1
|
Martinez NG, Truong AQ, Nordeck CD, Agus D, Genberg BL, Buresh ME. "I want to stay here": Patient and staff perspectives on transitioning from a low-threshold buprenorphine program to clinic-based care. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111130. [PMID: 38452408 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Project Connections At Re-Entry (PCARE) Van is a low-threshold buprenorphine program operating outside the Baltimore City Detention Center. Like other low-threshold programs, PCARE seeks to engage a vulnerable population in care, stabilize patients, then transition patients to longer-term care; however, <10% of patients transition to clinic-based buprenorphine treatment. Our goal was to better understand these low transition rates and center patient perspectives in discussion of broader low-threshold program design. METHODS From December 2022 to June 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 former and current PCARE patients and 6 staff members. We used deductive and inductive coding followed by thematic content analysis to identify themes around treatment experiences and care preferences. RESULTS There were strong preferences among current and former patients for continuing buprenorphine treatment at the PCARE Van. Several themes emerged from the data that explained patient preferences, including both advantages to continuing care at the van (preference for continuity, feeling respected by the program's structure and philosophy) and disadvantages to transitioning to a clinic (perceived harms associated with rigid or punitive care models). Staff noted limited program capacity, and patients expressed that if needed, they would transition to a clinic for altruistic reasons. Staff expressed varied perspectives on low-threshold care, emphasizing both larger systems factors, as well as beliefs about individual patient responsibility. CONCLUSIONS While many low-threshold care settings are designed as transitional bridge models, this research highlights patient preference for long-term care at low-threshold programs and supports efforts to adapt low-threshold models to be sustainable as longitudinal care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelle G Martinez
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Mason F. Lord Building East Tower 2nd Floor, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Ashley Q Truong
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Courtney D Nordeck
- Friends Research Institute, 1040 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Deborah Agus
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Behavioral Health Leadership Institute, 2601N. Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Megan E Buresh
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Mason F. Lord Building East Tower 2nd Floor, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Poulsen MN, Roe SA, Asdell PB, Rahm AK, Berrettini W. Clinical stakeholders' perceptions of patient engagement in outpatient medication treatment for opioid use disorder: A qualitative study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 158:209250. [PMID: 38072381 PMCID: PMC10947908 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce risk of opioid overdose and promote recovery from opioid use disorder, but poor retention in MOUD limits these positive effects. This study explored patient engagement in MOUD from the perspective of clinical stakeholders within an outpatient addiction medicine program to identify program factors influencing patient engagement with treatment. METHODS We conducted a qualitative case study of a multi-clinic outpatient addiction medicine program embedded within an integrated health system that serves a geographically diverse area of Pennsylvania. Collectively, the program's clinics provide MOUD (primarily buprenorphine) to ~2000 patients annually. From January to March 2021, we conducted semi-structured telephone/video interviews with three stakeholder groups involved in delivering MOUD: administrators (n = 4), providers (n = 7), and addiction care coordinators (n = 5). Data analysis utilized the framework method. RESULTS We identified five themes related to patient engagement. First, participants described health system integration as enhancing quality and offering opportunities for addressing patients' comprehensive health care needs. However, lack of knowledge about addiction and stigma among health system providers was felt to limit patient benefits from this integration, including access to MOUD. Second, participants viewed patient engagement as central to the program's policies, practices, and clinical environment. Adoption of a harm reduction approach and maintenance of a non-stigmatizing clinic environment were described as essential facilitators of engagement. Third, while clinics followed uniform operations, physician leads expressed differing philosophical approaches to treatment, which participants associated with variations in clinical practice and patient engagement. Fourth, participants identified key services that bolstered engagement in MOUD, including psychosocial services, psychiatric care, and telemedicine. Finally, staff well-being emerged as a key consideration for patient engagement. CONCLUSIONS Understanding perceptions of those who administer and deliver care is critical for identifying barriers and facilitators to patient engagement in MOUD. Findings suggest potential opportunities for addiction treatment programs to improve patient engagement and ultimately MOUD retention, including integration with other healthcare services to meet comprehensive healthcare needs; adoption of a harm reduction approach; creation of non-stigmatizing clinical environments; investment in psychosocial services, psychiatric care, and telemedicine; and prioritization of staff wellness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N Poulsen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Sophie A Roe
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA.
| | - Patrick B Asdell
- Department of Family Medicine, Summa Health, Barberton, OH 44203, USA.
