MOUD access. This study was a national survey of VHA staff to identify barriers to and facilitators of MOUD, as well as MOUD-related education needs for VHA staff, community partners, criminal justice partners, and legal-involved veterans. Method: A 98-item online survey was conducted to examine VHA staff perspectives (N = 218) around needed education, barriers to, and facilitators of MOUD for legal-involved veterans. Descriptive statistics were conducted and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate differences in perceptions by respondents' current position at the VHA and their VHA facility's rate of provision of MOUD among legal-involved veterans. Results: Respondents endorsed a need for education in all areas of MOUD (e.g., existing medications for the treatment of OUD) for VHA staff and providers, community partners, criminal justice partners, and legal-involved veterans. VHA staff perceived barriers to MOUD for legal-involved veterans to include stigma and complicated guidelines around MOUD and OUD treatment. Facilities with low rates of MOUD use highlighted barriers including MOUD conflicting with the philosophy of the local VHA facility and provider stigma toward patients with OUD. Perceptions of efficacy of MOUD differed by respondents' current position at the VHA such that substance use disorder treatment providers perceived buprenorphine and methadone as more effective compared to Veterans Justice Specialists. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a need for an educational intervention emphasizing the evidence supporting use of MOUD as a lack of knowledge about these medications was considered a barrier to access, whereas gaining education about MOUD was a facilitator to access. Education strategies specifically tailored to address VHA facility-level differences may help address barriers to MOUD experienced by legal-involved veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmeline N. Taylor
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, CA, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Christine Timko
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ingrid A. Binswanger
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Institute for Health Research, Denver, CO, USA,Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Denver, CO, USA,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alex H. S. Harris
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, CA, USA,Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Stimmel
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Justice Programs, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - David Smelson
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Edith Nourse Rodgers VA Medical Center, Center for Organization and Implementation Science, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Andrea K. Finlay
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, CA, USA,U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Menlo Park, CA, USA
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18
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Low Threshold Telemedicine-based Opioid Treatment for Criminal Justice Involved Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report. J Addict Med 2022; 16:e59-e61. [PMID: 35120069 PMCID: PMC8815634 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Criminal justice involved individuals have a high rate of opioid overdose death following release. In March 2020, New York City jails released over 1000 inmates due to concern of COVID-19 outbreaks in county jails. The closure of addiction treatment clinics further complicated efforts to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder among criminal justice involved adults. The New York City Health + Hospitals Virtual Buprenorphine Clinic established in March 2020 offered low-threshold telemedicine-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone, specifically for criminal justice involved adults post-release. We describe a case report of the novel role of tele-conferencing for the provision of buprenorphine-naloxone for jail-released adults with opioid use disorder experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient is a 49-year-old male with severe opioid use disorder released from New York City jail as part of its early release program. He then started using diverted buprenorphine-naloxone, and 1 month later a harm-reduction specialist at his temporary housing at a hotel referred him to an affiliated buprenorphine provider and then eventually to the New York City Health + Hospitals Virtual Buprenorphine Clinic, where he was continued on buprenorphine-naloxone, and was followed biweekly thereafter until being referred to an office-based opioid treatment program. For this patient, telemedicine-based opioid treatment offered a safe and feasible approach to accessing medication for opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic and following incarceration.
