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Drazdowski TK, Kelton K, Hibbard PF, McCart MR, Chapman JE, Castedo de Martell S, Sheidow AJ. Implementation outcomes from a pilot study of training probation officers to deliver contingency management for emerging adults with substance use disorders. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 166:209450. [PMID: 38960144 PMCID: PMC11392627 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging adults (EAs) in the criminal legal system are at high risk for substance use and related negative outcomes. EAs also have low levels of engagement in treatment services, a pattern exacerbated for those living in rural communities. This pilot study investigated implementation outcomes of task-shifting an evidence-based substance use intervention, via a developmentally targeted program, provided by probation officers (POs) to selected EA clients. METHODS Ten POs recruited from two counties in Oregon who provide services to rural clients were trained and supported in delivering contingency management for EAs (CM-EA) to 17 EAs on their current caseloads. The pilot took place entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. POs submitted session audiotapes and checklists from meetings with participating EA clients and participated in focus groups. EA clients completed baseline interviews and agreed to have their adult criminal records collected. Ten semi-structured interviews were completed with probation/parole administration and staff from four rural counties across three states highly impacted by the opioid epidemic about the barriers and facilitators for delivering a program like CM-EA in their offices. RESULTS Based on self-reports and observational coding, POs demonstrated fidelity and adoption as they delivered all CM-EA components and engaged in CM-EA quality assurance protocols. Penetration was demonstrated by the selection of EAs reflecting the demographics of their local offices (i.e., White, non-Hispanic, balanced across sex), struggling with polysubstance use, and primarily holding felony convictions. Emerging themes from focus groups and interviews revealed feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of CM-EA, including use with clients not currently in the research program and reported intentions to continue CM-EA use. Barriers for future use include those found for the delivery of other programs in rural areas such as resource limitations. CONCLUSIONS There is initial support for the implementation outcomes related to task-shifting a program like CM-EA to POs, particularly those serving rural clients, to increase access to evidence-based substance use services for EAs. Future research with larger samples and multiple follow-ups will allow for effectiveness testing and further program refinement for this high-priority population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess K Drazdowski
- Oregon Social Learning Center, United States of America; Chestnut Health Systems, Lighthouse Institute, United States of America.
| | | | - Patrick F Hibbard
- Oregon Social Learning Center, United States of America; Chestnut Health Systems, Lighthouse Institute, United States of America
| | | | - Jason E Chapman
- Oregon Social Learning Center, United States of America; Chestnut Health Systems, Lighthouse Institute, United States of America
| | | | - Ashli J Sheidow
- Oregon Social Learning Center, United States of America; Chestnut Health Systems, Lighthouse Institute, United States of America
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Gallardo KR, Zoschke IN, Stewart HLN, Wilkerson JM, Henry EA, McCurdy SA. Supporting medication-assisted recovery in recovery residences: staff support, managing built environment threats, and building a supportive network. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39382549 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2401983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Background: While medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are effective in reducing overdoses, widespread adoption and implementation of MOUD remains inadequate. Innovative approaches to promote MOUD use and to support people in their medication-assisted recovery (MAR) are needed. Recovery residences that serve people taking MOUD are steadily growing in number, yet little is known about how MOUD and the MAR pathway is promoted within the recovery residence setting.Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to describe how recovery residences facilitate MOUD initiation and support residents' MAR pathway.Methods: We conducted interviews with 93 residents (59.1% male; 38.7% female) living in recovery residences located in five Texas cities that served people taking medication for opioid use disorder.Results: We found that recovery residence staff addressed linkage to care gaps in their communities by connecting people who might benefit from MOUD to appropriate providers. Recovery residence staff also strengthened participants' community of MAR-supportive peers by hosting or connecting residents to Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous meetings. Additionally, recovery residences helped some residents overcome common logistical barriers (e.g. transportation issues, housing instability, distance to providers) that hinder MOUD access.Conclusion: Recovery residences that serve people taking MOUD are a well-positioned recovery support service to promote MOUD initiation and the MAR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Gallardo
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - I Niles Zoschke
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hannah L N Stewart
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J Michael Wilkerson
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Sheryl A McCurdy
