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Chan B, Cook R, Levander X, Wiest K, Hoffman K, Pertl K, Petluri R, McCarty D, Korthuis PT, Martin SA. Buprenorphine discontinuation in telehealth-only treatment for opioid use disorder: A longitudinal cohort analysis. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024:209511. [PMID: 39243979 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal agencies permitted telehealth initiation of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) without in-person assessment. It remains unclear how telehealth-only buprenorphine treatment impacts time to discontinuation and patient reported treatment outcomes. METHODS A longitudinal observational cohort study conducted September 2021 through March, 2023 enrolled participants with OUD initiating buprenorphine (≤ 45 days) with internet and phone access in Oregon and Washington. The intervention was a fully telehealth-only (THO) app versus treatment as usual (TAU) in office-based settings with some telehealth. We assessed self-reported buprenorphine discontinuation at 4-,12-, and 24-weeks. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) calculated unadjusted and adjusted relative risk ratios (RR) for discontinuation averaged over the study period. Secondary outcomes included change in the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) and the visual analogue craving scale. Generalized linear models estimated average within-group and between-group differences over time. RESULTS Participants (n = 103 THO; n = 56 TAU) had a mean age of 37 years (SD = 9.8 years) and included 52 % women, 83 % with Medicaid insurance, 80 % identified as White, 65 % unemployed/student, and 19 % unhoused. There were differences in gender (THO = 54 % women vs. TAU = 44 %, p = .04), unemployed status (60 % vs 75 %, p = .02), and stable housing (84 % vs 73 %, p = .02). Rates of buprenorphine discontinuation were low in the THO (4 %) and TAU (13 %) groups across 24 weeks. In the adjusted analysis, the risk of discontinuation was 61 % lower in the THO group (aRR = 0.39, 95 % CI [0.17, 0.89], p = .026). Decreases occurred over time on the harms subscale of the BAM (within-group difference - 0.85, p = .0004 [THO], and - 0.68, p = .04 [TAU]) and cravings (within-group difference - 13.47, p = .0001 [THO] vs -7.65, p = .01 [TAU]). CONCLUSIONS A telehealth-only platform reduced the risk of buprenorphine discontinuation compared to office-based TAU. In-person evaluation to receive buprenorphine may not be necessary for treatment-seeking patients. CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER NCT03224858.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Chan
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Central City Concern, Portland, OR, United States of America.
| | - Ryan Cook
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Ximena Levander
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | | | - Kim Hoffman
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Kellie Pertl
- Boulder Care, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | | | - Dennis McCarty
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Stephen A Martin
- Boulder Care, Portland, OR, United States of America; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
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McKendrick G, Stull SW, Sharma A, Dunn KE. Availability and Opportunities for Expansion of Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. Semin Neurol 2024; 44:419-429. [PMID: 38876459 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to expand access to treatment for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). As neurologists may frequently encounter patients with chronic pain who have developed OUD, they are in a position to serve as advocates for treatment. Buprenorphine is the most scalable medication for OUD in the United States, yet expansion has plateaued in recent years despite growing treatment needs. Reluctance of providers to establish treatment with new patients, challenges with rural expansion, stigma related to buprenorphine-based care, and pharmacy pressures that incentivize low dispensing and inventories may have stalled expansion. This review introduces these challenges before outlining actionable and evidenced-based strategies that warrant investigation, including methods to improve patient access to care (remotely delivered care, mobile delivery programs, Bridge programs) and provider retention and confidence in prescribing (expert consults, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes, a telementoring model, hub-and-spoke services), as well as novel innovations (virtual reality, artificial intelligence, wearable technologies). Overall, fortifying existing delivery systems while developing new transformative models may be necessary to achieve more optimal levels of buprenorphine treatment expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer McKendrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Samuel W Stull
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | | | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Creel LM, Feygin YB, Shipley M, Davis DW, Cole Hall T, Downs C, Hoskins S, Pasquenza N, Duncan SD. A case study on variations in network structure and cross-sector alignment in two local systems serving pregnant and parenting women in recovery. Health Serv Res 2024; 59 Suppl 1:e14251. [PMID: 37848179 PMCID: PMC10796293 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe network structure and alignment across organizations in healthcare, public health, and social services sectors that serve pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorder (SUD) in an urban and a rural community. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTINGS Two community networks, one urban and one rural with each including a residential substance use treatment program, in Kentucky during 2021. STUDY DESIGN Social network analysis measured system collaboration and cross-sector alignment between healthcare, public health, and social services organizations, applying the Framework for Aligning Sectors. To understand the alignment and structure of each network, we measured network density overall and between sectors, network centralization, and each organization's degree centrality and effective size. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted to document alignment around shared purpose, data, financing, and governance. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS On average, overall and cross-sector network densities in both communities were similar. However, alignment was highest for data sharing and financing in the urban community and for shared purpose and governance in the rural community. Cross-sector partnerships involving healthcare organizations were more prevalent in the rural county (44% vs. 38% for healthcare/public health, 44% vs. 29% for healthcare/social services), but more prevalent for those involving public health/social services organizations in the urban county (42% vs. 24%). A single healthcare organization had the highest degree centrality (Mdn [IQR] = 26 [26-9.5]) and effective size (Mdn [IQR] = 15.9 [20.6-8.7]) within the rural county. Social services organizations held more central positions in the urban county (degree centrality Mdn [IQR] = 13 [14.8-9.5]; effective size Mdn [IQR] = 10.4 [11.4-7.9]). CONCLUSIONS Cross-sector alignment may strengthen local capacity for comprehensive SUD care for pregnant and parenting women. Healthcare organizations are key players in cross-sector partnerships in the rural community, where one healthcare facility holds the central brokerage role. In contrast, public health agencies are key to cross-sector collaboration with social services in the urban community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza M. Creel
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Yana B. Feygin
- Norton Children's Research Institute affiliated with the University of Louisville School of MedicineUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Madeline Shipley
- Scientific and Health Policy InitiativesISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes ResearchLawrencevilleNew JerseyUSA
| | - Deborah W. Davis
- Norton Children's Research Institute affiliated with the University of Louisville School of MedicineUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | | | - Chaly Downs
- Addition Recovery ServicesVolunteers of America, Mid‐StatesLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Stephanie Hoskins
- Addition Recovery ServicesVolunteers of America, Mid‐StatesLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Natalie Pasquenza
- External RelationsVolunteers of America, Mid‐StatesLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Scott D. Duncan
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
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Harris SJ, Landis RK, Li W, Stein BD, Saloner B. Utilization of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among West Virginia Medicaid Enrollees Following Medicaid Coverage of Methadone. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024; 45:91-100. [PMID: 38258853 DOI: 10.1177/29767342231208516] [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] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Virginia entered an institution for mental disease Section 1115 waiver with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2018, which allowed Medicaid to cover methadone at West Virginia's nine opioid treatment programs (OTPs) for the first time. METHODS We conducted time trend and geospatial analyses of Medicaid enrollees between 2016 and 2019 to examine medications for opioid use disorder utilization patterns following Medicaid coverage of methadone, focusing on distance to an OTP as a predictor of initiating methadone and conditional on receiving any, longer treatment duration. RESULTS Following Medicaid coverage of methadone in 2018, patients receiving methadone comprised 9.5% of all Medicaid enrollees with an opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnosis and 10.6% in 2019 (P < 0.01). In 2018, two-thirds of methadone patients either had no prior OUD diagnosis or were not previously enrolled in Medicaid in our observation period. Patients residing within 20 miles of an OTP were more likely to receive methadone (marginal effect [ME]: -0.041, P < 0.001). Similarly, patients residing in metropolitan areas were more likely to receive treatment than those residing in nonmetropolitan areas (ME: -0.019, P < 0.05). Metropolitan patients traveled an average of 15 miles to an OTP; nonmetropolitan patients traveled more than twice as far (P < 0.001). We found no significant association between distance and treatment duration. CONCLUSIONS West Virginia Medicaid's new methadone coverage was associated with an influx of new enrollees with OUD, many of whom had no previous OUD diagnosis or prior Medicaid enrollment. Methadone patients frequently traveled far distances for treatment, suggesting that the state needs additional OTPs and innovative methadone delivery models to improve availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Harris
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Wenshu Li
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Brendan Saloner
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Egan KL, Gurka K, Macmadu A, Linn H. Changes in Perceptions of First Responders After Witnessing a Drug Overdose: Individual and Contextual Variations Among People Who Use Opioids in West Virginia. JOURNAL OF APPALACHIAN HEALTH 2023; 5:22-37. [PMID: 38784147 PMCID: PMC11110897 DOI: 10.13023/jah.0503.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Success of opioid overdose interventions involving first responders is dependent on the comfort level that bystanders have with first responders and their willingness to call for assistance. Positive or negative experiences with first responders following witnessing an overdose may influence a person's willingness to call a first responder for assistance in the future. Purpose The objective of this study was to examine changes in bystanders' perceptions of first responders following witnessing an overdose attended by emergency medical services or a law enforcement official. It specifically explored perception changes among a sample of individuals residing in Appalachia who use prescription opioids nonmedically. Methods Individuals from West Virginia who used prescription opioids nonmedically were interviewed to examine changes in perceptions of first responders following witnessing an overdose. The analytic sample (N = 50) consisted of participants who witnessed an overdose for which 911 was called and stayed until a first responder arrived. Chi-square contingency tables and ANOVA were conducted to assess relationships between individual and contextual characteristics with changes in perceptions. Results Findings indicate that the majority (63%) had improved perceptions of first responders, 6% had diminished perceptions, and 24% were unchanged. Changes in perceptions varied by income, presence during substance use, and prior concerns about first responders. Implications Individuals who reported experiencing a positive interaction with first a responder after witnessing an overdose may be more likely to call 911 during an overdose and support other interventions by first responders (e.g., referral to syringe service programs or treatment with medications for opioid use disorder).