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Mahmoud H, Naal H, Whaibeh E, Smith A. Telehealth-Based Delivery of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: a Critical Review of Recent Developments. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:375-386. [PMID: 35895282 PMCID: PMC9326140 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Telehealth-delivered medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (tele-MOUD) has received increased attention, with the intersection of the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic, but research on recent developments is scattered. We critically review recent literature on tele-MOUD and synthesize studies reporting primary data under four themes: clinical effectiveness, non-clinical effectiveness, perceptions, and regulatory considerations. RECENT FINDINGS Despite increasing publications, most failed to include long-term comprehensive assessments. Findings indicate favorable outcomes such as improvements in retention and abstinence rates, positive experiences, and improved feasibility with the relaxation of regulatory measures. With increased adoption, clinician and patient perceptions appeared largely positive. Negative findings, albeit minor, were primarily associated with workflow adaptation difficulties and limited access of underserved populations to technology and internet connection. Additional financial, logistical, outreach, and training support for clinicians, patients, and support staff is recommended, in addition to permanent evidence-based regulatory reforms, to scale and optimize tele-MOUD services. Comprehensive recommendations to overcome limitations are expanded therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam Mahmoud
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Public Health, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Emile Whaibeh
- Department of Public Health, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
- École Doctorale Sciences Et Santé, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Aronowitz SV, Engel-Rebitzer E, Dolan A, Oyekanmi K, Mandell D, Meisel Z, South E, Lowenstein M. Telehealth for opioid use disorder treatment in low-barrier clinic settings: an exploration of clinician and staff perspectives. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:119. [PMID: 34823538 PMCID: PMC8614631 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00572-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) face access barriers to evidence-based treatment, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the United States (US) opioid overdose crisis. However, the pandemic has also ushered in rapid transitions to telehealth in the USA, including for substance use disorder treatment with buprenorphine. These changes have the potential to mitigate barriers to care or to exacerbate pre-existing treatment inequities. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore Philadelphia-based low-barrier, harm-reduction oriented, opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment provider perspectives about and experiences with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assess their desire to offer telehealth to patients at their programs in the future. METHODS We interviewed 22 OUD treatment prescribers and staff working outpatient programs offering OUD treatment with buprenorphine in Philadelphia during July and August 2020. All participants worked at low-barrier treatment programs that provide buprenorphine using a harm reduction-oriented approach and without mandating counseling or other requirements as a condition of treatment. We analyzed the data using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Our analysis yielded three themes: 1/ Easier access for some: telehealth facilitates care for many patients who have difficulty attending in-person appointments due to logistical and psychological barriers; 2/ A layered digital divide: engagement with telehealth can be seriously limited by patients' access to and comfort with technology; and 3/ Clinician control: despite some clinic staff beliefs that patients should have the freedom to choose their treatment modality, patients' access to treatment via telehealth may hinge on clinician perceptions of patient "stability" rather than patient preferences. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth may address many access issues, however, barriers to implementation remain, including patient ability and desire to attend healthcare appointments virtually. In addition, the potential for telehealth models to extend OUD care to patients currently underserved by in-person models may partially depend on clinician comfort treating patients deemed "unstable" via this modality. The ability of telehealth to expand access to OUD care for individuals who have previously struggled to engage with in-person care will likely be limited if these patients are not given the opportunity to receive treatment via telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshana V Aronowitz
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Room 419, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Eden Engel-Rebitzer
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abby Dolan
- University of Pennsylvania Center for Emergency Care Policy and Research, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kehinde Oyekanmi
- University of Pennsylvania Center for Emergency Care Policy and Research, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Mandell
- Penn Center for Mental Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zachary Meisel
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eugenia South
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Lowenstein
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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21
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Lofwall MR, Fanucchi LC. Long-acting buprenorphine injectables: Opportunity to improve opioid use disorder treatment among rural populations. Prev Med 2021; 152:106756. [PMID: 34352306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic continues with escalating overdose deaths further exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, despite having efficacious medication treatments for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Most persons with OUD remain undiagnosed, without ever receiving MOUD, and even among those who initiate MOUD, retention is infrequently longer than 6 months (Williams et al., 2019). Treatment access remains particularly problematic in rural areas that often have few providers and limited resources (Ghertner, 2019). There are two new injectable long-acting buprenorphine (LAB) formulations recently approved in the United States and abroad (Lofwall et al., 2018; Walsh et al., 2017; Haight et al., 2019). They hold promise to improve treatment access and retention by decreasing risks of nonadherence, diversion and misuse and may be particularly attractive during a pandemic in order to minimize provider and pharmacy contacts (Roberts et al., 2020) and help improve access to care in rural areas. There are several ongoing evaluations of LAB injectables in large multi-site randomized clinical trials sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Veterans Administration Office of Research and Development in settings with special populations that exist in both urban and rural settings. Understanding the potential clinical benefits of LAB injectables along the care continuum, particularly for rural areas is essential to successful implementation in the complex healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Lofwall
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Departments of Behavioral Science and Psychiatry, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, United States of America.