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Harris LM, Guerrero EG, Khachikian T, Serrett V, Marsh JC. Expert providers implement integrated and coordinated care in opioid use disorder treatment. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 132:104567. [PMID: 39241532 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104567] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancing care integration and coordination to improve patient outcomes in opioid use disorder treatment is a growing focus in the field. Understanding of how the treatment system implements coordination and integration, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, remains limited. In this study, we explored the implementation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the evolution of service delivery toward a more comprehensive approach. We examined providers' perspectives from high-achieving programs in Los Angeles County, the largest and most diverse U.S. county, including barriers to integrating and coordinating care and strategies for integrating MOUD service delivery. METHODS We gathered qualitative interview data from 30 high-performing programs in Los Angeles County, each represented by a manager or supervisor. High performance was defined by empirical indicators of access, retention, and program completion. Our data collection and analysis followed the constructivist grounded theory approach, explicating the social processes used by participating managers during the pandemic and subsequent organizational shifts. This approach yielded 14 major and six minor codes. Interrater reliability tests yielded a pooled Cohen's kappa statistic of 93%. RESULTS Expert providers exhibited a strong commitment to destigmatizing MOUD and worked to overcome obstacles in delivering care to clients by advocating its efficacy to fellow health care providers. Along with their endorsement of MOUD, they identified challenges in integrating and coordinating MOUD care. Barriers included stigma at both patient and provider levels, inadequate education about MOUD, limited access to MOUD, and the complexities of operating in a fragmented health care framework. Despite these challenges, high-performing providers used strategies to harmonize and align MOUD service delivery with health and social services. These included establishing service colocation, adopting a multidisciplinary team-based approach, forming partnerships with the community, offering telehealth services, integrating and sharing data, and embracing a harm reduction philosophy. DISCUSSION Through the adoption of these strategies, providers enhanced care accessibility, boosted patient engagement, sustained retention in treatment, and enhanced treatment outcomes. Even among highly skilled treatment providers in Los Angeles County, barriers to integrating and coordinating care using MOUD remain intricate and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive strategy involving provider education and training, increased availability of MOUD, enhanced coordination and communication among health care providers, resolution of regulatory hurdles, and addressing patient hesitancy toward MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley M Harris
- University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, 2217 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Erick G Guerrero
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Tenie Khachikian
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Serrett
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Jeanne C Marsh
- University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, USA
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Berghammer A, Adams JW, Khan S, Bobashev G. Simulating the effects of medicaid expansion on the opioid epidemic in North Carolina. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2024; 12:100262. [PMID: 39139778 PMCID: PMC11320412 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Expanding Medicaid plays a large role in ensuring that people across the United States have access to health care services. Although North Carolina recently moved toward Medicaid expansion, the impact of expansion on overdoses and overdose mortality may vary based on the type of treatment (offering medications for opioid use disorder [MOUD] vs. offering inpatient medically managed withdrawal without linkage to further MOUD treatment or non-MOUD-based treatment) accessed by individuals newly eligible for treatment through expansion. Based on official North Carolina statistics and published peer-reviewed literature, we developed a simulation model that forecasts opioid overdose and mortality under different scenarios for type of treatment accessed (MOUD-based vs. non-MOUD-based) and Medicaid coverage levels. An optimistic scenario assuming 70 % of individuals newly eligible for treatment would enter treatment during the first year of expansion estimated that 332 (Simulation Interval: 246-412) overdose deaths would be averted. A scenario more in line with recent historical trends assuming 38 % of individuals newly eligible for treatment would enter treatment resulted in 213 (Simulation Interval: 157-263) averted overdose deaths. In all scenarios, MOUD-based treatment approaches increased the number of lives saved compared with approaches expanding opioid treatment through non-MOUD-based treatment. Our study emphasized the need to ensure access to MOUD-based treatment for individuals newly covered by the Medicaid expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Berghammer
- RTI International Research Triangle Park, 3040 East Cornwallis Road P.O. Box 12194, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Joella W. Adams
- RTI International Research Triangle Park, 3040 East Cornwallis Road P.O. Box 12194, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Sazid Khan
- RTI International Research Triangle Park, 3040 East Cornwallis Road P.O. Box 12194, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Georgiy Bobashev
- RTI International Research Triangle Park, 3040 East Cornwallis Road P.O. Box 12194, NC 27709-2194, United States
