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Brummer J, Thylstrup B, Melis F, Hesse M. Predictors of retention in heroin-assisted treatment in Denmark 2010-2018 - A record-linkage study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 165:209449. [PMID: 38960145 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209449] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While randomized-controlled trials have shown that heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) is superior to methadone maintenance alone in treatment of refractory clients, little is known about client factors associated with retention in HAT in routine care. METHODS This retrospective cohort study assessed predictors of retention in first treatment episode among a consecutive cohort of clients admitted to HAT in Denmark from 2010 to 2018, who could be matched to the Danish population register and for whom a Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was available at admission (N = 432). The study derived predictors from client self-reports at intake and administrative data available in national registers. Cox proportional hazards regression modelled retention in treatment. RESULTS The one-year retention rate was 69.63 % (95 % CI 65.06 %-73.74 %), and the median time in treatment was 2.45 years (95 % CI, 1.83-3.12). Bivariate analyses showed that retention was lower for clients who had recent cocaine or benzodiazepine use and among those who had experienced an overdose in the year prior to enrollment in HAT. Age below 40, recent illegal activity, poorer emotional wellbeing, previous residential treatment experience, and previous intensive outpatient treatment were also predictors of dropout from HAT. CONCLUSIONS This observational study found that retention in HAT in routine care was similar to rates observed in randomized-controlled trials conducted in other countries. The results suggest that addressing polysubstance use as part of the HAT program may promote long-term retention, as may directing resources to certain subgroups identified at intake, including clients under 40 years and those who report recent criminal activity, emotional problems, or overdoses. The findings that previous residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment were associated with dropout were unexpected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brummer
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Emdrup Campus, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Tuborgvej 164, Building A, 2(nd) Floor, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Thylstrup
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Emdrup Campus, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Tuborgvej 164, Building A, 2(nd) Floor, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
| | - Francesca Melis
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Morten Hesse
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Emdrup Campus, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Tuborgvej 164, Building A, 2(nd) Floor, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
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Rodgers C, Siefried KJ, Ritter A, Belackova V, Treloar C, Jauncey M, Ezard N, Roberts D, Steele M, van den Brink W, Strang J, Oviedo-Joekes E, Lintzeris N, Dunlop AJ, Bell J. Implementation of time-limited parenteral hydromorphone in people with treatment-resistant injecting opioid use disorder: a protocol for a single-site, uncontrolled, open-label study to assess feasibility, safety and cost. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082553. [PMID: 39097309 PMCID: PMC11298717 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082553] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Supervised injectable opioid treatment (SIOT) is an evidence-based intervention targeting opioid-dependent people for whom existing treatments have been ineffective. This project will primarily assess the feasibility and the acceptability of time-limited SIOT using injectable hydromorphone delivered in an existing Australian public opioid treatment programme, with secondary outcomes of safety, cost, changes in drug use and other health outcomes. If feasible, the goal is to scale up the intervention to be more widely available in Australia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Between 20 and 30 participants will be offered two times per day hydromorphone to inject under direct observation, in addition to their current opioid agonist treatment (OAT), for up to 2 years. At the end of 2 years of supervised hydromorphone treatment, participants will be continued on standard OAT only. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants included in the study. This is a single-site, uncontrolled, open-label study where quantitative and qualitative interview data will be collected at baseline, 12 months and lastly at 3 months following their final hydromorphone dose. The main outcome measures are feasibility, as assessed by recruitment, retention and participation in treatment, and acceptability to participants, clinic staff and other stakeholders assessed by qualitative interviews. Secondary outcome measures of safety, as assessed by adverse events, and cost will also be assessed, as well as a range of other drug and health outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received ethical approval from the St Vincent's Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/ETH00418). This will be the first study of time-limited SIOT in the Australian setting. All results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences and local practice meetings. A preliminary report on outcomes will also be presented to local health policy makers. A consumer and community forum will also be held to feedback results to a broader audience. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12621001729819.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Rodgers
- Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Krista J Siefried
- Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison Ritter
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Carla Treloar
- University of South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Nadine Ezard
- Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Darren Roberts
- Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maureen Steele
- Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - John Strang
- Addictions, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- University of British Columbia Centre for Health Evaluation, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, University of Sydney, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
- The Langton Centre, South East Sydney Local Health District, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian John Dunlop
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services Research, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Newcastle Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Bell
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- King’s College London, London, UK
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Brezan F, Meyer M, Vogel M, Heimer J, Falcato L, Montagna J, Bruggmann P. Prolonged diacetylmorphine take-home during the COVID-19 pandemic-Results of a retrospective cohort study. Addiction 2024; 119:1421-1429. [PMID: 38644677 DOI: 10.1111/add.16503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Legal regulations for dispensing in Swiss heroin-assisted treatment were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing prolonged take-home of up to 7 days instead of two to reduce patient contact and the risk of infection. Our study aimed to measure the consequences of this new practice. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This was a retrospective cohort study set in Switzerland's largest outpatient centre for opioid agonist therapy. One hundred and thirty-four (72.4%) of the 185 patients receiving oral diacetylmorphine (DAM) participated in the study. MEASUREMENTS Through the utilization of electronic medication prescription and dispensing software, as well as the electronic medical record, the following data were extracted to explore the potential consequences: dose of DAM, the number of antibiotic therapies, emergency hospitalizations and incarcerations. Age, gender, prescriptions for psychotrophic drugs and additional prescription for injectable DAM were tested to assess an increased risk of losing prolonged take-home privileges. Data in the year since prolonged take-home (period 2) were compared with data from the equivalent prior year (period 1). FINDINGS DAM take-home was not associated with a change in DAM dose (P = 0.548), the number of emergency hospitalizations (P = 0.186) or the number of incarcerations (P = 0.215); 79.1% of all patients were able to maintain their extended take-home privileges. However, patients who had injectable DAM experienced significant reductions in their prolonged take-home privileges. CONCLUSION Allowing patients to take home oral diacetylmorphine for up to 7 days as treatment for opioid use disorder does not appear to pose any demonstrable health risk. It is generally manageable for the large majority of patients. However, careful consideration of prolonged take-home for patients with additional injectable diacetylmorphine is recommended, as these patients are more likely to lose take-home privileges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maximilian Meyer
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marc Vogel
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakob Heimer
- Department of Mathematics, Seminar for Statistics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luis Falcato
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Philip Bruggmann
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Care, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Metcalfe RK, Dobischok S, Bansback N, MacDonald S, Byres D, Lajeunesse J, Harrison S, Koch B, Topping B, Brock T, Foreman J, Schechter M, Oviedo-Joekes E. Client preferences for the design and delivery of injectable opioid agonist treatment services: Results from a best-worst scaling task. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 39054406 DOI: 10.1111/add.16620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Clinical trials support injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) for whom other pharmacological management approaches are not well-suited. However, despite substantial research indicating that person-centered care improves engagement, retention and health outcomes for individuals with OUD, structural requirements (e.g. drug policies) often dictate how iOAT must be delivered, regardless of client preferences. This study aimed to quantify clients' iOAT delivery preferences to improve client engagement and retention. DESIGN Cross-sectional preference elicitation survey. SETTING Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS 124 current and former iOAT clients. MEASUREMENTS Participants completed a demographic questionnaire package and an interviewer-led preference elicitation survey (case 2 best-worst scaling task). Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct preference groups and explore demographic differences between preference groups. FINDINGS Most participants (n = 100; 81%) were current iOAT clients. Latent class analysis identified two distinct groups of client preferences: (1) autonomous decision-makers (n = 73; 59%) and (2) shared decision-makers (n = 51; 41%). These groups had different preferences for how medication type and dosage were selected. Both groups prioritized access to take-home medication (i.e. carries), the ability to set their own schedule, receiving iOAT in a space they like and having other services available at iOAT clinics. Compared with shared decision-makers, fewer autonomous decision-makers identified as a cis-male/man and reported flexible preferences. CONCLUSIONS Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) clients surveyed in Vancouver, Canada, appear to prefer greater autonomy than they currently have in choosing OAT medication type, dosage and treatment schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kathleen Metcalfe
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sophia Dobischok
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Education and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nick Bansback
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David Byres
- Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bryce Koch
- Doctor Peter Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Blue Topping
- Downtown Community Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Terry Brock
- Lookout Housing and Health Society, Surrey, Canada
| | - Julie Foreman
- Hope to Health Research and Innovation Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Ellefsen R. Narkotikapolitikk i endring: Heroinklinikkenes oppkomst i Norge. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2024; 41:307-325. [PMID: 38903889 PMCID: PMC11186453 DOI: 10.1177/14550725231207251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bruk av heroin for behandling av personer med rusmiddelavhengighet er nytt i Norge. Heroinklinikkene markerer et brudd med de siste ti-årenes narkotikapolitikk og rusbehandling. I denne artikkelen beskrives endringene i myndighetenes forståelse av «narkotikaproblemet» og hvordan det bør håndteres. Heroinklinikkene utforskes som uttrykk for slik endring. For å forklare hvorfor og hvordan disse omstridte klinikkene ble en realitet presenteres en to-delt analyse: først av ideologiske endringer i narkotikapolitikken fra 1960-tallet til i dag, og så av den politiske debatten om heroinklinikkene som tok fart fra 2007. Artikkelen argumenterer for at de ideologiske endringene på det narkotikapolitiske feltet i stor grad muliggjorde den senere politiske prosessen som endte med etablering av heroinklinikkene. Analysen identifiserer tre atskilte forståelser av narkotikaproblemet som har eksistert gjennom hele 60-års perioden, og tre motstridende tilnærminger til heroinklinikkene som ble synlige i den politiske debatten. Ved å diskutere sammenfallet mellom disse forståelsene og tilnærmingene over tid bidrar artikkelen med å forklare heroinklinikkenes oppkomst i en bredere narkotikapolitisk sammenheng.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Ellefsen
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research (RusForsk), Oslo University Hospital, Norway
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Mayer S, Jenkins E, Fairbairn N, Fowler A, McNeil R. "I'm just searching to get better": Constructions of treatment citizenship on injectable opioid agonist treatment. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116708. [PMID: 38531216 PMCID: PMC11100953 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116708] [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] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of the response to Canada's worsening overdose crisis driven by a toxic, adulterated drug supply, there has been increased attention to and expansion of drug treatment, options, including injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT). iOAT typically involves the, witnessed daily injection of opioids under healthcare provider supervision. There is a robust, evidence base on iOAT; however, there has been less focus on how people engage with this; treatment outside of clinical trials. This paper examines how people engage with iOAT programs, in expanded treatment settings in Canada, focusing on how the broader socio-structural context, shapes patient subjectivities in treatment. METHODS This study draws on critical ethnographic and community-based research approaches, conducted with people accessing four iOAT programs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside; neighbourhood from May 2018 to November 2019. Data included in-depth baseline and followup, interviews and approximately 50 h of observation fieldwork conducted in one iOAT, program and with a subsample of participants in the surrounding neighbourhood. Analysis, leveraged the concepts of biological citizenship and structural vulnerability. RESULTS This analysis characterized three narrative frames-regular long-term engagers, pain, patients, and sporadic and short-term engagers-through in-depth case presentations of participants with distinct types of engagement with iOAT programs. Participants within these, narrative frames described a dominant form of iOAT citizenship, an autonomous patient who, regularly engages in treatment and avoids pleasure. However, structural vulnerabilities, including, homelessness and housing instability, entrenched poverty, criminal-legal system engagement, and unmanaged pain, shaped the ability of participants to make claims to this normative model of citizenship. CONCLUSION This study examined how structural vulnerabilities impact people's construction and ability to make iOAT citizenship claims. Findings point to the need for changes within and outside of iOAT programs, such as lower threshold treatment models, improved social services (e.g., secure housing), and pain management support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Mayer
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Al Fowler
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Ryan McNeil
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, 06510, United States; Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, 06510, United States; Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, 06510, United States.