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, United States of America
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22
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Moore DT, Wischik DL, Lazar CM, Vassallo GG, Rosen MI. The intertwined expansion of telehealth and buprenorphine access from a prescriber hub. Prev Med 2021; 152:106603. [PMID: 33974959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this manuscript, we describe how efforts to increase access to buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) through a telemedicine hub before and since the COVID-19 pandemic have played out in the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) in New England. We look at how the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent spike in opioid overdoses tilted the risk: benefit calculation for tele-prescribing a controlled substance such as buprenorphine toward expanding access to tele-buprenorphine. We conclude that there is a need for tele-buprenorphine hubs that can fill gaps in geographically dispersed healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Moore
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Dora Lendvai Wischik
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale University, School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Christina M Lazar
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gabriela Garcia Vassallo
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marc I Rosen
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA
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23
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Guillen AG, Reddy M, Saadat S, Chakravarthy B. Utilization of Telehealth Solutions for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Using Buprenorphine: A Scoping Review. Telemed J E Health 2021; 28:761-767. [PMID: 34714172 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A scoping review was conducted to examine the breadth of evidence related to telehealth innovations being utilized in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) with buprenorphine and its effect on patient outcomes and health care delivery. Materials and Methods: The authors systematically searched seven databases and websites for peer-reviewed and gray literature related to telehealth solutions for buprenorphine treatment published between 2008 and March 18, 2021. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts for articles that met the inclusion criteria, according to the scoping review study protocol. The authors included studies if they specifically examined telehealth interventions aimed at improving access to and usage of buprenorphine for OUD. Results: After screening 371 records, the authors selected 69 for full review. These studies examined the effect of telehealth on patient satisfaction, treatment retention rates, and buprenorphine accessibility and adherence. Conclusion: According to the reviewed literature, incorporation of telehealth technology with medication-assisted treatment for OUD is associated with higher patient satisfaction, comparable rates of retention, an overall reduction in health care costs, and an increase in both access to and usage of buprenorphine. This has been made possible through the expansion of telehealth technologies and a substantial push toward relaxed federal guidelines, both of which were quickly escalated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research is needed to fully quantify the effect of these factors; however, the results appear promising thus far and should urge policymakers to consider making these temporary policy changes permanent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen G Guillen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UCI Medical Center, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Minal Reddy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UCI Medical Center, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Soheil Saadat
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UCI Medical Center, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Bharath Chakravarthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UCI Medical Center, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
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24
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Chan B, Bougatsos C, Priest KC, McCarty D, Grusing S, Chou R. Opioid treatment programs, telemedicine and COVID-19: A scoping review. Subst Abus 2021; 43:539-546. [PMID: 34520702 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1967836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Methadone and buprenorphine are effective medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) that are highly regulated in the United States. The on-going opioid crisis, and more recently COVID-19, has prompted reconsideration of these restrictions in order to sustain and improve treatment access, with renewed interest in telemedicine. We reviewed the evidence on use of telemedicine interventions and applicability to MOUD policy changes in the post-COVID-19 treatment landscape. Methods: Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases were searched from inception to April 2021 and reference lists were reviewed to identify additional studies. Studies were eligible if they examined telemedicine interventions and reported outcomes (e.g. treatment initiation, retention in care). Randomized trials and controlled observational studies were prioritized; other studies were included when stronger evidence was unavailable. One investigator abstracted key information and a second investigator verified data. We described the results qualitatively. Results: We identified nine studies: three controlled trials (two randomized), and six observational studies. Three studies evaluated patients treated with methadone and six studies with buprenorphine, including one study of pregnant women with OUD. All studies showed telemedicine approaches associated with similar outcomes (treatment retention, positive urine toxicology) compared to treatment as usual. Trials were limited by small samples sizes, lack of reporting harms, and most were conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; observational studies were limited by failure to control for confounding. Conclusions: Limited evidence suggests that telemedicine may enhance access to MOUD with similar effectiveness compared with face-to-face treatment. Few studies have been published since COVID-19, and it is unclear the potential impact of these interventions on the existing racial/ethnic disparities in treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic and need for social distancing led to temporary policy changes for prescribing of MOUD that could inform additional research in this area to support comprehensive policy reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Chan