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Johnson CE, Wehby GL, Chrischilles EA, Arndt S, Carnahan RM. Examining the effect of prescription drug monitoring program integration and mandatory use policies on the distribution of methadone and buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, United States, 2009-2021. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 264:112432. [PMID: 39241503 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.112432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been shown to reduce opioid prescribing for pain, but it is not well understood whether PDMPs influence utilization of medications for opioid use disorder. PDMP integration and mandatory use policies are two approaches implemented by states to increase use of PDMPs by prescribers. This study examined the effect of these approaches on distribution of methadone and buprenorphine from 2009 to 2021 for 50 states and DC. METHODS The effect of PDMP integration and mandatory use policies on four outcomes (distribution of buprenorphine to opioid treatment programs, distribution of buprenorphine to pharmacies, distribution of methadone to opioid treatment programs, and the total combined distribution of methadone and buprenorphine) was estimated using a Callaway and Sant'Anna difference-in-differences model, controlling for co-occurring opioid-related state policies. RESULTS Distribution of buprenorphine to pharmacies decreased 8 % (95 % CI -14 %, -1 %) following implementation of mandatory use policies. Distribution of methadone to opioid treatment programs increased 17 % (95 % CI 4 %, 34 %) and the total combined distribution of methadone and buprenorphine increased 6 % (95 % CI -0 %, 14 %) following the joint implementation of both approaches. CONCLUSION Distribution of methadone and buprenorphine has increased since 2009, but less than a quarter of people with opioid use disorder currently receive these medications. We observed a small net benefit of PDMP integration and mandatory use policies on distribution of methadone and buprenorphine. Policymakers should continue to assess the impact of PDMPs on access to medications for opioid use disorder and consider additional approaches to increase access to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian E Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - George L Wehby
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Chrischilles
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Stephan Arndt
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ryan M Carnahan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Christine PJ, Chahine RA, Kimmel SD, Mack N, Douglas C, Stopka TJ, Calver K, Fanucchi LC, Slavova S, Lofwall M, Feaster DJ, Lyons M, Ezell J, Larochelle MR. Buprenorphine Prescribing Characteristics Following Relaxation of X-Waiver Training Requirements. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2425999. [PMID: 39102264 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.25999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Local-level data are needed to understand whether the relaxation of X-waiver training requirements for prescribing buprenorphine in April 2021 translated to increased buprenorphine treatment. Objective To assess whether relaxation of X-waiver training requirements was associated with changes in the number of clinicians waivered to and who prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder and the number of patients receiving treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants This serial cross-sectional study uses an interrupted time series analysis of 2020-2022 data from the HEALing Communities Study (HCS), a cluster-randomized, wait-list-controlled trial. Urban and rural communities in 4 states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio) with a high burden of opioid overdoses that had not yet received the HCS intervention were included. Exposure Relaxation of X-waiver training requirements (ie, allowing training-exempt X-waivers) on April 28, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures The monthly number of X-waivered clinicians, X-waivered buprenorphine prescribers, and patients receiving buprenorphine were each summed across communities within a state. Segmented linear regression models to estimate pre- and post-policy change by state were used. Results The number of individuals in 33 participating HCS communities included 347 863 in Massachusetts, 815 794 in Kentucky, 971 490 in New York, and 1 623 958 in Ohio. The distribution of age (18-35 years: range, 29.4%-32.4%; 35-54 years: range, 29.9%-32.5%; ≥55 years: range, 35.7%-39.3%) and sex (female: range, 51.1%-52.6%) was similar across communities. There was a temporal increase in the number of X-waivered clinicians in the pre-policy change period in all states, which further increased in the post-policy change period in each state except Ohio, ranging from 5.2% (95% CI, 3.1%-7.3%) in Massachusetts communities to 8.4% (95% CI, 6.5%-10.3%) in Kentucky communities. Only communities in Kentucky showed an increase in the number of X-waivered clinicians prescribing buprenorphine associated with the policy change (relative increase, 3.2%; 95% CI, 1.5%-4.9%), while communities in other states showed no change or a decrease. Similarly, only communities in Massachusetts experienced an increase in patients receiving buprenorphine associated with the policy change (relative increase, 1.7%; 95% CI, 0.8%-2.6%), while communities in other states showed no change. Conclusions and Relevance In this serial cross-sectional study, relaxation of X-waiver training requirements was associated with an increase in the number of X-waivered clinicians but was not consistently associated with an increase in the number of buprenorphine prescribers or patients receiving buprenorphine. These findings suggest that training requirements may not be the primary barrier to expanding buprenorphine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Christine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
| | - Rouba A Chahine