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Golan OK, Sheng F, Dick AW, Sorbero M, Whitaker DJ, Andraka-Christou B, Pigott T, Gordon AJ, Stein BD. Differences in medicaid expansion effects on buprenorphine treatment utilization by county rurality and income: A pharmacy data claims analysis from 2009-2018. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 9:100193. [PMID: 37876376 PMCID: PMC10590758 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Although use of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder increased over the past decade, buprenorphine utilization remains limited in lower-income and rural areas. We examine how the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion influenced buprenorphine initiation rates by county income and evaluate how associations differ by county rural-urban status. Methods This study used nationwide 2009-2018 IQVIA retail pharmacy data and a comparative interrupted time series framework-a hybrid framework combining regression discontinuity and difference-in-difference approaches. We used piecewise linear estimation to quantify changes in buprenorphine initiation rates before and after Medicaid expansion. Results The sample included observations from 376,704 county-months. We identified 5,227,340 new buprenorphine treatment episodes, with an average of 9.2 new buprenorphine episodes per month per 100,000 county residents. Among urban counties, those with the lowest median incomes experienced significantly larger increases in buprenorphine initiation rates associated with Medicaid expansion than counties with higher median incomes (5-year rates difference est=3525.3, se=1695.3, p = 0.04). However, among rural counties, there was no significant association between buprenorphine initiation rates and county median income after Medicaid expansion (5-year rates difference est=979.0, se=915.8, p = 0.29). Conclusions Medicaid expansion was associated with a reduction in income-related buprenorphine disparities in urban counties, but not in rural counties. To achieve more equitable buprenorphine access, future policies should target low-income rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K. Golan
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - Barbara Andraka-Christou
- School of Global Health Management & Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine (Secondary Joint Appointment), University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Therese Pigott
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adam J. Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Pollack HA, Lee F, Paykin S, Aguilera JAR. Critical access medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment facilities in the continental United States. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 6:100130. [PMID: 36994373 PMCID: PMC10040320 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Research objective Medication opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment is the first-line approach to the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). This analysis seeks to identify "critical access" MOUD facilities that ensure geographic access for MOUD patients. Using public-source data and spatial analysis, we identify the top 100 "critical access" MOUD units across the continental U.S. Study design We use locational data from SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator and DATA 2000 waiver buprenorphine providers. We identify the closest MOUDs to each ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA)'s geographic centroid. We then construct a difference-in-distance metric by computing the difference in this distance measure between closest and second-closest MOUD, multiplied by ZCTA population, ranking MOUDs by difference-distance scores. Population studied All listed MOUD treatment facilities and all listed ZCTA's across the continental U.S., and all listed MOUD providers proximate to these areas. Principal findings We identified the top 100 critical access MOUD units in the continental United States. Many critical providers were in rural areas in the central United States, as well as a band extending east from Texas to Georgia. Twenty-three of the top 100 critical access providers were identified as providing naltrexone. Seventy-seven were identified as providing buprenorphine. Three were identified as providing methadone. Conclusions Significant areas of the United States are dependent on a single critical access MOUD provider. Implications for policy or practice Place-based supports may be warranted to support MOUD treatment access in areas dependent upon critical access providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold A. Pollack
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy & Practice, University of Chicago. 969 East 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637, United States
- University of Chicago Urban Health Lab, 33 North Lasalle St., Chicago, IL 60602, United States
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Francis Lee
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Susan Paykin
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th St. Room 212, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Javier Andres Rojas Aguilera
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th St. Room 212, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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