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christina Bougatsos
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kelsey C Priest
- OHSU School of Medicine, MD/PhD Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dennis McCarty
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC, Portland, OR, USA.,OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sara Grusing
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Roger Chou
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC, Portland, OR, USA
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25
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Garvin LA, Hu J, Slightam C, McInnes DK, Zulman DM. Use of Video Telehealth Tablets to Increase Access for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:2274-2282. [PMID: 34027612 PMCID: PMC8141357 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06900-8] [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: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans experiencing homelessness face substantial barriers to accessing health and social services. In 2016, the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system launched a unique program to distribute video-enabled tablets to Veterans with access barriers. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the use of VA-issued video telehealth tablets among Veterans experiencing homelessness in the VA system. DESIGN Guided by the RE-AIM framework, we first evaluated the adoption of tablets among Veterans experiencing homelessness and housed Veterans. We then analyzed health record and tablet utilization data to compare characteristics of both subpopulations, and used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with tablet use among Veterans experiencing homelessness. PATIENTS In total, 12,148 VA patients receiving tablets between October 2017 and March 2019, focusing on the 1470 VA Veterans experiencing homelessness receiving tablets (12.1%). MAIN MEASURES Tablet use within 6 months of receipt for mental health, primary or specialty care. KEY RESULTS Nearly half (45.9%) of Veterans experiencing homelessness who received a tablet had a video visit within 6 months of receipt, most frequently for telemental health. Tablet use was more common among Veterans experiencing homelessness who were younger (AOR = 2.77; P <.001); middle-aged (AOR = 2.28; P <.001); in rural settings (AOR = 1.46; P =.005); and those with post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 1.64; P <.001), and less common among those who were Black (AOR = 0.43; P <.001) and those with a substance use disorder (AOR = 0.59; P <.001) or persistent housing instability (AOR = 0.75; P = .023). CONCLUSIONS Telehealth care and connection for vulnerable populations are particularly salient during the COVID-19 pandemic but also beyond. VA's distribution of video telehealth tablets offers healthcare access to Veterans experiencing homelessness; however, barriers remain for subpopulations. Tailored training and support for these patients may be needed to optimize telehealth tablet use and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A Garvin
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Bldg 9, Rm 225, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jiaqi Hu
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cindie Slightam
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - D Keith McInnes
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Donna M Zulman
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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26
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Pourmand A, Beisenova K, Shukur N, Tebo C, Mortimer N, Mazer-Amirshahi M. A practical review of buprenorphine utilization for the emergency physician in the era of decreased prescribing restrictions. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 48:316-322. [PMID: 34274576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid abuse and overdose deaths have reached epidemic proportions in the last couple decades. In response to rational prescribing initiatives, utilization of prescription opioids has decreased; however, the number of deaths due to opioid overdoses continues to rise, largely driven by fentanyl analogues in adulterated heroin. Solutions to the opioid crisis must be multifaceted and address underlying opioid addiction. In recent years, buprenorphine has become a cornerstone in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and initiation of therapy in the emergency department (ED) has become increasingly common. There have also been calls by many organizations to remove the requirement for additional training and X-waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. In April 2021, the Biden Administration eased prescribing restrictions on the drug. These initiatives are expected to increase ED utilization of the buprenorphine. The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated overview of the role and use of buprenorphine in the ED setting so physicians may adapt to the changing practice environment. OBJECTIVES This is a narrative review describing the role of buprenorphine in the ED. A PubMed search was conducted using the keywords "opioid epidemic" "buprenorphine," and "medication assisted therapy", and "emergency department". All the articles that contained information on the opioid epidemic, medication assisted therapy, and the biological effects of buprenorphine, that were also relevant to pain management and the ED, were included in the review. DISCUSSION Multiple studies have pointed to the effective use of buprenorphine as a treatment for OUDs in ED patients and are superior to standard care; however, there are various barriers to its use in the ED setting. CONCLUSION Emergency physicians can influence opioid related morbidity and mortality, by familiarizing themselves with the use of buprenorphine to treat opioid withdrawal and addiction, particularly now that prescribing restrictions have been eased. Further ED research is necessary to assess the optimal use of buprenorphine in this care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Pourmand