- Social, Statistical, and Environmental Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Simeon D Kimmel
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole Mack
- Social, Statistical, and Environmental Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Christian Douglas
- Social, Statistical, and Environmental Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katherine Calver
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Svetla Slavova
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Kentucky Injury Prevention Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Department of Behavioral Science and Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Division of Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael Lyons
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Jerel Ezell
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Marc R Larochelle
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
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McKendrick G, Stull SW, Sharma A, Dunn KE. Availability and Opportunities for Expansion of Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. Semin Neurol 2024; 44:419-429. [PMID: 38876459 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to expand access to treatment for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). As neurologists may frequently encounter patients with chronic pain who have developed OUD, they are in a position to serve as advocates for treatment. Buprenorphine is the most scalable medication for OUD in the United States, yet expansion has plateaued in recent years despite growing treatment needs. Reluctance of providers to establish treatment with new patients, challenges with rural expansion, stigma related to buprenorphine-based care, and pharmacy pressures that incentivize low dispensing and inventories may have stalled expansion. This review introduces these challenges before outlining actionable and evidenced-based strategies that warrant investigation, including methods to improve patient access to care (remotely delivered care, mobile delivery programs, Bridge programs) and provider retention and confidence in prescribing (expert consults, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes, a telementoring model, hub-and-spoke services), as well as novel innovations (virtual reality, artificial intelligence, wearable technologies). Overall, fortifying existing delivery systems while developing new transformative models may be necessary to achieve more optimal levels of buprenorphine treatment expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer McKendrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Samuel W Stull
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | | | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Burke KN, Krawczyk N, Li Y, Byrne L, Desai IK, Bandara S, Feder KA. Barriers and facilitators to use of buprenorphine in state-licensed specialty substance use treatment programs: A survey of program leadership. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 162:209351. [PMID: 38499248 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209351] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine, reduce overdose risk and improve outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, historically, most non-opioid treatment program (non-OTP) specialty substance use treatment programs have not offered buprenorphine. Understanding barriers to offering buprenorphine in specialty substance use treatment settings is critical for expanding access to buprenorphine. This study aims to examine program-level attitudinal, financial, and regulatory factors that influence clients' access to buprenorphine in state-licensed non-OTP specialty substance use treatment programs. METHODS We surveyed leadership from state-licensed non-OTP specialty substance use treatment programs in New Jersey about organizational characteristics, including medications provided on- and off-site and percentage of OUD clients receiving any type of MOUD, and perceived attitudinal, financial, and regulatory barriers and facilitators to buprenorphine. The study estimated prevalence of barriers and compared high MOUD reach (n = 36, 35 %) and low MOUD reach (n = 66, 65 %) programs. RESULTS Most responding organizations offered at least one type of MOUD either on- or off-site (n = 80, 78 %). However, 71 % of organizations stated that fewer than a quarter of their clients with OUD use any type of MOUD. Endorsement of attitudinal, financial, and institutional barriers to buprenorphine were similar among high and low MOUD reach programs. The most frequently endorsed government actions suggested to increase use of buprenorphine were facilitating access to long-acting buprenorphine (n = 95, 96 %), education and stigma reduction for clients and families (n = 95, 95 %), and financial assistance to clients to pay for medications (n = 90, 90 %). CONCLUSIONS Although non-OTP specialty substance use programs often offer clients access to MOUD, including buprenorphine, most OUD clients do not actually receive MOUD. Buprenorphine uptake in these settings may require increased financial support for programs and clients, more robust education and training for providers, and efforts to reduce the stigma associated with medication among clients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn N Burke
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1(st) Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States of America
| | - Yuzhong Li
- New York University School of Global Public Health, 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States of America
| | - Lauren Byrne
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Isha K Desai
- George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW #2, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America
| | - Sachini Bandara
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A Feder
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