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Palayew A, Banta-Green CJ, Lamont M, Damper D, Moreno C, Goodreau SM, Mooney SJ, Glick SN. Acceptability and anticipated effectiveness of a safe supply of opioids, among people who inject opioids in King County, WA. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 127:104389. [PMID: 38522176 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104389] [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] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose mortality in the US has exceeded one million deaths over the last two decades. A regulated opioid supply may help prevent future overdose deaths by reducing exposure to the unregulated opioid supply. We examined the acceptability, delivery model preference, and anticipated effectiveness of different regulated opioid models among people in the Seattle area who inject opioids. METHODS We enrolled people who inject drugs in the 2022 Seattle-area National HIV Behavior Surveillance (NHBS) survey. Participants were recruited between July and December 2022 using respondent-driven sampling. Participants who reported injecting opioids (N = 453) were asked whether regulated opioids would be acceptable, their preferred model of receiving regulated opioids, and the anticipated change in individual overdose risk from accessing a regulated opioid supply. RESULTS In total, 369 (81 %) participants who injected opioids reported that a regulated opioid supply would be acceptable to them. Of the 369 who found a regulated opioid supply to be acceptable, the plurality preferred a take-home model where drugs are prescribed (35 %), followed closely by a dispensary model that required no prescription (28 %), and a prescribed model where drugs need to be consumed on site (13 %), a model where no prescription is required and drugs can be accessed in a community setting with a one-time upfront payment was the least preferred model (5 %). Most participants (69 %) indicated that receiving a regulated opioid supply would be "a lot less risky" than their current supply, 20 % said, "a little less risky", 10 % said no difference, and 1 % said a little or a lot more risky. CONCLUSION A regulated opioid supply would be acceptable to most participants, and participants reported it would greatly reduce their risk of overdose. As overdose deaths continue to increase in Washington state pragmatic and effective solutions that reduce exposure to unregulated drugs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Palayew
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA; VOCAL, Washington, USA.
| | - Caleb J Banta-Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA
| | - Malika Lamont
- VOCAL, Washington, USA; Public Defenders Association, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Courtney Moreno
- Public Health Seattle King County, Division of Infectious Diseases, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Steven M Goodreau
- Department of Anthropology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA
| | - Stephen J Mooney
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA; Public Health Seattle King County, Division of Infectious Diseases, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Washington, USA
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Ellis JD, Dunn KE, Huhn AS. Harm Reduction for Opioid Use Disorder: Strategies and Outcome Metrics. Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:372-380. [PMID: 38706335 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Tweet: The authors discuss harm reduction strategies and associated outcome metrics in relation to the ongoing opioid crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
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Thomann J, Vogt SB, Guessoum A, Meyer M, Vogel M, Liechti ME, Luethi D, Duthaler U. Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for quantifying diamorphine and its major metabolites 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, and morphine-6-glucuronide in human plasma. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1237:124104. [PMID: 38552595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124104] [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] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Diamorphine, commonly known as heroin, is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic. In the context of heroin-assisted treatment for opioid-dependent patients, diamorphine is mostly administered intravenously. However, recent attention has shifted towards intranasal administration as a better-tolerated alternative to the intravenous route. Here, we developed and validated a rapid bioanalytical method for the simultaneous quantification of diamorphine and its major metabolites 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, and morphine-6-glucuronide in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A straightforward protein precipitation extraction step was used for sample preparation. Chromatographic analyte separation was achieved using a Kinetex EVO C18 analytical column and a mobile phase gradient comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen carbonate and methanol supplied with formic acid. Employing positive electrospray ionization and scheduled multiple reaction monitoring, we established a quantification range of 1-1,000 ng/mL for all analytes. Our validation results demonstrate a mean intra-assay accuracy of 91-106% and an intra-assay precision (CV) between 2 and 9% for all analytes and over three validation runs. The method exhibits a high extraction recovery (> 87%) and a negligible matrix effect (99-125%). Furthermore, no interferences with endogenous plasma compounds were detected. Lastly, we applied the method to assess the plasma concentrations of an opioid-dependent patient after the intranasal administration of diamorphine in a clinical study. In summary, we have successfully developed a rapid, highly reliable, and straightforward bioanalytical method for quantifying diamorphine and its metabolites in low amounts of clinical plasma samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Thomann
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Severin B Vogt
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Guessoum
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Meyer
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Vogel
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dino Luethi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Urs Duthaler
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel-Stadt, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Magel T, Arreola LAG, Guh D, MacDonald S, Harrison S, Schechter M, Oviedo-Joekes E. Building Capacity for Injectable Diacetylmorphine and Hydromorphone for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: Identifying Typical Doses. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38590251 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2338734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Identifying typical doses of existing opioid use disorder medications, such as injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT), can support client and program needs, and potentially increase iOAT expansion. Longitudinal data from participants in a cohort study (n = 131), along with clinic dispensation records from August 2014 to April 2020, were used to examine physician prescribed as well as used doses of injectable diacetylmorphine and hydromorphone. Dosage groups, by medication and prescribed dose per session, were created for both hydromorphone and diacetylmorphine. A total of 534, 522 injections were registered during the study period among 129 participants. Mean received diacetylmorphine doses ranged from 106 to 989 mg per day, with most clients using 125-262 mg per session (mean 192.99 mg) and attending 2.40 sessions per day. Mean received hydromorphone doses ranged from 51.09 to 696.06 mg per day, with the majority using 88-154 mg per session (mean 121.32 mg; 2.43 sessions). Average daily doses remained stable overtime and, while mid-range doses were most typical, participants used the whole spectrum of allowable dose prescriptions. Evidence supporting typical doses of iOAT can be integrated into program planning to better allow providers and prescribers to anticipate program needs and engage in individualized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianna Magel
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Daphne Guh
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Urban Health and Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Poulter HL, Moore HJ, Ahmed D, Riley F, Walker T, Harris M. Co-located Heroin Assisted Treatment within primary care: A preliminary analysis of the implications for healthcare access, cost, and treatment delivery in the UK. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 126:104367. [PMID: 38460217 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104367] [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] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK is experiencing its highest rate of drug related deaths in 25 years. Poor and inconsistent access to healthcare negatively impacts health outcomes for people who use drugs. Innovation in models of care which promote access and availability of physical treatment is fundamental. Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) is a treatment modality targeted at the most marginalised people who use drugs, at high risk of mortality and morbidity. The first service-provider initiated HAT service in the UK ran between October 2019 and November 2022 in Middlesbrough, England. The service was co-located within a specialist primary care facility offering acute healthcare treatment alongside injectable diamorphine. METHODS Analysis of anonymised health records for healthcare costs (not including drug treatment) took place using descriptive statistics prior and during engagement with HAT, at both three (n=15) and six (n=12) months. Primary outcome measures were incidents of wound care, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), overdose (OD) events, unplanned overnight stays in hospital, treatment engagement (general and within hospital care settings) and ambulance incidents. Secondary outcome measures were costs associated with these events. RESULTS A shift in healthcare access for participants during HAT engagement was observed. HAT service attendance appeared to support health promoting preventative care, and reduce reactive reliance on emergency healthcare systems. At three and six months, engagement for preventative wound care and treatment for SSTIs increased at the practice. Unplanned emergency healthcare interactions for ODs, overnight hospital stays, serious SSTIs, and ambulance incidents reduced, and there was an increase in treatment engagement (i.e. a reduction in appointments which were not engaged with). There was a decrease in treatment engagement in hospital settings. Changes in healthcare utilisation during HAT translated to a reduction in healthcare costs of 58% within six months compared to the same timeframe from the period directly prior to commencing HAT. CONCLUSION This exploratory study highlights the potential for innovative harm reduction interventions such as HAT, co-located with primary care services, to improve healthcare access and engagement for a high-risk population. Increased uptake of primary healthcare services translated to reductions in emergency healthcare use and associated costs. Although costs of HAT provision are substantial, the notable cost-savings in health care should be an important consideration in service implementation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Poulter
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK.
| | - Helen J Moore
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK
| | - Danny Ahmed
- Clinical Lead Address: Foundations Medical Practice, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4EQ, UK
| | - Fleur Riley
- Durham University, Department of Psychology, England, UK
| | - Tammi Walker
- Durham University, Department of Psychology, England, UK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, England, UK
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12
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Myklebust LH, Eide D, Arnevik EA, Dadras O, De Pirro S, Ellefsen R, Fadnes LT, Hesse M, Kvamme TL, Melis F, Oldervoll A, Thylstrup B, Wusthoff LEC, Clausen T. Evaluation of heroin-assisted treatment in Norway: protocol for a mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:398. [PMID: 38553691 PMCID: PMC10981318 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10767-w] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) has a convincing evidence base, although variable retention rates suggest that it may not be beneficial for all. One of the options to include more patients is the introduction of heroin-assisted treatment (HAT), which involves the prescribing of pharmaceutical heroin in a clinical supervised setting. Clinical trials suggest that HAT positively affects illicit drug use, criminal behavior, quality of life, and health. The results are less clear for longer-term outcomes such as mortality, level of function and social integration. This protocol describes a longitudinal evaluation of the introduction of HAT into the OAT services in Norway over a 5-year period. The main aim of the project is to study the individual, organizational and societal effects of implementing HAT in the specialized healthcare services for OUD. METHODS The project adopts a multidisciplinary approach, where the primary cohort for analysis will consist of approximately 250 patients in Norway, observed during the period of 2022-2026. Cohorts for comparative analysis will include all HAT-patients in Denmark from 2010 to 2022 (N = 500) and all Norwegian patients in conventional OAT (N = 8300). Data comes from individual in-depth and semi-structured interviews, self-report questionnaires, clinical records, and national registries, collected at several time points throughout patients' courses of treatment. Qualitative analyses will use a flexible inductive thematic approach. Quantitative analyses will employ a wide array of methods including bi-variate parametric and non-parametric tests, and various forms of multivariate modeling. DISCUSSION The project's primary strength lies in its comprehensive and longitudinal approach. It has the potential to reveal new insights on whether pharmaceutical heroin should be an integral part of integrated conventional OAT services to individually tailor treatments for patients with OUD. This could affect considerations about drug treatment even beyond HAT-specific topics, where an expanded understanding of why some do not succeed with conventional OAT will strengthen the knowledge base for drug treatment in general. Results will be disseminated to the scientific community, clinicians, and policy makers. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was approved by the Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK), ref.nr.:195733.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Henrik Myklebust
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkevegen 166, Building 45, NO-0407, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Desiree Eide
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkevegen 166, Building 45, NO-0407, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen A Arnevik
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, P.b 4950 Nydalen, NO-0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Omid Dadras
- Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, P.b 1400, NO-5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silvana De Pirro
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkevegen 166, Building 45, NO-0407, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," La Sapienza, University of Rome, P. Ie Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Rune Ellefsen
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, P.b 4950 Nydalen, NO-0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, P.b 1400, NO-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.b 7804, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Hesse
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 10, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Timo L Kvamme
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 10, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Francesca Melis
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkevegen 166, Building 45, NO-0407, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann Oldervoll
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkevegen 166, Building 45, NO-0407, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgitte Thylstrup
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 10, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linda E C Wusthoff
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkevegen 166, Building 45, NO-0407, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, P.b 4950 Nydalen, NO-0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkevegen 166, Building 45, NO-0407, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Palis H, Haywood B, McDougall J, Xavier CG, Desai R, Tobias S, Burgess H, Ferguson M, Liu L, Kinniburgh B, Slaunwhite AK, Crabtree A, Buxton JA. Factors associated with obtaining prescribed safer supply among people accessing harm reduction services: findings from a cross-sectional survey. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:5. [PMID: 38184576 PMCID: PMC10771687 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00928-9] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With growing rates of unregulated drug toxicity death and concerns regarding COVID-19 transmission among people who use drugs, in March 2020, prescribed safer supply guidance was released in British Columbia. This study describes demographic and substance use characteristics associated with obtaining prescribed safer supply and examines the association between last 6-month harm reduction service access and obtaining prescribed safer supply. METHODS Data come from the 2021 Harm Reduction Client Survey administered at 17 harm reduction sites across British Columbia. The sample included all who self-reported use of opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines in the prior 3 days (N = 491), given active use of these drugs was a requirement for eligibility for prescribed safer supply. The dependent variable was obtaining a prescribed safer supply prescription (Yes vs. No). The primary independent variables were access to drug checking services and access to overdose prevention services in the last 6 months (Yes vs. No). Descriptive statistics (Chi-square tests) were used to compare the characteristics of people who did and did not obtain a prescribed safer supply prescription. Multivariable logistic regression models were run to examine the association of drug checking services and overdose prevention services access with obtaining prescribed safer supply. RESULTS A small proportion (n = 81(16.5%)) of the sample obtained prescribed safer supply. After adjusting for gender, age, and urbanicity, people who reported drug checking services access in the last 6 months had 1.67 (95% CI 1.00-2.79) times the odds of obtaining prescribed safer supply compared to people who had not contacted these services, and people who reported last 6 months of overdose prevention services access had more than twice the odds (OR 2.08 (95% CI 1.20-3.60)) of prescribed safer supply access, compared to people who did not access these services. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the proportion of respondents who received prescribed safer supply was low, suggesting that this intervention is not reaching all those in need. Harm reduction services may serve as a point of contact for referral to prescribed safer supply. Additional outreach strategies and service models are needed to improve the accessibility of harm reduction services and of prescribed safer supply in British Columbia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Palis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada.