| | | | - Wade Berrettini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Austin EJ, O'Brien QE, Ruiz MS, Ratzliff AD, Williams EC, Koch U. Patient and Provider Perspectives on Processes of Engagement in Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Scoping Review. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:330-339. [PMID: 37668745 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is available, but patient engagement is central to achieving care outcomes. We conducted a scoping review to describe patient and provider-reported strategies that may contribute to patient engagement in outpatient OUD care delivery. We searched PubMed and Scopus for articles reporting patient and/or provider experiences with outpatient OUD care delivery. Analysis included: (1) describing specific engagement strategies, (2) mapping strategies to patient-centered care domains, and (3) identifying themes that characterize the relationship between engagement and patient-centered care. Of 3,222 articles screened, 30 articles met inclusion criteria. Analysis identified 14 actionable strategies that facilitate patient engagement and map to all patient-centered care domains. Seven themes emerged that characterize interpersonal approaches to OUD care engagement. Interpersonal interactions between patients and providers play a pivotal role in encouraging engagement throughout OUD treatment. Future research is needed to further evaluate promising engagement strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Austin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA.
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA.
| | - Quentin E O'Brien
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Monica S Ruiz
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Anna D Ratzliff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions (AIMS) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ulrich Koch
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Poulsen MN, Asdell PB, Berrettini W, McBryan K, Rahm AK. Application of the COM-B model to patient barriers and facilitators of retention in medication treatment for opioid use disorder in rural Northeastern United States: A qualitative study. SSM. MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:100151. [PMID: 36776723 PMCID: PMC9912293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce illicit opioid use and overdose mortality, but effectiveness remains limited by poor treatment retention. Understanding multilevel barriers and facilitators to retention from the patient perspective can guide intervention strategies to improve retention. Methods We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews to elicit perspectives of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) currently (n = 19) and formerly (n = 16) receiving treatment from a multi-clinic outpatient MOUD program in Pennsylvania in July 2020 to January 2021. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior model provided a theoretical framework for analysis. Results Based on interview themes, physical, rather than psychological, capability was more salient to MOUD engagement, and pertained to individual-level factors such as side effects, withdrawal, and the degree to which MOUD addressed participants' need for pain management. Co-existing mental health conditions also challenged participants' physical ability to attend appointments. The opportunity domain contained both physical and social aspects. Physical opportunity for MOUD engagement centered on community-level factors related to MOUD access (e.g., distance, transportation) and clinical-level factors including program policies. Themes related to social opportunity included interpersonal influences-such as therapeutic and social support-and stigma associated with OUD and MOUD. Motivation emerged as the dominant domain for patients. Reflective motivation factors included individual-level factors such as participants' recognition of their addiction and "readiness" to quit illicit opioid use, attitudes toward MOUD, future treatment expectations, motivation to engage in MOUD, and perceived consequences of disengagement. Automatic motivation factors included the degree to which MOUD created a sense of normalcy for participants and the use of illicit drugs to numb emotions. Conclusions Factors at the individual, interpersonal, clinical, community, and societal levels influenced patients' capability, opportunity, and motivation to engage in MOUD. Understanding such factors can inform implementation strategies to improve retention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N. Poulsen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17822, USA,Corresponding author. 100 North Academy Avenue Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17822, USA. (M.N. Poulsen)
| | - Patrick B. Asdell
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| | - Wade Berrettini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kortney McBryan
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| | - Alanna K. Rahm
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kelly EL, Reed MK, Schoenauer KM, Smith K, Scalia-Jackson K, Kay Hill S, Li E, Weinstein L. A Qualitative Exploration of the Functional, Social, and Emotional Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People Who Use Drugs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9751. [PMID: 35955107 PMCID: PMC9367729 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since 2020, people who use drugs (PWUD) experienced heightened risks related to drug supply disruptions, contamination, overdose, social isolation, and increased stress. This study explored how the lives of PWUD changed in Philadelphia over a one-year period. Using semi-structured interviews with 20 participants in a Housing First, low-barrier medication for opioid use (MOUD) program in Philadelphia, the effects of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on the daily lives, resources, functioning, substance use, and treatment of PWUD were explored. Interviews were analyzed using a combination of directed and conventional content analysis. Six overarching themes emerged during data analysis: (1) response to the pandemic; (2) access to MOUD and support services; (3) substance use; (4) impacts on mental health, physical health, and daily functioning; (5) social network impacts; and (6) fulfillment of basic needs. Participants reported disruptions in every domain of life, challenges meeting their basic needs, and elevated risk for adverse events. MOUD service providers offset some risks and provided material supports, treatment, social interaction, and emotional support. These results highlight how there were significant disruptions to the lives of PWUD during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and identified critical areas for future intervention and policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Kelly
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Megan K. Reed
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Schoenauer
- Center for Public Health Initiatives, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kelsey Smith
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | - Sequoia Kay Hill
- Project HOME Health Services, Pathways to Housing PA, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Erica Li
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lara Weinstein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| |
Collapse
|