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Dunn KE, Strain EC. Establishing a research agenda for the study and assessment of opioid withdrawal. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:566-572. [PMID: 38521089 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The opioid crisis is an international public health concern. Treatments for opioid use disorder centre largely on the management of opioid withdrawal, an aversive collection of signs and symptoms that contribute to opioid use disorder. Whereas in the past 50 years more than 90 medications have been developed for depression, only five medications have been developed for opioid use disorder during this period. We posit that underinvestment has occurred in part due to an underdeveloped understanding of opioid withdrawal syndrome. This Personal View summarises substantial gaps in our understanding of opioid withdrawal that are likely to continue to limit major advancements in its treatment. There is no firm consensus in the field as to how withdrawal should be precisely defined; 10-550 symptoms of withdrawal can be measured on 18 scales. The imprecise understanding of withdrawal is likely to result in overestimating or underestimating the severity of an individual's withdrawal syndrome or potential therapeutic effects of different candidate medications. The severity of the opioid crisis is not remitting, and an international research agenda for the study and assessment of opioid withdrawal is necessary to support transformational changes in withdrawal management and treatment of opioid use disorder. Nine actionable targets are delineated here: develop a consensus definition of opioid withdrawal; understand withdrawal symptomatology after exposure to different opioids (particularly fentanyl); understand precipitated opioid withdrawal; understand how co-exposure of other drugs (eg, xylazine and stimulants) influences withdrawal expression; examine individual variation in withdrawal phenotypes; precisely characterise the protracted withdrawal syndrome; identify biomarkers of opioid withdrawal severity; identify predictors of opioid withdrawal severity; and understand which symptoms are most closely associated with treatment attrition or relapse. The US Food and Drug Administration recently established a formal indication for opioid withdrawal that has invigorated interest in drug development for opioid withdrawal management. Action is now needed to support these interests and help industry identify new classes of medications so that real change can be achieved for people with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Gannon MP, Tello M, Wakeman S, Charles JP, Lipsitz S, Samal L. Attitudinal barriers to buprenorphine prescription and former waiver training. J Opioid Manag 2024; 20:339-346. [PMID: 39321054 DOI: 10.5055/jom.0827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Opioid use disorder (OUD) can be effectively treated with buprenorphine maintenance. Recent changes in federal policy have removed the requirement for physicians to complete additional training to apply for a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. At that time, few primary care providers (PCPs) had completed the training for a DEA waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. Our goal was to identify addressable barriers that may persist despite updates to federal legislation. DESIGN A 42-item survey was distributed to 662 physicians and nurse practitioners at two academic medical centers with 100 respondents. SETTING The survey was sent via email and administered anonymously through SurveyMonkey. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS All participants were PCPs, and all PCPs at the two academic medical centers were eligible to participate. INTERVENTIONS PCPs responded to the survey by answering questions online. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES PCPs answered questions regarding previous buprenorphine waiver training status, local OUD prevalence, the effectiveness of OUD treatment modalities, and previous barriers to training. RESULTS Respondents were compared using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Of the 100 respondents (response rate: 15 percent), 69 percent had not completed the training. Ninety-nine percent of PCPs agreed that OUD was an issue in their area, 94 percent saw patients with OUD, and 91 percent rated buprenorphine maintenance as a very effective treatment for OUD. Previously waivered and nonwaivered providers did not differ in their responses to these questions. Those who had been waivered were less likely to say they did not see enough patients with OUD to justify training (odds ratio [OR] 0.267, p = 0.005) and were less likely to express concern about allowing patients with OUD into their practice (OR 0.348, p = 0.020) than PCPs who had applied for the DEA waiver. CONCLUSIONS Despite nonwaivered PCPs recognizing OUD's prevalence, they were concerned about allowing patients with OUD into their practice and said there were not enough patients to justify training. This suggests that attitudinal barriers are the most appropriate target for current intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Gannon
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Monique Tello
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Wakeman
- Substance Use Disorders Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jean-Pierre Charles
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stuart Lipsitz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lipika Samal