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada.
| | - Beth Haywood
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Jenny McDougall
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Coalition of Substance Users of the North (CSUN), Quesnel, Canada
| | - Chloé G Xavier
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Roshni Desai
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Samuel Tobias
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Heather Burgess
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Max Ferguson
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Lisa Liu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Brooke Kinniburgh
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Amanda K Slaunwhite
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Alexis Crabtree
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
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14
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Beaumont S, Magel T, MacDonald S, Harrison S, Schechter M, Oviedo-Joekes E. Shared decision-making and client-reported dose satisfaction in a longitudinal cohort receiving injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT). Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:1. [PMID: 38172882 PMCID: PMC10763140 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across different types of oral Opioid Agonist Treatment for people with Opioid Use Disorder, receiving a dose that meets their needs is associated with better outcomes. Evidence also shows patients are more likely to receive an "adequate dose" when their prescribers are involving them in decision making. Neither of these findings have been studied in the context of injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment, which is the purpose of this study. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of an 18-month prospective longitudinal cohort study of 131 people receiving injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment. In the 18-month study, observations were collected every two months for one year, and then once more at 18 months. At 6 months, participants were asked whether their dose was satisfactory to them (outcome variable). Generalized Estimating Equations were used, to account for multiple observations from each participant. The final multivariate model was built using a stepwise approach. RESULTS Five hundred forty-five participant-observations were included in the analysis. Participant-observations were grouped by "dose is satisfactory" and "wants higher dose". From unadjusted analyses, participants were less likely to report being satisfied with their dose if they: were Indigenous, had worse psychological or physical health problems, had ever attempted suicide, were younger when they first injected any drug, were a current smoker, felt troubled by drug problems, gave their medication a lower "drug liking" score, and felt that their doctor was not including them in decisions the way they wanted to be. In the final multivariate model, all previously significant associations except for "current smoker" and "troubled by drug problems" were no longer significant after the addition of the "drug liking" score. CONCLUSIONS Patients in injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment who are not satisfied with their dose are more likely to: be troubled by drug problems, be a current smoker, and report liking their medication less than dose-satisfied patients. Prescribers' practicing shared decision-making can help patients achieve dose-satisfaction and possibly alleviate troubles from drug problems. Additionally, receiving a satisfactory dose may be dependent on patients being able to access an opioid agonist medication (and formulation) that they like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Beaumont
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Tianna Magel
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 77 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2R7, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Urban Health and Substance Use, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
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15
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Melis F, Hesse M, Eide D, Thylstrup B, Tjagvad C, Brummer JE, Clausen T. Who receives heroin-assisted treatment? A comparison of patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment in Denmark. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 254:111051. [PMID: 38091901 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2010, heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) has been one of the treatment options available to people with opioid use disorder (OUD) in Denmark. This study aimed to characterize HAT patients at treatment start and compare their individual characteristics to those of patients entering traditional opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) with methadone or buprenorphine during the same period. METHODS Patients who initiated HAT or OMT with methadone or buprenorphine in Denmark from 2010 to 2018 were included (n=6798). Multiple national registers were linked to compare treatment groups in terms of socio-demographic variables, previous OUD treatment episodes, hospital-based care, and criminal conviction history. RESULTS Nearly all HAT patients had a history of methadone treatment (91%) and half had residential treatment experience (48%). In the year previous to admission, HAT patients recorded the highest percentages of non-fatal overdoses (12%) and chronic hepatitis C diagnoses (16%), and the lowest percentages of psychiatric disorders (11%) compared to traditional OMT patients. Criminal convictions were also common: 39% of the HAT group had committed a property crime and 18% a drug-related crime the year before HAT entry. During the study period, an overall reduction in OMT enrollments for each year was recorded. The HAT proportion to the total remained fairly stable (4%-10%), while the buprenorphine proportion increased. CONCLUSIONS In Denmark, OMT patients exhibited numerous vulnerabilities at treatment start, and among the patient groups, HAT patients were the most burdened. HAT seems to reach the target group and adhere to formulated eligibility criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Melis
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Morten Hesse
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug, Research Aarhus UniversityTuborgvej 164, Copenhagen, NV, 2400, Denmark.
| | - Desiree Eide
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Birgitte Thylstrup
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug, Research Aarhus UniversityTuborgvej 164, Copenhagen, NV, 2400, Denmark.
| | - Christian Tjagvad
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Julie Elizabeth Brummer
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug, Research Aarhus UniversityTuborgvej 164, Copenhagen, NV, 2400, Denmark.
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
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Lalanne L, Roux P, Donadille C, Briand Madrid L, Célerier I, Chauvin C, Hamelin N, Kervran C, Maradan G, Auriacombe M, Jauffret-Roustide M. Drug consumption rooms are effective to reduce at-risk practices associated with HIV/HCV infections among people who inject drugs: Results from the COSINUS cohort study. Addiction 2024; 119:180-199. [PMID: 37743675 DOI: 10.1111/add.16320] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of drug consumption rooms (DCRs) in France on injection equipment-sharing, while the secondary aims focused upon their impact on access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and opioid agonist treatment (OAT). DESIGN The COhort to identify Structural and INdividual factors associated with drug USe (COSINUS cohort) was a 12-month longitudinal study of 665 people who inject drugs (PWID), conducted in Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris and Strasbourg. We used data from face-to-face interviews at enrolment and at 6-month and 12-month visits. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The participants were recruited in harm reduction programmes in Bordeaux and Marseille and in DCRs in Strasbourg and Paris. Participants were aged more than 18 years, French-speaking and had injected substances the month before enrolment. MEASUREMENTS We measured the impact of DCR exposure on injection equipment sharing, HCV testing and the use of medications for opioid use disorder, after adjustment for significant correlates. We used a two-step Heckman mixed-effects probit model, which allowed us to take into account the correlation of repeated measures and to control for potential bias due to non-randomization between the two groups (DCR-exposed versus DCR-unexposed participants). FINDINGS The difference of declared injection equipment sharing between PWID exposed to DCRs versus non-exposed was 10% (1% for those exposed versus 11% for those non-exposed, marginal effect = -0.10; 95% confidence interval = -0.18, -0.03); there was no impact of DCRs on HCV testing and OAT. CONCLUSIONS In the French context, drug consumption rooms appear to have a positive impact on at-risk practices for infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Lalanne
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Cécile Donadille
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Laelia Briand Madrid
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Célerier
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Carole Chauvin
- Centre d'étude des Mouvements Sociaux (Inserm U1276/CNRS UMR8044/EHESS), Paris, France
| | - Naomi Hamelin
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Charlotte Kervran
- Addiction Team, SANPSY, CNRS UMR 6033, Bordeaux, France
- CH Charles Perrens and CHU de Bordeaux, Pôle inter-établissement Addictologie, Bordeaux, France
- Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Auriacombe
- Addiction Team, SANPSY, CNRS UMR 6033, Bordeaux, France
- CH Charles Perrens and CHU de Bordeaux, Pôle inter-établissement Addictologie, Bordeaux, France
- Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Centre d'étude des Mouvements Sociaux (Inserm U1276/CNRS UMR8044/EHESS), Paris, France
- British Columbia Center on Substance Use (BCCSU), Vancouver, Canada
- Baldy Center on Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University, New York City, NY, USA
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17
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Fox AD, Riback L, Perez-Correa A, Ohlendorf E, Ghiroli M, Behrends CN, López-Castro T. High Interest in Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment With Hydromorphone Among Urban Syringe Service Program Participants. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024; 45:44-53. [PMID: 38258851 DOI: 10.1177/29767342231210552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injectable opioid agonist treatment with hydromorphone (iOAT-H) is effective for persons who inject drugs (PWID) with opioid use disorder (OUD) but remains unavailable in the United States. Our objective was to determine interest in iOAT-H among syringe services program (SSP) participants. METHODS We recruited PWID with OUD from SSPs in New York City. Interest in iOAT-H was assessed on a 4-point scale. We compared participants who were and were not interested in iOAT-H regarding sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported variables (past 30 days): heroin use, public injection practices, and participation in illegal activity other than drug possession. Participants reported their preferred OUD treatment and reasons for these preferences. RESULTS Of 108 participants, most were male (69%), Hispanic (68%), and median age was 42 years. The median number of prior OUD treatment episodes was 6 (interquartile range: 2-12). Most (65%) were interested in iOAT-H. Interested participants (vs not interested) reported, over the prior 30 days, greater heroin use days (mean, 26.4 vs 22.3), injecting in public more times (median, 15 vs 6), and a higher percentage having participated in illegal activity (40% vs 16%). Preferences for OUD treatment were: iOAT-H (43%), methadone (39%), and buprenorphine (9%). Participants who preferred iOAT-H to conventional OUD treatments reported preferring injection as a route of administration and that available OUD treatments helped them insufficiently. CONCLUSIONS SSP participants with OUD reported high interest in iOAT-H. Participants had attempted conventional treatments but still used heroin almost daily. We identified PWID at risk for opioid-related harms who potentially could benefit from iOAT-H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Fox
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lindsey Riback
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Andres Perez-Correa
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Megan Ghiroli
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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Dobischok S, Carvajal JR, Turner K, Jaffe K, Lehal E, Blawatt S, Redquest C, Baltzer Turje R, McDougall P, Koch B, McDermid C, Hassan D, Harrison S, Oviedo-Joekes E. "It feels like I'm coming to a friend's house": an interpretive descriptive study of an integrated care site offering iOAT (Dr. Peter Centre). Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:73. [PMID: 38042844 PMCID: PMC10693115 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00428-4] [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] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) has proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for severe opioid use disorder (OUD). Yet, iOAT is often isolated from other health and social services. To align with a person-centered care approach, iOAT can be embedded in sites that combine systems and services that have been historically fragmented and that address multiple comorbidities (integrated care sites). The present study investigates the addition of iOAT at an integrated care in Vancouver, British Columbia. We aimed to capture what it means for service users and service providers to incorporate iOAT in an integrated care site and describe the processes by which the site keeps people engaged. METHODS We conducted 22 interviews with 15 service users and 14 interviews with 13 service providers across two rounds of individual semi-structured interviews (Fall 2021, Summer 2022). The second interview round was precipitated by a service interruption in medication dispensation. Interview audio was recorded, transcribed, and then analysed in NVivo 1.6 following an interpretive description approach. RESULTS The emergent themes from the analysis are represented in two categories: (1) a holistic approach (client autonomy, de-medicalized care, supportive staff relationships, multiple opportunities for engagement, barriers to iOAT integration) and (2) a sense of place (physical location, social connection and community belonging, food). CONCLUSION Incorporating iOAT at an integrated care site revealed how iOAT delivery can be strengthened through its direct connection to a diverse, comprehensive network of health and social services that are provided in a community atmosphere with high quality therapeutic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Dobischok
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Education and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 3700 McTavish St., Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - José R Carvajal
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kyle Turner
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Jaffe
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Eisha Lehal
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sarinn Blawatt
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Casey Redquest
- Dr. Peter Centre, 1110 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1K5, Canada
| | | | | | - Bryce Koch
- Dr. Peter Centre, 1110 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1K5, Canada
| | - Cheryl McDermid
- Dr. Peter Centre, 1110 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1K5, Canada
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 77 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Damon Hassan