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Kamilla Beisenova
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nebiyu Shukur
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Collin Tebo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nakita Mortimer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
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27
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Li R, Zhao M. Maintaining treatment and prevention programs for opioid use disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2021; 34:369-375. [PMID: 33859127 PMCID: PMC8183244 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current article reviews the impact of the biggest health crisis for many decades, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), on opioid treatment programs and the strategies adopted for maintaining opioid treatment programs during the pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS The difficulty of access to opioid treatment services and the mental health problems accompanying opioid use disorders are the two main challenges to maintaining accessible and effective opioid treatment. Many countries and institutions issued guidance and recommendations to address these challenges. General coping strategies, loosening of policies, telemedicine, and depot buprenorphine are four main strategies to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic. SUMMARY There were considerable obstacles to maintaining opioid intervention programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies addressing the obstacles are identified. Research in this area needs to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Min Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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28
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O'Connor AA, Worthington AK. A Pilot Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Activity and Well-Being of United States Military Veterans in Alaska. JOURNAL OF VETERANS STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.21061/jvs.v7i1.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Khatri UG, Aronowitz SV. Considering the harms of our habits: The reflexive urine drug screen in opioid use disorder treatment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 123:108258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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30
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Morse E, Binswanger IA, Taylor E, Gray C, Stimmel M, Timko C, Harris AHS, Smelson D, Finlay AK. Strategies to improve implementation of medications for opioid use disorder reported by veterans involved in the legal system: A qualitative study. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 129:108353. [PMID: 34080564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108353] [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: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans involved in the legal system have a high risk of overdose mortality but limited utilization of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). To increase the use of MOUD in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities and reduce overdose mortality, the VHA should incorporate strategies identified by legal-involved veterans to improve quality of care and ensure that their patients' experiences are integrated into care delivery. This study aims to determine strategies to increase use of MOUD from the perspective of legal-involved veterans with a history of opioid use or opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS Between February 2018 and March 2019, we conducted semistructured interviews with 18 veterans with a history of opioid use or OUD and legal involvement (15 men and 3 women; mean age 41, standard deviation 13, range 28-61). Veterans were from 9 geographically dispersed United States VHA facilities. The study analyzed verbatim transcripts using the framework method. The primary focus was themes that represented legal-involved veteran-identified strategies to improve the use of MOUD. RESULTS The 18 veterans interviewed had legal involvement directly related to their opioid use and most (n = 15; 83%) had previously used MOUD. Veteran-identified strategies to improve access to and use of MOUD included: (1) VHA should provide transportation or telehealth services; (2) legal agencies should increase access to MOUD during incarceration; (3) the VHA should reduce physician turnover; (4) the VHA should improve physician education to deliver compassionate, patient-centered treatment; (5) the VHA should improve veteran education about MOUD; and (6) the VHA should provide social support opportunities to veterans. CONCLUSIONS Legal-involved veterans provided strategies that can inform and expand MOUD to better meet their needs and the treatment needs of all patients with OUD. The VHA should consider incorporating these strategies into care, and should evaluate their impact on patients' experience, initiation of and retention on medications, and overdose rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Morse
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, 10065 E Harvard Ave #300, Denver, CO 80231, USA.
| | - Ingrid A Binswanger
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, 10065 E Harvard Ave #300, Denver, CO 80231, USA; Colorado Permanente Medical Group, 1835 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80218, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Emmeline Taylor
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Colorado, 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
| | - Caroline Gray
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
| | - Matthew Stimmel
- Veterans Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (MS), 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
| | - Christine Timko
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1199 Welch Road, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Alex H S Harris
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Always Building, Suite M121, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-2200, USA.
| | - David Smelson
- Center for Organization and Implementation Science, Edith Nourse Rogers VA Medical Center, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA.