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Wouk K, Caton L, Bass R, Ali B, Cody T, Jones EP, Caron O, Luseno W, Ramage M. Patient navigation for perinatal substance use disorder treatment: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 260:111324. [PMID: 38761697 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111324] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use during the perinatal period (i.e., pregnancy through the first year postpartum) can pose significant maternal and infant health risks. However, access to lifesaving medications and standard care remains low for perinatal persons who use substances. This lack of substance use disorder treatment access stems from fragmented services, stigma, and social determinants of health-related barriers that could be addressed using patient navigators. This systematic review describes patient navigation models of care for perinatal people who use substances and associated outcomes. METHODS We conducted a structured search of peer-reviewed, US-focused, English- or Spanish-language articles from 2000 to 2023 focused on 1) patient navigation, 2) prenatal and postpartum care, and 3) substance use treatment programs using PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. RESULTS After meeting eligibility criteria, 17 studies were included in this review. The majority (n=8) described outpatient patient navigation programs, with notable hospital (n=4) and residential (n=3) programs. Patient navigation was associated with reduced maternal substance use, increased receipt of services, and improved maternal and neonatal health. Findings were mixed for engagement in substance use disorder treatment and child custody outcomes. Programs that co-located care, engaged patients across the perinatal period, and worked to build trust and communication with family members and service providers were particularly successful. CONCLUSION Patient navigation may be a promising strategy for improving maternal and infant health outcomes among perinatal persons who use substances. More experimental research is needed to test the effect of patient navigation programs for perinatal persons who use substances compared to other models of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Wouk
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Lauren Caton
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebekah Bass
- Project CARA (Care that Advocates Respect, Resilience, and Recovery for All), Mountain Area Health Education Center, NC, USA
| | - Bina Ali
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Tammy Cody
- Project CARA (Care that Advocates Respect, Resilience, and Recovery for All), Mountain Area Health Education Center, NC, USA
| | - Emily P Jones
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Olivia Caron
- Project CARA (Care that Advocates Respect, Resilience, and Recovery for All), Mountain Area Health Education Center, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Winnie Luseno
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melinda Ramage
- Project CARA (Care that Advocates Respect, Resilience, and Recovery for All), Mountain Area Health Education Center, NC, USA
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Socha J, Grochecki P, Marszalek-Grabska M, Skrok A, Smaga I, Slowik T, Prazmo W, Kotlinski R, Filip M, Kotlinska JH. Cannabidiol Protects against the Reinstatement of Oxycodone-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Adolescent Male but Not Female Rats: The Role of MOR and CB1R. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6651. [PMID: 38928357 PMCID: PMC11204276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126651] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, appeared to satisfy several criteria for a safe approach to preventing drug-taking behavior, including opioids. However, most successful preclinical and clinical results come from studies in adult males. We examined whether systemic injections of CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during extinction of oxycodone (OXY, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) induced conditioned place preference (CPP) could attenuate the reinstatement of CPP brought about by OXY (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) priming in adolescent rats of both sexes, and whether this effect is sex dependent. Accordingly, a priming dose of OXY produced reinstatement of the previously extinguished CPP in males and females. In both sexes, this effect was linked to locomotor sensitization that was blunted by CBD pretreatments. However, CBD was able to prevent the reinstatement of OXY-induced CPP only in adolescent males and this outcome was associated with an increased cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) and a decreased mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The reinstatement of CCP in females was associated with a decreased MOR expression, but no changes were detected in CB1R in the hippocampus (HIP). Moreover, CBD administration during extinction significantly potentialized the reduced MOR expression in the PFC of males and showed a tendency to potentiate the reduced MOR in the HIP of females. Additionally, CBD reversed OXY-induced deficits of recognition memory only in males. These results suggest that CBD could reduce reinstatement to OXY seeking after a period of abstinence in adolescent male but not female rats. However, more investigation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Socha
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Pawel Grochecki
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Skrok
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Irena Smaga
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Tymoteusz Slowik
- Experimental Medicine Center, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Prazmo
- Breast Surgery Department, Provincial Specialist Hospital, Al. Krasnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Robert Kotlinski
- Clinical Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rzeszow, Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Jolanta H. Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