- Dr. Peter Centre, 1110 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1K5, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 77 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Dobischok S, Guh D, Marchand K, MacDonald S, Lock K, Harrison S, Lajeunesse J, Schechter MT, Oviedo-Joekes E. The Impact of Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment (iOAT) on Involvement in Criminalized Activities: A Secondary Analysis from a Clinical Trial in Vancouver, BC. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2023; 14:147-156. [PMID: 38026787 PMCID: PMC10657756 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s438451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose A significant portion of the economic consequences of untreated Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) relate to individuals' involvement in the criminal justice system. The present study uncovers if treatment with iOAT is related to the number of criminal charges amongst participants, what type of crime participants were involved in, and the frequency with which participants were victims of crime. This study contributes to the body of research on the effectiveness of iOAT reducing criminal involvement. Patients and Methods This is a secondary analysis of police record data obtained from the Vancouver Police Department over a three-year period during the Study to Assess Longer-term Opioid Medication Effectiveness clinical trial. The data was obtained from participants (N = 192) enrolled in the trial through a release of information form. Results During the three-year period, most charges (45.6%) were property offences, and 25.5% of participants were victims of crime. Participants with no treatment prior to randomization into the SALOME trial were 2.61 (95% CI = 1.64-4.14) more likely to have been charged with a crime than during the iOAT state. Conclusion IOAT can reduce individuals' involvement with the criminal justice system and is thus a crucial part of the continuum of care. Addiction should be conceptualized as a healthcare rather than criminal issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Dobischok
- Department of Education and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daphne Guh
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kirsten Marchand
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kurt Lock
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julie Lajeunesse
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin T Schechter
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Turner S, Allen VM, Graves L, Tanguay R, Green CR, Cook JL. Guideline No. 443a: Opioid Use Throughout Women's Lifespan: Fertility, Contraception, Chronic Pain, and Menopause. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102143. [PMID: 37977720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.011] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide health care providers with the best evidence on opioid use and women's health. Areas of focus include general patterns of opioid use and safety of use; care of women who use opioids; stigma, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment; hormonal regulation; reproductive health, including contraception and fertility; sexual function; perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms; and chronic pelvic pain syndromes. TARGET POPULATION The target population includes all women currently using or contemplating using opioids. OUTCOMES Open, evidence-informed dialogue about opioid use will lead to improvements in patient care and overall health. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Exploring opioid use through a trauma-informed approach offers the health care provider and patient with an opportunity to build a strong, collaborative, and therapeutic alliance. This alliance empowers women to make informed choices about their own care. It also allows for the diagnosis and possible treatment of opioid use disorders. Use should not be stigmatized, as stigma leads to poor "partnered care" (i.e., the partnership between the patient and care provider). Therefore, health care providers and patients must understand the potential role of opioids in women's health (both positive and negative) to ensure informed decision-making. EVIDENCE A literature search was designed and carried out in PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases from August 2018 until March 2023 using following MeSH terms and keywords (and variants): opioids, illicit drugs, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE All health care providers who care for women. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Opioid use can affect female reproductive function; health care providers and patients must understand the potential role of opioids in women's health to ensure informed decision-making. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Blawatt S, Harrison S, Byres D, Foreman J, Amara S, Burdge W, MacDonald S, Schechter MT, Oviedo-Joekes E. The mobilization of nurse-client therapeutic relationships in injectable opioid agonist treatment: Autonomy, advocacy and action. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 154:209154. [PMID: 37652211 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) is an evidence-based treatment that serves an important minority of people with opioid use disorder who require specialized care. Unique to iOAT care is the consistency with which clients access treatment (up to three times daily), a condition that creates repeated opportunities for health care engagement. To date, no study has examined therapeutic relationships in this life saving, nurse-led treatment that can have lasting implications in the equitable delivery of other forms of addictions care. METHODS This study used grounded theory to generate a dynamic framework for therapeutic relationship building in iOAT. Researchers collected semi-structured interviews from registered nurses working in iOAT sites (n=24) form January 2020 through June 2022. The study analyzed collected data through a constant comparative analysis; explored through open, axial, and selective coding; and assessed in a conditional relationship matrix. The team reviewed key findings with stakeholders through formalized processes of engagement to confirm saturation of coding categories. Throughout data collection and analysis, researchers integrated feedback from additional knowledge users and member checking. Reported findings adhered to the COREQ1 standardized checklist. RESULTS We identified five interrelated categories that created a distinct culture of care for iOAT nurses: Ways of Knowing, Personal Investment, Leveraging Empathy, Finding Flexibility, and Collaborating to Overcome. Through creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment, nurses establish therapeutic relationships that build trust to identify client needs outside of medication administration. In turn, nurses participate in team-based problem solving to advocate for client needs. If nurses cannot find flexibility within and outside of the health care system to improve client engagement, tensions can arise and therapeutic relationships can be strained. CONCLUSIONS Therapeutic relationships are an integral part of building and maintaining trust with a population that has been precariously involved with other forms of health care. Nurses make a substantial effort to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment to manifest a culture of care that bridges client needs and program access. Without the expansion of access to iOAT programs and their embedded services, nurses are limited in their ability to provide individualized care for clients with diverse needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarin Blawatt
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - David Byres
- Provincial Health Services Authority, 200-1333 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4C1, Canada
| | - Julie Foreman
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sherif Amara
- Fraser Health, Suite 400, Central City Tower, 13450 - 102nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3T 0H1, Canada
| | - Wistaria Burdge
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Martin T Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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Friedmann Z, Kinkel HT, Kühner C, Zsolnai A, Mick I, Binder A. Supervised on-site dosing in injectable opioid agonist treatment-considering the patient perspective. Findings from a cross-sectional interview study in two German cities. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:162. [PMID: 37915058 PMCID: PMC10619267 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00896-6] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) is an effective option to support people living with opioid use disorder (OUD) who have not sufficiently benefitted from oral OAT. However, iOAT has been criticised based on theoretical and practical grounds for its dosing policies: Current regulations demand supervised, on-site application and require patients to frequently visit their treatment facility. The current study aims to investigate how patients experience on-site application and derive strategies to enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of iOAT-delivery. METHODS This article is based on semi-structured interviews with 27 individuals currently or previously in iOAT in two German outpatient iOAT-clinics. We undertook an inductive qualitative content analysis, which included blinded, independent coding and the analysis of individual cases. RESULTS Comments regarding on-site application and daily visits to the clinic were grouped into positive and negative aspects, iOAT as the best alternative option, facilitators of daily visits, and suggestions for improvement. Positive aspects took the factors stability and social support in regard. Negative aspects ranged from general inconveniences to major impediments to individuals' daily lives and towards achieving psychosocial goals. Participants reported rigorous adherence to iOAT's treatment regime, often due to a perceived lack of alternative options. Meeting iOAT's demands was eased by the patients' coping-strategies and through facilitating measures implemented by iOAT-clinics. Despite acknowledgement of the potential detriments from easing regulations, take-home arrangements were frequently suggested by participants to improve iOAT. CONCLUSIONS Being required to attend the clinic for supervised iOAT-application is not experienced uniformly. While clinics can support their patients to cope with strict regulations, alternative approaches to iOAT-application should be considered to accommodate patients' individual needs. Examples from other treatment modalities (e.g., remote supervision and delivery services) might aid to reconcile individualisation while providing adequate safety measures and improve iOAT in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Friedmann
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Medical University Hospital Charité Berlin), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hans-Tilmann Kinkel
- Praxiskombinat Neubau, Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Ruschestraße 103, 10365, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kühner
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Kriegsbergstraße 40, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Zsolnai
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Kriegsbergstraße 40, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Inge Mick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Medical University Hospital Charité Berlin), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Binder
- Department of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Addiction Medicine and Addiction Research Section, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health), Tuebingen, Germany
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23
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Turner S, Allen VM, Graves L, Tanguay R, Green CR, Cook JL. Directive clinique n o 443a : Opioïdes aux différentes étapes de la vie des femmes : Fertilité, contraception, douleur chronique et ménopause. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102145. [PMID: 37977725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
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Turner S, Allen VM, Carson G, Graves L, Tanguay R, Green CR, Cook JL. Guideline No. 443b: Opioid Use Throughout Women's Lifespan: Opioid Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102144. [PMID: 37977721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.012] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide health care providers the best evidence on opioid use and women's health. Areas of focus include pregnancy and postpartum care. TARGET POPULATION The target population includes all women currently using or contemplating using opioids. OUTCOMES Open, evidence-informed dialogue about opioid use will improve patient care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Exploring opioid use through a trauma-informed approach provides the health care provider and patient with an opportunity to build a strong, collaborative, and therapeutic alliance. This alliance empowers women to make informed choices about their own care. It also allows for the diagnosis and possible treatment of opioid use disorders. Opioid use should not be stigmatized, as stigma leads to poor "partnered care" (i.e., the partnership between the patient and care provider). Health care providers need to understand the effect opioids can have on pregnant women and support them to make knowledgeable decisions about their health. EVIDENCE A literature search was designed and carried out in PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases from August 2018 until March 2023 using following MeSH terms and keywords (and variants): opioids, opioid agonist therapy, illicit drugs, fertility, pregnancy, fetal development, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and breastfeeding. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE All health care providers who care for pregnant and/or post-partum women and their newborns. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Opioid use during pregnancy often co-occurs with mental health issues and is associated with adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes; treatment of opioid use disorder with agonist therapy for pregnant women can be safe during pregnancy where the risks outnumber the benefits. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Turner S, Allen VM, Carson G, Graves L, Tanguay R, Green CR, Cook JL. Directive clinique n o 443b : Opioïdes aux différentes étapes de la vie des femmes : Grossesse et allaitement. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102146. [PMID: 37977719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.014] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Présenter aux professionnels de la santé les données probantes concernant l'utilisation des opioïdes et la santé des femmes. Les domaines d'intérêt sont la grossesse et les soins post-partum. POPULATION CIBLE Toutes les femmes qui utilisent des opioïdes. RéSULTATS: Un dialogue ouvert et éclairé sur l'utilisation des opioïdes améliorera les soins aux patientes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: L'exploration de l'utilisation d'opioïdes par une approche tenant compte des traumatismes antérieurs donne au professionnel de la santé et à la patiente l'occasion de bâtir une alliance solide, collaborative et thérapeutique. Cette alliance permet aux femmes de faire des choix éclairés. Elle favorise le diagnostic et le traitement possible du trouble lié à l'utilisation d'opioïdes. L'utilisation ne doit pas être stigmatisée, puisque la stigmatisation affaiblit le partenariat (le partenariat entre patiente et professionnel de la santé). Les professionnels de la santé ceus-ci doivent comprendre l'effet potentiel des opioïdes sur la santé les femmes enceintes et les aider à prendre des décisions éclairées sur leur santé. DONNéES PROBANTES: Une recherche a été conçue puis effectuée dans les bases de données PubMed et Cochrane Library pour la période d'août 2018 à mars 2023 des termes MeSH et mots clés suivants (et variantes) : opioids, opioid agonist therapy, illicit drugs, fertility, pregnancy, fetal development, neonatal abstinence syndrome et breastfeeding. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les professionnels de la santé qui prodiguent des soins aux femmes et aux nouveaux-nés. RéSUMé POUR TWITTER: La consommation d'opioïdes pendant la grossesse coïncide souvent avec des problèmes de santé mentale et est associée à des conséquences néfastes pour la mère, le fœtus et le nouveau-né ; le traitement des troubles liés à la consommation d'opioïdes par agonistes peut être sûr pendant la grossesse lorsque les risques sont plus nombreux que les avantages. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.