| | - Andrea K Finlay
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
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31
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Barriers and Facilitators to the Use of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: a Rapid Review. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:954-963. [PMID: 33145687 PMCID: PMC7728943 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06257-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite evidence that medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) are effective, most people who could benefit from this treatment do not receive it. This rapid review synthesizes evidence on current barriers and facilitators to buprenorphine/naloxone and naltrexone at the patient, provider, and system levels to inform future interventions aimed at expanding treatment. METHODS We systematically searched numerous bibliographic databases through May 2020 and selected studies published since 2014. Study selection, data abstraction, coding of barriers and facilitators, and quality assessment were first completed by one reviewer and checked by a second. RESULTS We included 40 studies of buprenorphine (5 also discussed naltrexone). Four types of patient and provider-level barriers to OUD medication use emerged-stigma related to OUD medications, treatment experiences and beliefs (positive or negative), logistical issues (time and costs as well as insurance and regulatory requirements), and knowledge (high or low) of OUD and the role of medications. Stigma was the most common barrier among patients, while logistical issues were the most common barriers among providers. Facilitators for both patients and providers included peer supports. Most administrator-identified or system-level barriers and facilitators fit into the category of logistical issues. We have moderate confidence in buprenorphine findings but low confidence in naltrexone findings due to the small number of studies. DISCUSSION Stigma, treatment experiences, logistical issues, and knowledge gaps are the main barriers associated with low utilization of OUD medications. These barriers can overlap and mutually reinforce each other, but given that, it is plausible that reducing one barrier may lead to reductions in others. The highest priority for future research is to evaluate interventions to reduce stigma. Other priorities for future research include better identification of barriers and facilitators for specific populations, such as those with OUD related to prescription opioids, and for naltrexone use. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO; CRD42019133394.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure the change in the daily number of patients receiving buprenorphine and buprenorphine prescribers during the early phase of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in Texas. METHODS Counts of the number of patients filling and number of providers prescribing buprenorphine were calculated for each weekday between November 4, 2019 and May 12, 2020. The change in daily patients and prescribers between March 2, 2020 and May 12, 2020, was modeled as a change in slope compared to the baseline period using autoregressive, interrupted time series regression. RESULTS The rate of change of daily buprenorphine prescriptions (β = -1.75, 95% CI = -5.8-2.34) and prescribers (β = -0.32, 95% CI = -1.47-0.82) declined insignificantly during the COVID-19 period compared to the baseline. CONCLUSIONS Despite a 57% decline in ambulatory care utilization in the south-central US during March and April of 2020, health services utilization related to buprenorphine in Texas remained robust. Protecting access to buprenorphine as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold will require intensive efforts from clinicians and policy makers alike. While the presented results are promising, researchers must continue monitoring and exploring the clinical and humanistic impact of COVID-19 on the treatment of substance use disorders.
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Batsis JA, McClure AC, Weintraub AB, Sette D, Rotenberg S, Stevens CJ, Gilbert-Diamond D, Kotz DF, Bartels SJ, Cook SB, Rothstein RI. Barriers and facilitators in implementing a pilot, pragmatic, telemedicine-delivered healthy lifestyle program for obesity management in a rural, academic obesity clinic. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:83. [PMID: 33015640 PMCID: PMC7526351 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Few evidence-based strategies are specifically tailored for disparity populations such as rural adults. Two-way video-conferencing using telemedicine can potentially surmount geographic barriers that impede participation in high-intensity treatment programs offering frequent visits to clinic facilities. We aimed to understand barriers and facilitators of implementing a telemedicine-delivered tertiary-care, rural academic weight-loss program for the management of obesity. METHODS A single-arm study of a 16-week, weight-loss pilot evaluated barriers and facilitators to program participation and exploratory measures of program adoption and staff confidence in implementation and intervention delivery. A program was delivered using video-conferencing within an existing clinical infrastructure. Elements of Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) provided a basis for assessing intervention characteristics, inner and outer settings, and individual characteristics using surveys and semi-structured interviews. We evaluated elements of the RE-AIM model (reach, adoption) to assess staff barriers to success for future scalability. FINDINGS There were 27 patients and 8 staff completing measures. Using CFIR, the intervention was valuable from a patient participant standpoint; staff equally had positive feelings about using telemedicine as useful for patient care. The RE-AIM framework demonstrated limited reach but willingness to adopt was above average. A significant barrier limiting sustainability was physical space for intervention delivery and privacy and dedicated resources for staff. Scheduling stressors were also a challenge in its implementation. CONCLUSIONS The need to engage staff, enhance organizational culture, and increase reach are major factors for rural health obesity clinics to enhance sustainability of using telemedicine for the management of obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03309787. Registered on 16 October 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Batsis
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Auden C. McClure
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH USA
- Dartmouth Weight & Wellness Center, Lebanon, NH USA
| | | | - Diane Sette
- Dartmouth Weight & Wellness Center, Lebanon, NH USA
| | - Sivan Rotenberg
- Dartmouth Weight & Wellness Center, Lebanon, NH USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, NH USA
| | - Courtney J. Stevens
- Dartmouth Weight & Wellness Center, Lebanon, NH USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, NH USA
- Dartmouth Centers for Health and Aging, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH USA
- Dartmouth Weight & Wellness Center, Lebanon, NH USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - David F. Kotz
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | | | | | - Richard I. Rothstein
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH USA
- Dartmouth Weight & Wellness Center, Lebanon, NH USA
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Gustavson AM, Gordon AJ, Kenny ME, McHenry H, Gronek J, Ackland PE, Hagedorn HJ. Response to coronavirus 2019 in Veterans Health Administration facilities participating in an implementation initiative to enhance access to medication for opioid use disorder. Subst Abus 2020; 41:413-418. [PMID: 32936695 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2020.1809609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The actions needed to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) have forged rapid paradigm shifts across healthcare delivery. In a time of crisis, continued access to and delivery of medication for opioid use disorder (M-OUD) is essential to save lives. However, prior to COVID-19, large variability in M-OUD adoption existed across the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) and it is unknown whether the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this divide. For the past two years, our team worked with eight VHA facilities to enhance adoption of M-OUD through a multi-component implementation intervention. This commentary explores these providers' responses to COVID-19 and the subsequent impact on their progress toward increasing adoption of M-OUD. Briefly, the loosening of regulatory restrictions fostered accelerated adoption of M-OUD, rapid support for telehealth offered a mechanism to increase M-OUD access, and reevaluation of current practices surrounding M-OUD strengthened adoption. Overall, during the COVID-19 crisis, facilities and providers responded positively to the call for increased access to M-OUD and appropriate care of patients with OUD. The VHA providers' responses and continued progress in enhancing M-OUD amidst a crisis may, in part, be attributable to their participation in an implementation effort prior to COVID-19 that established resources, expert support, and a community of practice. We anticipate the themes presented are generalizable to other healthcare systems grappling to deliver care to patients with OUD during a crisis. We propose areas of future research and quality improvement to continue to provide access and high quality, life-saving care to patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Gustavson
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Vulnerable Veteran Innovative PACT (VIP) Initiative; Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center (IDEAS), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Marie E Kenny
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Haley McHenry
- Department of Pharmacy, Veterans Affairs Health System, Cheyenne, WY, USA
| | - Julie Gronek
- Veterans Affairs Health System, Battle Creek, MI, USA
| | - Princess E Ackland
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Hildi J Hagedorn
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
Background: To reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many substance use disorder treatment programs have transitioned to telemedicine. Emergency regulatory changes allow buprenorphine initiation without an in-person visit. We describe the use of videoconferencing for buprenorphine initiation combined with street outreach to engage 2 patients experiencing homelessness with severe opioid use disorder (OUD). Case Presentation: Patient 1 was a 30-year-old man with severe OUD who had relapsed to injection heroin/fentanyl after incarceration. A community drop-in center outreach harm reduction specialist facilitated a videoconference with an addiction specialist at an OUD bridge clinic. The patient completed a community buprenorphine/naloxone initiation and self-titrated to his prior dose, 8/2 mg twice daily. One week later, he reconnected with the outreach team for a follow-up videoconference visit. Patient 2, a 36-year-old man with severe OUD, connected to the addiction specialist via a syringe service program harm reduction specialist. He had been trying to connect to a community buprenorphine/naloxone provider, but access was limited due to COVID-19, so he was using diverted buprenorphine/naloxone to reduce opioid use. He was restarted on his previous dose of 12/3 mg daily which was continued via phone follow-up 16 days later. Conclusions: COVID-19-related regulatory changes allow buprenorphine initiation via telemedicine. We describe 2 cases where telemedicine was combined with street outreach to connect patients experiencing homelessness with OUD to treatment. These cases highlight an important opportunity to provide access to life-saving OUD treatment for vulnerable patients in the setting of a pandemic that mandates reduced face-to-face clinical interactions.
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Hser YI, Mooney LJ. Integrating Telemedicine for Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Rural Primary Care: Beyond the COVID Pandemic. J Rural Health 2020; 37:246-248. [PMID: 32579751 PMCID: PMC7361555 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yih-Ing Hser
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Larissa J Mooney
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
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