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Ellefsen R, Wüsthoff LEC, Arnevik EA. Patients' satisfaction with heroin-assisted treatment: a qualitative study. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:73. [PMID: 37312181 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00808-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) involves supervised dispensing of medical heroin (diacetylmorphine) for people with opioid use disorder. Clinical evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of HAT, but little is known about the self-reported satisfaction among the patients who receive this treatment. This study presents the first empirical findings about the patients' experiences of, and satisfaction with, HAT in the Norwegian context. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews with 26 patients in HAT were carried out one to two months after their enrollment. Analysis sought to identify the main benefits and challenges that the research participants experienced with this treatment. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify the main areas of benefits and challenges. The benefits were weighed against the challenges in order to assess the participants' overall level of treatment satisfaction. RESULTS Analysis identified three different areas of experienced benefits and three areas of challenges of being in this treatment. It outlines how the participants' everyday lives are impacted by being in the treatment and how this, respectively, results from the treatment's medical, relational, or configurational dimensions. We found an overall high level of treatment satisfaction among the participants. The identification of experienced challenges reveals factors that reduce satisfaction and thus may hinder treatment retention and positive treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates a novel approach to qualitatively investigate patients' treatment satisfaction across different treatment dimensions. The findings have implications for clinical practice by pointing out key factors that inhibit and facilitate patients' satisfaction with HAT. The identified importance of the socio-environmental factors and relational aspect of the treatment has further implications for the provision of opioid agonist treatment in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Ellefsen
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Linda Elise Couëssurel Wüsthoff
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, PO Box 1039 Blindern, 0315, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Ajo Arnevik
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
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Oviedo-Joekes E, Dobischok S, Carvajal J, MacDonald S, McDermid C, Klakowicz P, Harrison S, LaJeunesse J, Chow N, Brown M, Gill S, Schechter M. Clients' experiences on North America's first take-home injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) program: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:553. [PMID: 37237256 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09558-6] [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] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To support public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, oral opioid agonist treatment (OAT) take-home doses were expanded in Western countries with positive results. Injectable OAT (iOAT) take-home doses were previously not an eligible option, and were made available for the first time in several sites to align with public health measures. Building upon these temporary risk-mitigating guidelines, a clinic in Vancouver, BC continued to offer two of a possible three daily doses of take-home injectable medications to eligible clients. The present study explores the processes through which take-home iOAT doses impacted clients' quality of life and continuity of care in real-life settings. METHODS Three rounds of semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted over a period of seventeen months beginning in July 2021 with eleven participants receiving iOAT take-home doses at a community clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia. Interviews followed a topic guide that evolved iteratively in response to emerging lines of inquiry. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded using NVivo 1.6 using an interpretive description approach. RESULTS Participants reported that take-home doses granted them the freedom away from the clinic to have daily routines, form plans, and enjoy unstructured time. Participants appreciated the greater privacy, accessibility, and ability to engage in paid work. Furthermore, participants enjoyed greater autonomy to manage their medication and level of engagement with the clinic. These factors contributed to greater quality of life and continuity of care. Participants shared that their dose was too essential to divert and that they felt safe transporting and administering their medication off-site. In the future, all participants would like more accessible treatment such as access longer take-home prescriptions (e.g., one week), the ability to pick-up at different and convenient locations (e.g., community pharmacies), and a medication delivery service. CONCLUSIONS Reducing the number of daily onsite injections from two or three to only one revealed the diversity of rich and nuanced needs that added flexibility and accessibility in iOAT can meet. Actions such as licencing diverse opioid medications/formulations, medication pick-up at community pharmacies, and a community of practice that supports clinical decisions are necessary to increase take-home iOAT accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Sophia Dobischok
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - José Carvajal
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Cheryl McDermid
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Piotr Klakowicz
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Julie LaJeunesse
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Nancy Chow
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Murray Brown
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Sam Gill
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575- 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Riley F, Harris M, Poulter HL, Moore HJ, Ahmed D, Towl G, Walker T. 'This is hardcore': a qualitative study exploring service users' experiences of Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) in Middlesbrough, England. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:66. [PMID: 37173697 PMCID: PMC10182620 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00785-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) is well evidenced internationally to improve health and social outcomes for people dependent on opioids who have not been helped by traditional treatment options. Despite this evidence base, England has been slow to implement HAT. The first service outside of a trial setting opened in 2019, providing twice-daily supervised injections of medical-grade heroin (diamorphine) to a select sample of high-risk heroin users in Middlesbrough. This paper explores their experiences, including the negotiation of the strict regularly controls required of a novel intervention in the UK context. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with service providers and users of the Middlesbrough HAT service between September and November 2021. Data from each group were thematically analysed and reported separately. This paper details the experiences of the twelve heroin dependent men and women accessing HAT. RESULTS Participants' accounts of HAT treatment evidenced a tension between the regulatory constraints and uncertainty of treatment provision, and the positive outcomes experienced through supportive service provision and an injectable treatment option. Limited confidence was held in treatment efficacy, longevity of funding, and personal capacity for treatment success. This was counteracted by a strong motivation to cease engagement with the illicit drug market. While attendance requirements placed restrictions on daily activities, participants also experienced benefits from strong, supportive bonds built with the service providers through their continued engagement. CONCLUSIONS The Middlesbrough HAT programme provided benefits to a high-risk population of opioid dependent people who were unable or disinclined to participate in conventional opioid substitution treatments. The findings in this paper highlight the potential for service modifications to further enhance engagement. The closure of this programme in 2022 prohibits this opportunity for the Middlesbrough community, but holds potential to inform advocacy and innovation for future HAT interventions in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur Riley
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, England, UK.
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, England, UK
| | - Hannah Louise Poulter
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, England, UK
| | - Helen J Moore
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, England, UK
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Foundations Medical Practice, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4EQ, England, UK
| | - Graham Towl
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, England, UK
| | - Tammi Walker
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, England, UK
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Mansoor M, Foreman-Mackey A, Ivsins A, Bardwell G. Community partner perspectives on the implementation of a novel safer supply program in Canada: a qualitative study of the MySafe Project. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:61. [PMID: 37118799 PMCID: PMC10144900 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00789-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adulteration of the illicit drug supply with fentanyl and its analogues is driving the ongoing overdose crisis in North America. While various harm reduction interventions address overdose-related risks, there is growing interest in safer supply programs, including the MySafe Project which utilizes a biometric dispensing machine that provides pharmaceutical opioid alternatives to the toxic drug supply. However, the experiences and perspectives of professional community partners on program implementation remain unexplored. This study aims to examine professional community partner perspectives on the feasibility, as well as barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the MySafe program. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 professional community partners involved in program implementation across four pilot locations in Canada. Thematic analysis of interviews focused on perspectives on safer supply, barriers and facilitators faced during program implementation, and recommendations to inform future scale-up of low-barrier safer supply models across Canada. RESULTS Participants identified a variety of barriers, including the dependence on clinician buy-in, coupled with regulatory and logistical constraints. In addition, some participants perceived hydromorphone to be an inadequate substitute to the increasingly toxic street opioid supply. Lastly, technical difficulties were described as barriers to service uptake and delivery. Conversely, having political and community buy-in, availability of wrap-around services, and collaborative communication from the MySafe team served as facilitators to program implementation. Though community partners preferred establishing MySafe machines into existing community organizations, they also discussed benefits of housing-based MySafe programs. The potential role of this program in mid-sized to rural cities was also emphasized. CONCLUSIONS To address the overdose crisis, there is an urgent need to implement and evaluate novel solutions that address supply drivers of crisis. Community partner-informed research plays an integral role in ensuring program acceptability and proper implementation. Our findings identify current gaps and facilitators underlying the efficacy of one such model, together with future directions for improvement. Participant recommendations included a diversification of medications offered and types of locations for MySafe programs, a streamlined national approach to prescribing guidelines coupled with more robust training for healthcare professionals, and an emphasis on service delivery within an integrated services model. Our findings underscore a potential gap between the goals of healthcare providers in ensuring comprehensive care and the necessity for low-barrier models such as MySafe that can function both within and outside of integrated service models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Mansoor
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Annie Foreman-Mackey
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Andrew Ivsins
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Geoff Bardwell
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Poulter HL, Walker T, Ahmed D, Moore HJ, Riley F, Towl G, Harris M. More than just 'free heroin': Caring whilst navigating constraint in the delivery of diamorphine assisted treatment. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 116:104025. [PMID: 37062231 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, drug related deaths in the United Kingdom (UK) reached the highest rate in over 25 years, with hospitalisations and deaths particularly impacting people who use illicit opioids such as heroin. Treatment systems are increasingly required to be innovative to engage the most vulnerable at risk from premature morbidity and mortality. Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) is an alternative treatment modality for people for whom more traditional forms of opioid substitution therapy, such as methadone, have been ineffective. Middlesbrough, a town in the North-East England, was home to the first service in the UK to implement HAT outside of a clinical trial setting which closed for operation in November 2022. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews with patients and health care providers (n =17) involved in the delivery of HAT were undertaken during 2021. This paper focuses on the health care provider interviews, the majority of which took place remotely. Interviews were audio recorded and thematically analysed. RESULTS Health care providers navigated multiple layers of constraint during HAT implementation and delivery. We explore this in relation to three themes: 1) Negotiating risk and safety within treatment 2) More than a prescription: care beyond diamorphine 3) Internal and external delivery barriers and impact on treatment acceptability, identity and longevity. Negotiating and managing risks of polysubstance use was a complex task. Benefits regarding access to holistic care, improved therapeutic and social relationships were recognised by practitioners. The rigorous delivery schedule was the biggest barrier to engagement. Outside the treatment room, socio-structural factors posed additional challenges. CONCLUSION Despite some operational complexities, health care providers viewed HAT as an effective method of engaging a high risk population with drug treatment services, with holistic benefits for clients over and above the treatment of opioid dependency. Findings will inform advocacy and innovation for future HAT interventions in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Louise Poulter
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - Tammi Walker
- Durham University, Department of Psychology, England, UK
| | - Danny Ahmed
- Clinical Lead, Foundations Medical Practice, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4EQ, United Kingdom
| | - Helen J Moore
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Fleur Riley
- Durham University, Department of Psychology, England, UK
| | - Graham Towl
- Durham University, Department of Psychology, England, UK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, England, UK
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Jaffe K, Blawatt S, Lehal E, Lock K, Easterbrook A, MacDonald S, Harrison S, Lajeunesse J, Byres D, Schechter M, Oviedo-Joekes E. "As long as that place stays open, I'll stay alive": Accessing injectable opioid agonist treatment during dual public health crises. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:51. [PMID: 37060027 PMCID: PMC10104430 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00779-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose rates in North America have continued to rise, with more than 100,000 drug poisoning deaths in the past year. Amidst an increasingly toxic drug supply, the pandemic disrupted essential substance use treatment and harm reduction services that reduce overdose risk for people who use drugs. In British Columbia, one such treatment is injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT), the supervised dispensation of injectable hydromorphone or diacetylmorphine for people with opioid use disorder. While evidence has shown iOAT to be safe and effective, it is intensive and highly regimented, characterized by daily clinic visits and provider-client interaction-treatment components made difficult by the pandemic. METHODS Between April 2020 and February 2021, we conducted 51 interviews with 18 iOAT clients and two clinic nurses to understand how the pandemic shaped iOAT access and treatment experiences. To analyze interview data, we employed a multi-step, flexible coding strategy, an iterative and abductive approach to analysis, using NVivo software. RESULTS Qualitative analysis revealed the ways in which the pandemic shaped clients' lives and the provision of iOAT care. First, client narratives illuminated how the pandemic reinforced existing inequities. For example, socioeconomically marginalized clients expressed concerns around their financial stability and economic impacts on their communities. Second, clients with health comorbidities recognized how the pandemic amplified health risks, through potential COVID-19 exposure or by limiting social connection and mental health supports. Third, clients described how the pandemic changed their engagement with the iOAT clinic and medication. For instance, clients noted that physical distancing guidelines and occupancy limits reduced opportunities for social connection with staff and other iOAT clients. However, pandemic policies also created opportunities to adapt treatment in ways that increased patient trust and autonomy, for example through more flexible medication regimens and take-home oral doses. CONCLUSION Participant narratives underscored the unequal distribution of pandemic impacts for people who use drugs but also highlighted opportunities for more flexible, patient-centered treatment approaches. Across treatment settings, pandemic-era changes that increase client autonomy and ensure equitable access to care are to be continued and expanded, beyond the duration of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Jaffe
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sarin Blawatt
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Eisha Lehal
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kurt Lock
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Provincial Health Services Authority, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Adam Easterbrook
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - Julie Lajeunesse
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, 84 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G6, Canada
| | - David Byres
- Provincial Health Services Authority, 200-1333 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 4C1, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, 575-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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32
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McNair R, Monaghan M, Montgomery P. Heroin assisted treatment for key health outcomes in people with chronic heroin addictions: A context-focused systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 247:109869. [PMID: 37086659 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Randomised controlled trials in Europe and Canada have shown that supervised heroin assisted treatment (HAT) is an effective treatment option for people with long-term heroin addictions for whom the standard opioid substitution treatments (OST) have not been effective. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of supervised HAT and analyse the significance of context and implementation in the design of successful HAT programmes. METHODS PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT) and systematic reviews evaluating supervised HAT compared to any other OST. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published in English, evaluated a supervised form of HAT, and included illegal drug use and/or health as a primary outcome measure. There were no restrictions on publication date. The following outcomes of the included studies were analysed using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis where possible: retention, street drug use, health, and social functioning. RESULTS Nine randomised controlled trials spanning eight studies (n = 2331) and three systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Seven of the eight studies compared HAT to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). One study compared HAT to injectable hydromorphone in a double-blind non-inferiority trial. Meta-analysis was performed on pooled results of retention across all included studies and found that HAT has a statistically significant effect on retention [Z = 7.65 (P > 0.0001)]. Five of the eight included studies found that supervised HAT reduces participants' use of illegal drugs more significantly than MMT. Evidence of improved health in participants receiving supervised HAT compared to other OSTs was inconsistent; positive effects were observed in three of the included studies (n = 1626). CONCLUSION When compared to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), heroin assisted treatment (HAT) more consistently retains people with heroin addictions in treatment and reduces their consumption of illicit drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration: CRD42022341306.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley McNair
- University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, BirminghamB15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Monaghan
- University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, BirminghamB15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul Montgomery
- University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, BirminghamB15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Westenberg JN, Meyer M, Strasser J, Krausz M, Dürsteler KM, Falcato L, Vogel M. Feasibility, safety, and acceptability of intranasal heroin-assisted treatment in Switzerland: protocol for a prospective multicentre observational cohort study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:15. [PMID: 36906604 PMCID: PMC10007841 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00367-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) is a proven effective treatment option for individuals with severe opioid use disorder (OUD). In Switzerland, pharmaceutical heroin (diacetylmorphine, DAM) is available in tablet form or as injectable liquid. This creates a large barrier for individuals who require the rapid onset of effect but are either unable or do not want to inject, or who primarily snort opioids. Early experimental data has demonstrated that intranasal DAM administration can be a viable alternative to the intravenous or intramuscular route of administration. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of intranasal HAT. METHODS This study will assess intranasal DAM using a prospective multicentre observational cohort study design in HAT clinics across Switzerland. Patients will be offered to switch from oral or injectable DAM to intranasal DAM. Participants will be followed-up over 3 years, with assessments at baseline, and after 4, 52, 104 and 156 weeks. The primary outcome measure (POM) is retention in treatment. Secondary outcomes (SOM) include prescriptions and routes of administration of other opioid agonists, illicit substance use, risk behaviour, delinquency, health and social functioning, treatment adherence, opioid craving, satisfaction, subjective effects, quality of life, physical health, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS The results derived from this study will generate the first major body of clinical evidence on the safety, acceptability, and feasibility of intranasal HAT. If proven to be safe, feasible and acceptable, this study would increase the accessibility of intranasal OAT for individuals with OUD globally as a critical improvement in risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean N Westenberg
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Maximilian Meyer
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Johannes Strasser
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kenneth M Dürsteler
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luis Falcato
- Arud Zentrum Für Suchtmedizin, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Vogel
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
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Bardwell G, Bowles JM, Mansoor M, Werb D, Kerr T. Access to tablet injectable opioid agonist therapy in rural and smaller urban settings in British Columbia, Canada: a qualitative study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:14. [PMID: 36869358 PMCID: PMC9984129 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00525-2] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rural and smaller urban settings in Canada are disproportionately impacted by the overdose crisis, highlighting the need for novel public health interventions within these jurisdictions. Tablet injectable opioid agonist therapy (TiOAT) programs have been implemented in select rural communities as a means to address drug-related harms. However, little is known about the accessibility of these novel programs. Therefore, we conducted this study to understand the rural context and factors that affected access of TiOAT programs. METHODS Between October 2021 to April 2022, individual qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 individuals enrolled in a TiOAT program at participating rural and smaller urban sites in British Columbia, Canada. Interview transcripts were coded using NVivo 12 and data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS TiOAT access varied considerably. TiOAT delivery in rural settings is complicated due to geographic challenges. Participants who were homeless and staying at a nearby shelter or those in centrally-located supportive housing had minimal issues compared to those living in more affordable housing on the outskirts of town with limited transportation options. Dispensing policies that required daily-witnessed ingestion multiple times daily were challenging for most. Only one site provided evening take-home doses whereas participants at the other site could only resort to the illicit opioid supply to address withdrawal outside of program hours. Participants described the clinics as providing a positive and familial social environment compared to experiences of stigma elsewhere. Medication interruptions did occur when participants were in hospital and custodial settings, leading to withdrawal, program discontinuation, and overdose risk. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the beneficial ways in which health services tailored for people who use drugs can create a stigma-free environment with an emphasis on social bonds. Other factors such as transportation access, dispensing policies, and access in rural hospitals and custodial settings produced unique challenges for rural people who use drugs. Public health authorities in rural and smaller settings should consider these factors when designing, implementing, and scaling up future substance use services, including TiOAT programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Bardwell
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, , Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Jeanette M Bowles
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, , Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Manal Mansoor
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Centre On Drug Policy Evaluation, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92023, USA
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, , Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
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Magel T, Matzinger E, Blawatt S, Harrison S, MacDonald S, Amara S, Metcalfe R, Bansback N, Byres D, Schechter M, Oviedo-Joekes E. How injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) care could be improved? service providers and stakeholders’ perspectives. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2023.2176287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tianna Magel
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Matzinger
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sarah Blawatt
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sherif Amara
- SafePoint Supervised Consumption Site, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, Canada
| | - Rebecca Metcalfe
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nick Bansback
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David Byres
- Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
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36
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Pilarinos A, Kwa Y, Joe R, Dong H, Grant C, Fast D, Buxton JA, DeBeck K. Methadone Maintenance Treatment Discontinuation Among Young People who use Opioids in Vancouver, Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:89-100. [PMID: 36377240 PMCID: PMC9923138 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221136468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retaining adolescents and young adults (AYA) in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), like methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), is critical to reducing toxic drug fatalities. This analysis sought to identify factors associated with MMT discontinuation among AYA. METHOD Data were derived from the At-Risk Youth Study, a prospective cohort study of street-involved AYA in Vancouver, Canada, between December 2005 and June 2018. Multivariable extended Cox regression identified factors associated with time to MMT discontinuation among AYA who recently initiated MMT. In subanalysis, multivariable extended Cox regression analysis identified factors associated with time to "actionable" MMT discontinuation, which could be addressed through policy changes. RESULTS A total of 308 participants reported recent MMT during the study period. Participants were excluded if they reported MMT in the past 6 months at baseline and were retained in MMT (n = 94, 30.5%); were missing MMT status data (n = 43, 14.0%); or completed an MMT taper (n = 11, 3.6%). Of the remaining 160 participants who initiated MMT over the study period, 102 (63.8%) discontinued MMT accounting for 119 unique discontinuation events. In multivariable extended Cox regression, MMT discontinuation was positively associated with recent weekly crystal methamphetamine use (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19 to 2.35), but negatively associated with age of first "hard" drug use (per year older) (AHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.00) and female sex (AHR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.99). In subanalysis, recent weekly crystal methamphetamine use (AHR = 4.61, 95% CI: 1.78 to 11.9) and weekly heroin or fentanyl use (AHR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.21 to 9.38) were positively associated with "actionable" MMT discontinuation, while older age (AHR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.99) was negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to revise MMT programming; provide access to a range of MOUD, harm reduction, and treatments; and explore coprescribing stimulants to AYA with concurrent stimulant use may improve treatment retention and reduce toxic drug fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Pilarinos
- 558158British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada.,Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Yandi Kwa
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ronald Joe
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Huiru Dong
- 558158British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada.,1811Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,213912Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cameron Grant
- 558158British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Danya Fast
- 558158British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jane Alison Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- 558158British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Public Policy, 175073Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
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Vogel M, Meyer M, Westenberg JN, Kormann A, Simon O, Salim Hassan Fadlelseed R, Kurmann M, Bröer R, Devaud N, Sanwald U, Baumgartner S, Binder H, Strasser J, Krausz RM, Beck T, Dürsteler KM, Falcato L. Safety and feasibility of intranasal heroin-assisted treatment: 4-week preliminary findings from a Swiss multicentre observational study. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:2. [PMID: 36611162 PMCID: PMC9826580 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) is effective for individuals with severe opioid use disorder (OUD) who do not respond sufficiently to other opioid agonist treatments. It is mostly offered with injectable diacetylmorphine (DAM) or DAM tablets creating a barrier for individuals who need the rapid onset of action but are either unable or unwilling to inject, or primarily snort opioids. To explore another route of administration, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of intranasal (IN) DAM. METHODS This is a multicentre observational cohort study among patients in Swiss HAT. All patients planning to receive IN DAM within the treatment centres were eligible to participate. Participants were either completely switched to IN DAM or received IN DAM in addition to other DAM formulations or opioid agonists. Patients were followed up for four weeks. Sociodemographic characteristics, current HAT regimen, reasons for starting IN DAM, IN DAM doses, number of injection events in the sample, IN DAM continuation rate, and appearance of adverse events and nose-related problems were evaluated. RESULTS Participants (n = 52) reported vein damage, preference for nasal route of administration, and desire of a stronger effect or for a less harmful route of administration as primary reasons for switching to IN DAM. After four weeks, 90.4% of participants (n = 47) still received IN DAM. Weekly average realised injection events decreased by 44.4% from the month before IN DAM initiation to the month following. No severe adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS After four weeks, IN DAM was a feasible and safe alternative to other routes of administration for patients with severe OUD in HAT. It addressed the needs of individuals with OUD and reduced injection behaviour. More long-term research efforts are needed to systematically assess efficacy of and patient satisfaction with IN DAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Vogel
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Maximilian Meyer
- grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean N. Westenberg
- grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | | | - Olivier Simon
- grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Service of Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus Kurmann
- HeGeBe HEROL, Psychiatric Services, Hospitals Solothurn, Olten, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Bröer
- SuGeBe Gourrama, Psychiatric Services, Hospitals Solothurn, Solothurn, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Sanwald
- Integrierte Suchthilfe Winterthur ISW, Integrated Psychiatry Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | | | - Hannes Binder
- Outpatient Clinic for Substance Use Disorders, Psychiatric Clinic Baselland, Reinach, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Strasser
- grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - R. Michael Krausz
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Thilo Beck
- grid.483175.c0000 0004 6008 5851Arud Zentrum Für Suchtmedizin, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth M. Dürsteler
- grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002 Basel, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luis Falcato
- grid.483175.c0000 0004 6008 5851Arud Zentrum Für Suchtmedizin, Zurich, Switzerland
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Westermair AL, Buchman DZ, Levitt S, Perrar KM, Trachsel M. Palliative psychiatry in a narrow and in a broad sense: A concept clarification. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1535-1541. [PMID: 35999690 PMCID: PMC9679794 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221114784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Even with optimal treatment, some persons with severe and persistent mental illness do not achieve a level of mental health, psychosocial functioning and quality of life that is acceptable to them. With each unsuccessful treatment attempt, the probability of achieving symptom reduction declines while the probability of somatic and psychological side effects increases. This worsening benefit-harm ratio of treatment aiming at symptom reduction has motivated calls for implementing palliative approaches to care into psychiatry (palliative psychiatry). Palliative psychiatry accepts that some cases of severe and persistent mental illness can be irremediable and calls for a careful evaluation of goals of care in these cases. It aims at reducing harm, relieving suffering and thus improving quality of life directly, working around irremediable psychiatric symptoms. In a narrow sense, this refers to patients likely to die of their severe and persistent mental illness soon, but palliative psychiatry in a broad sense is not limited to end-of-life care. It can - and often should - be integrated with curative and rehabilitative approaches, as is the gold standard in somatic medicine. Palliative psychiatry constitutes a valuable addition to established non-curative approaches such as rehabilitative psychiatry (which focuses on psychosocial functioning instead of quality of life) and personal recovery (a journey that persons living with severe and persistent mental illness may undertake, not necessarily accompanied by mental health care professionals). Although the implementation of palliative psychiatry is met with several challenges such as difficulties regarding decision-making capacity and prognostication in severe and persistent mental illness, it is a promising new approach in caring for persons with severe and persistent mental illness, regardless of whether they are at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Westermair
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland,Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB), University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK) and Geriatric University Hospital Basel (UAFP), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Z Buchman
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Levitt
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Klaus M Perrar
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Manuel Trachsel
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland,Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB), University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK) and Geriatric University Hospital Basel (UAFP), Basel, Switzerland,Manuel Trachsel, Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Winterthurerstrasse 30, CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Modeling the cost and impact of injectable opioid agonist therapy on overdose and overdose deaths. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 143:108871. [PMID: 36182753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Unsupervised injectable opioid agonist therapy (iOAT) may decrease the unmet treatment needs for people who inject opioids. We aimed to model whether unsupervised iOAT may be effective in reducing fatal and non-fatal overdose, and estimate the cost per life saved. METHODS The study used a decision tree model based on Australian and international parameters for overdose risk in people who inject opioids who are: not on OAT; new/stable to methadone/buprenorphine treatment; on iOAT; or on unsupervised iOAT. We modeled scenarios of (1) current OAT only (status quo), or current OAT plus either (2) 5% supervised iOAT, (3) 5% supervised or 5.69% unsupervised iOAT (based on willingness to enroll), OR (4) 1.2% supervised and 10% unsupervised iOAT (the same cost as scenario 2). The study measured overdoses (fatal and nonfatal) and treatment costs per 10,000 people who inject opioids per annum, and cost-per deaths averted on implementation of iOAT. RESULTS With current OAT, the study found an estimated 1655.5 (1552.7-1705.3) overdoses, 19.3 (17.9-20.3) overdose deaths and AUD 23,335,081 in treatment costs per 10,000 people per annum. Implementation of 5% enrollment in supervised iOAT costs an additional AUD 14,807,855 and showed a reduction of 122.9 (95% UI 114.2-130.5) overdoses and 2.0 (1.8-2.0) overdose deaths per 10,000 people per annum ($7,774,172 [7,283,182-8,146,989] per death averted). For the same treatment costs, additional coverage of 10% unsupervised iOAT and 1.2% supervised iOAT could be achieved, which the study estimated to prevent 269.0 (95% UI 250.0-278.7) overdoses and 4.0 (3.7-4.2) overdose deaths per 10,000 people per annum ($3,723,340 (3,385,878-3,894,379) per death averted), alongside further benefits of treatment unaccounted for in this study. CONCLUSION An implementation scenario with greater unsupervised iOAT compared to supervised iOAT allows for an increased reduction in overdose and overdose deaths per annum at the same cost, with the additional benefit of increased treatment coverage among people who inject opioids.
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40
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Interventions to prevent HIV and Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs: Latest evidence of effectiveness from a systematic review (2011 to 2020). THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103872. [PMID: 36202039 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV remain prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID) and transmission is usually associated with injecting risk behaviour (IRB). We update a 2011 review of reviews (RoR) to assess the latest evidence on the effectiveness of harm reduction interventions - drug treatment (including opioid agonist therapy [OAT]), needle and syringe programmes (NSP) and other interventions - in the prevention of HCV and HIV transmission, and related measures of infection risk (IRB and injecting frequency [IF]), among PWID. METHODS We undertook an initial search for systematic reviews (i.e. an Overview of Reviews [OoR]) and subsequent systematic searches for primary studies where required. Where there was sufficient evidence based on synthesis of multiple robust studies for an intervention effect in the 2011 RoR, new evidence was not sought. Medline, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched (2011-2020). Two reviewers screened papers, extracted data, and graded reviews/studies. We classified evidence as 'sufficient', 'tentative', 'insufficient', or 'no evidence'. RESULTS We screened 8513 reviews and 7133 studies, with 27 and 61 identified as relevant, respectively. The level of evidence increased since the 2011 RoR and is now 'sufficient' for OAT (regarding all outcomes), NSP (for reducing HIV transmission and IRB), and combination OAT/NSP (for reducing HCV transmission). There is also now sufficient evidence for in-prison OAT, psychosocial interventions, pharmacy-based NSP and provision of sterile drug preparation equipment for reducing IRB. CONCLUSION There is now a strong body of empirical evidence for the effectiveness of OAT and NSP, alone and in combination, in reducing IRB, and HCV and HIV transmission. However, there is still a relative lack of evidence for other interventions, including heroin-assisted treatment, pharmacological treatment for stimulant dependence, contingency management, technology-based interventions, low dead space syringes and drug consumption rooms on HCV or HIV risk.
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Holland A, Stevens A, Harris M, Lewer D, Sumnall H, Stewart D, Gilvarry E, Wiseman A, Howkins J, McManus J, Shorter GW, Nicholls J, Scott J, Thomas K, Reid L, Day E, Horsley J, Measham F, Rae M, Fenton K, Hickman M. Analysis of the UK Government's 10-Year Drugs Strategy-a resource for practitioners and policymakers. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022:6779883. [PMID: 36309802 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2021, during a drug-related death crisis in the UK, the Government published its ten-year drugs strategy. This article, written in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health and the Association of Directors of Public Health, assesses whether this Strategy is evidence-based and consistent with international calls to promote public health approaches to drugs, which put 'people, health and human rights at the centre'. Elements of the Strategy are welcome, including the promise of significant funding for drug treatment services, the effects of which will depend on how it is utilized by services and local commissioners and whether it is sustained. However, unevidenced and harmful measures to deter drug use by means of punishment continue to be promoted, which will have deleterious impacts on people who use drugs. An effective public health approach to drugs should tackle population-level risk factors, which may predispose to harmful patterns of drug use, including adverse childhood experiences and socioeconomic deprivation, and institute evidence-based measures to mitigate drug-related harm. This would likely be more effective, and just, than the continuation of policies rooted in enforcement. A more dramatic re-orientation of UK drug policy than that offered by the Strategy is overdue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Holland
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Alex Stevens
- School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Dan Lewer
- Public Health Specialty Registrar, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Harry Sumnall
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 5UX, UK
| | - Daniel Stewart
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Eilish Gilvarry
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Alice Wiseman
- Association of Directors of Public Health, London, EC4Y 0HA, UK
| | - Joshua Howkins
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Jim McManus
- Association of Directors of Public Health, London, EC4Y 0HA, UK
| | | | - James Nicholls
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Jenny Scott
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY
| | - Kyla Thomas
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | | | - Edward Day
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT
| | - Jason Horsley
- National Institute for Health Research Evaluation Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Fiona Measham
- Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX
| | - Maggie Rae
- Epidemiological and Public Health Section, Royal Society of Medicine, London, W1G 0AE, UK
| | | | - Matthew Hickman
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
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42
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Schaub AC, Vogel M, Baumgartner S, Lang UE, Borgwardt S, Schmidt A, Walter M. Striatal resting-state connectivity after long-term diacetylmorphine treatment in opioid-dependent patients. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac275. [PMID: 36382218 PMCID: PMC9642101 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
New treatment approaches for opioid-dependent patients include injectable opioid agonist treatment with diacetylmorphine. While evidence has shown beneficial clinical effects of diacetylmorphine, it is still not clear how long-term diacetylmorphine treatment affects the brain and whether functional brain changes are accompanied by clinical improvements. Therefore, this prospective case-control study focuses on long-term effects of diacetylmorphine on resting-state functional connectivity. We included opioid-dependent patients (N = 22, age range 33-58, 16 males) treated with diacetylmorphine and healthy controls (N = 9, age range 27-55, 5 males) that underwent two MRI assessments approximately nine years apart. For the patients, the assessments took part shortly after the diacetylmorphine intake to be able to explore changes in resting-state functional connectivity in brain regions related to the stage of binge and intoxication (caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens). A cluster in the right superior frontal gyrus was detected, showing over nine years an increase in functional connectivity originating from the left caudate and the left accumbens in patients but not in healthy controls. These connectivity changes in patients were related to the duration of the diacetylmorphine treatment at the follow-up, indicating smaller increases in functional connectivity with longer treatment duration (r = 0.63, P < 0.01). These results suggest that long-term diacetylmorphine treatment in opioid-dependent patients increases fronto-striatal connections, an effect that is linked to the duration of the treatment duration. Future research needs to further address the wide-ranging effects of diacetylmorphine on brain functioning and deepen the understanding of their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Chiara Schaub
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Vogel
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Baumgartner
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Undine E Lang
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - André Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Walter
- Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Psychiatrische Dienste Aargau, Windisch, Switzerland
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Bozinoff N, Tardelli VS, Rubin-Kahana DS, Le Foll B. Patterns of use and adverse events reported among persons who regularly inject buprenorphine: a systematic review. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:113. [PMID: 36229831 PMCID: PMC9559254 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00695-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Given the ongoing opioid crisis, novel interventions to treat severe opioid use disorder (OUD) are urgently needed. Injectable opioid agonist therapy (iOAT) with diacetylmorphine or hydromorphone is effective for the treatment of severe, treatment-refractory OUD, however barriers to implementation persist. Intravenous buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD (BUP iOAT) has several possible advantages over traditional iOAT, including a safety profile that might enable take-home dosing. We aimed to characterize injecting practices among real-world populations of persons who regularly inject buprenorphine, as well as associated adverse events reported in order to inform a possible future BUP iOAT intervention. METHODS We conducted a systematic review. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO from inception through July 2020 and used backwards citation screening to search for publications reporting on dose, frequency among persons who regularly inject the drug, or adverse events associated with intravenous use of buprenorphine. The review was limited to English language publications and there was no limitation on study type. Study quality and risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Narrative synthesis was used in reporting the results. RESULTS Eighty-eight studies were included in our review. Regular injection of buprenorphine was identified across diverse settings world-wide. Daily dose of oral buprenorphine injected was < 1-12 mg. Frequency of injection was 0-10 times daily. Adverse events could be characterized as known side effects of opioids/buprenorphine or injection-related complications. Most studies were deemed to be of low quality. CONCLUSIONS Extramedical, intravenous use of buprenorphine, continues to be documented. BUP iOAT may be feasible and results may inform the development of a study to test the efficacy and safety of such an intervention. Future work should also examine acceptability among people with severe OUD in North America. Our review was limited by the quality of included studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Bozinoff
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, ON, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Vitor Soares Tardelli
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dafna Sara Rubin-Kahana
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child, Youth, and Family Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosciences and Clinical Translation, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
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Poulter HL, Moore H, Crow R, Ahmed D, Walker T. Diamorphine assisted treatment in Middlesbrough: a UK drug treatment case study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2120433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Louise Poulter
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Helen Moore
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Rob Crow
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Danny Ahmed
- Foundations Medical Practice, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Tammi Walker
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
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45
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Stevens A. New prospects for harm reduction in the UK? A commentary on the new UK drug strategy. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103844. [PMID: 36068145 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Stevens
- School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Medway, ME4 4AG, United Kingdom.
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46
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Fornaro M, Dragioti E, De Prisco M, Billeci M, Mondin AM, Calati R, Smith L, Hatcher S, Kaluzienski M, Fiedorowicz JG, Solmi M, de Bartolomeis A, Carvalho AF. Homelessness and health-related outcomes: an umbrella review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials. BMC Med 2022; 20:224. [PMID: 35818057 PMCID: PMC9273695 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness has been associated with multiple detrimental health outcomes across observational studies. However, relatively few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on people who experience homelessness (PEH). Thus, this umbrella review ranked the credibility of evidence derived from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of observational studies investigating the associations between homelessness and any health outcome as well as RCTs targeting health needs in this population. METHODS Several databases were systematically searched from inception through April 28, 2021. Any SR and/or MA reporting quantitative data and providing a control group were eligible for inclusion. The credibility of the evidence derived from observational studies was appraised by considering the significance level of the association and the largest study, the degree of heterogeneity, the presence of small-study effects as well as excess significance bias. The credibility of evidence was then ranked in five classes. For SRs and/or MAs of RCTs, we considered the level of significance and whether the prediction interval crossed the null. The AMSTAR-2 and AMSTAR-plus instruments were adopted to further assess the methodological quality of SRs and/or MAs. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to further appraise the methodological quality of prospective cohort studies only; a sensitivity analysis limited to higher quality studies was conducted. RESULTS Out of 1549 references, 8 MAs and 2 SRs were included. Among those considering observational studies, 23 unique associations were appraised. Twelve of them were statistically significant at the p≤0.005 level. Included cases had worst health-related outcomes than controls, but only two associations reached a priori-defined criteria for convincing (class I) evidence namely hospitalization due to any cause among PEH diagnosed with HIV infection, and the occurrence of falls within the past year among PEH. According to the AMSTAR-2 instrument, the methodological quality of all included SRs and/or MAs was "critically low." Interventional studies were scant. CONCLUSION While homelessness has been repeatedly associated with detrimental health outcomes, only two associations met the criteria for convincing evidence. Furthermore, few RCTs were appraised by SRs and/or MAs. Our umbrella review also highlights the need to standardize definitions of homelessness to be incorporated by forthcoming studies to improve the external validity of the findings in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michele De Prisco
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Billeci
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Mondin
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Calati
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Nimes University Hospital, 4 Rue du Professeur Robert Debré, 30029 Nimes, France
| | - Lee Smith
- Cambridge Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Hatcher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Mark Kaluzienski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Jess G. Fiedorowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-Detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, London, UK
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Center for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO staff, Chair - “Education for Health and Sustainable Development”, University of Naples, Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - André F. Carvalho
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Selfridge M, Card K, Kandler T, Flanagan E, Lerhe E, Heaslip A, Nguyen A, Moher M, Pauly B, Urbanoski K, Fraser C. Factors associated with 60-day adherence to "safer supply" opioids prescribed under British Columbia's interim clinical guidance for health care providers to support people who use drugs during COVID-19 and the ongoing overdose emergency. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 105:103709. [PMID: 35525052 PMCID: PMC9065674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In March 2020, British Columbia issued Risk Mitigation Guidance (RMG) to support prescribing of pharmaceutical alternatives to illicit drugs, in order to reduce risk for COVID-19, overdose, and withdrawal among people who use drugs. This study evaluated factors associated with 60-day adherence to novel opioid alternatives prescribed at an inner-city health centre in Victoria, Canada. METHODS A chart review was conducted to collect data on sociodemographic information, medical histories, and follow-up services among all clients prescribed novel opioid alternatives from March 2020-August 2020 (n = 286). Bivariable and multivariable regression were used to identify independent and adjusted factors associated with 60-day adherence. RESULTS Overall, 77% of 286 clients were still receiving opioids after 60 days of follow-up. Medications included hydromorphone (n = 274), sustained-release oral morphine (n = 2), and oxycodone (n = 9). The adjusted odds of 60-day adherence to novel opioid alternatives were significantly higher for those receiving a mental health medication (aOR = 3.49, 95%CI = 1.26, 11.00), a higher maximum daily dosage of RMG prescriptions (aOR = 1.03 per mg increase, 95%CI = 1.01, 1.04), and those with continuous receipt of OAT (aOR = 6.25, 95%CI = 2.67, 15.90). CONCLUSIONS Higher dosages and co-prescription of mental health medications and OAT may help support better adherence to this form of prescriber-based "safer supply". Further work is needed to identify optimal prescribing practices and the longer term impacts of differing implementation scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Selfridge
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada; Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Kiffer Card
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada,Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Canada
| | - Taylor Kandler
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Erin Flanagan
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Emily Lerhe
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Ash Heaslip
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Anne Nguyen
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada,University of Victoria, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Matthew Moher
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada,University of Victoria, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Bernie Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of Victoria, School of Nursing, Canada
| | - Karen Urbanoski
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of Victoria, School of Public Health and Social Policy, Canada
| | - Chris Fraser
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
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48
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Meyer M, Westenberg JN, Strasser J, Dürsteler KM, Lang UE, Krausz M, Vogel M. Nasal administration of diacetylmorphine improved the adherence in a patient receiving heroin-assisted treatment. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:63. [PMID: 35672825 PMCID: PMC9171487 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00644-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Traditional heroin-assisted treatment in Switzerland consists of oral and injectable diacetylmorphine (pharmaceutical heroin) administration. To date, no suitable treatment option is available for patients who crave rapid onset (“rush”) but are either unable to inject or primarily sniff or inhale illicit heroin. We present a patient who successfully switched to intranasal heroin-assisted treatment following several unsuccessful treatment attempts. Case presentation A 29-year-old male with severe opioid use disorder, injection substance use, and concomitant cocaine use, previously prescribed slow-release oral morphine, was started on intravenous diacetylmorphine. Due to complications and harms associated with intravenous injections, nasal diacetylmorphine was prescribed. With this novel route of administration, the patient who had previously been unable to adhere to other OAT options remained in treatment. Health outcomes improved by reduction of injection-related harms, increased adherence to the heroin-assisted treatment regimen, and increased collaboration with the therapeutic staff. Conclusions Nasal heroin-assisted treatment can be a feasible therapeutic option for individuals with severe opioid use disorder who crave the fast onset of effect of diacetylmorphine but are unable to inject intravenously.
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49
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Morse JD, Anderson BJ, Gastine S, Wong ICK, Standing JF. Pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation to understand diamorphine dose-response in neonates, children, and adolescents. Paediatr Anaesth 2022; 32:716-726. [PMID: 35212432 DOI: 10.1111/pan.14425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling and simulation can facilitate understanding and prediction of exposure-response relationships in children with acute or chronic pain. The pharmacokinetics of diamorphine (diacetylmorphine, heroin), a strong opioid, remain poorly quantified in children and dose is often guided by clinical acumen. This tutorial demonstrates how a model to describe intranasal and intravenous diamorphine pharmacokinetics can be fashioned from a model for diamorphine disposition in adults and a model describing morphine disposition in children. Allometric scaling and maturation models were applied to clearances and volumes to account for differences in size and age between children and adults. The utility of modeling and simulation to gain insight into the analgesic exposure-response relationship is demonstrated. The model explains reported observations, can be used for interrogation, interpolated to determine equianalgesia and inform future clinical studies. Simulation was used to illustrate how diamorphine is rapidly metabolized to morphine via its active metabolite 6-monoacetylmorphine, which mediates an early dopaminergic response accountable for early euphoria. Morphine formation is then responsible for the slower, prolonged analgesic response. Time-concentration profiles of diamorphine and its metabolites reflected disposition changes with age and were used to describe intravenous and intranasal dosing regimens. These indicated that morphine exposure in children after intranasal diamorphine 0.1 mg.kg-1 was similar to that after intranasal diamorphine 5 mg in adults. A target concentration of morphine 30 μg.L-1 can be achieved by a diamorphine intravenous infusion in neonates 14 μg.kg-1 .h-1 , in a 5-year-old child 42 μg.kg-1 .h-1 and in an 15 year-old-adolescent 33 μg.kg-1 .h-1 .
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Morse
- Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brian J Anderson
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Silke Gastine
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ian C K Wong
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joseph F Standing
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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50
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Brooks HL, Salvalaggio G, Pauly B, Dong K, Bubela T, Taylor M, Hyshka E. "I have such a hard time hitting myself, I thought it'd be easier": perspectives of hospitalized patients on injecting drugs into vascular access devices. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:54. [PMID: 35619121 PMCID: PMC9137200 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00637-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hospital patients who use drugs may require prolonged parenteral antimicrobial therapy administered through a vascular access device (VAD). Clinicians’ concerns that patients may inject drugs into these devices are well documented. However, the perspectives of patients on VAD injecting are not well described, hindering the development of informed clinical guidance. This study was conducted to elicit inpatient perspectives on the practice of injecting drugs into VADs and to propose strategies to reduce associated harms. Methods Researchers conducted a focused ethnography and completed semi-structured interviews with 25 inpatients at a large tertiary hospital in Western Canada that experiences a high rate of drug-related presentations annually. Results A few participants reported injecting into their VAD at least once, and nearly all had heard of the practice. The primary reason for injecting into a VAD was easier venous access since many participants had experienced significant vein damage from injection drug use. Several participants recognized the risks associated with injecting into VADs, and either refrained from the practice or took steps to maintain their devices while using them to inject drugs. Others were uncertain how the devices functioned and were unaware of potential harms. Conclusions VADs are important for facilitating completion of parenteral antimicrobial therapy and for other medically necessary care. Prematurely discharging patients who inject into their VAD from hospital, or discontinuing or modifying therapy, results in inequitable access to health care for a structurally vulnerable patient population. Our findings demonstrate a need for healthcare provider education and non-stigmatizing clinical interventions to reduce potential harms associated with VAD injecting. Those interventions could include providing access to specialized pain and withdrawal management, opioid agonist treatment, and harm reduction services, including safer drug use education to reduce or prevent complications from injecting drugs into VADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Brooks
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 - 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.,Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Royal Alexandra Hospital, B811 Women's Centre, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V9, Canada
| | - Ginetta Salvalaggio
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Royal Alexandra Hospital, B811 Women's Centre, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V9, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 5-16 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Bernadette Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC, V8N 5M8, Canada
| | - Kathryn Dong
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Royal Alexandra Hospital, B811 Women's Centre, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V9, Canada.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, 790 University Terrace Building, 8303 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Tania Bubela
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Marliss Taylor
- Streetworks, Boyle Street Community Services, 10116 105 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0K2, Canada
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 - 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada. .,Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Royal Alexandra Hospital, B811 Women's Centre, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V9, Canada.
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