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Calcaterra SL, Dafoe A, Tietbohl C, Thurman L, Bredenberg E. Unintended consequences of methadone regulation for opioid use disorder treatment among hospitalized patients. J Hosp Med 2024; 19:460-467. [PMID: 38507276 PMCID: PMC11282870 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, there are no federal restrictions on the use of methadone to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms when patients are hospitalized with a medical or surgical condition other than addiction. In contrast, in an outpatient setting, methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly regulated by federal and state governments and can only be dispensed from an opioid treatment program (OTP). Discrepancies in regulatory requirements across these settings may lead to barriers in care for patients with OUD. OBJECTIVE Identify how methadone regulation impacts the care of patients with OUD during hospitalization, care transitions, and in the OTP setting. METHODS We completed 26 interviews with clinicians and social workers working on hospital-based addiction consultation services across the United States. Study findings are the result of a secondary content analysis of interviews to identifying the word "methadone" and construct themes resulting from the data. RESULTS We identified three major themes related to "methadone" for OUD treatment, all of which impacted patient care: (1) limited OTP hours leads to tenuous or delayed hospital discharges; (2) inadequate information-sharing between hospitals and OTPs leads to delays in care; and (3) methadone regulations create treatment barriers for the most vulnerable patients. CONCLUSION Strict methadone regulations have resulted in unintended consequences for patients with OUD in the hospital setting, during care transitions, and in the OTP setting. Recent and ongoing federal efforts to reform methadone provision may improve some of the reported challenges, but significant hurdles remain in providing safe, equitable care to hospitalized patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. Calcaterra
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Coloroda, USA
| | - Ashley Dafoe
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Coloroda, USA
| | - Caroline Tietbohl
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Coloroda, USA
| | - Lindsay Thurman
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Erin Bredenberg
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Reid MJ, Dunn KE, Abraham L, Ellis J, Hunt C, Gamaldo CE, Coon WG, Mun CJ, Strain EC, Smith MT, Finan PH, Huhn AS. Suvorexant alters dynamics of the sleep-electroencephalography-power spectrum and depressive-symptom trajectories during inpatient opioid withdrawal. Sleep 2024; 47:zsae025. [PMID: 38287879 PMCID: PMC11009034 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae025] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Opioid withdrawal is an aversive experience that often exacerbates depressive symptoms and poor sleep. The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of suvorexant on oscillatory sleep-electroencephalography (EEG) band power during medically managed opioid withdrawal, and to examine their association with withdrawal severity and depressive symptoms. METHODS Participants with opioid use disorder (N = 38: age-range:21-63, 87% male, 45% white) underwent an 11-day buprenorphine taper, in which they were randomly assigned to suvorexant (20 mg [n = 14] or 40 mg [n = 12]), or placebo [n = 12], while ambulatory sleep-EEG data was collected. Linear mixed-effect models were used to explore: (1) main and interactive effects of drug group, and time on sleep-EEG band power, and (2) associations between sleep-EEG band power change, depressive symptoms, and withdrawal severity. RESULTS Oscillatory spectral power tended to be greater in the suvorexant groups. Over the course of the study, decreases in delta power were observed in all study groups (β = -189.082, d = -0.522, p = <0.005), increases in beta power (20 mg: β = 2.579, d = 0.413, p = 0.009 | 40 mg β = 5.265, d = 0.847, p < 0.001) alpha power (20 mg: β = 158.304, d = 0.397, p = 0.009 | 40 mg: β = 250.212, d = 0.601, p = 0.001) and sigma power (20 mg: β = 48.97, d = 0.410, p < 0.001 | 40 mg: β = 71.54, d = 0.568, p < 0.001) were observed in the two suvorexant groups. During the four-night taper, decreases in delta power were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms (20 mg: β = 190.90, d = 0.308, p = 0.99 | 40 mg: β = 433.33, d = 0.889 p = <0.001), and withdrawal severity (20 mg: β = 215.55, d = 0.034, p = 0.006 | 40 mg: β = 192.64, d = -0.854, p = <0.001), in both suvorexant groups and increases in sigma power were associated with decreases in withdrawal severity (20 mg: β = -357.84, d = -0.659, p = 0.004 | 40 mg: β = -906.35, d = -1.053, p = <0.001). Post-taper decreases in delta (20 mg: β = 740.58, d = 0.964 p = <0.001 | 40 mg: β = 662.23, d = 0.882, p = <0.001) and sigma power (20 mg only: β = 335.54, d = 0.560, p = 0.023) were associated with reduced depressive symptoms in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight a complex and nuanced relationship between sleep-EEG power and symptoms of depression and withdrawal. Changes in delta power may represent a mechanism influencing depressive symptoms and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Reid
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liza Abraham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carly Hunt
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Charlene E Gamaldo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William G Coon
- Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chung Jung Mun
- Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Pheonix, AZ, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick H Finan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Callen EF, Clay T, Lutgen C, Robertson E, Staton EW, Filippi MK. Quantifying diagnosis and treatment practices of opioid use disorder in primary care practices using chart review data. J Addict Dis 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38605500 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2024.2327728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid misuse is a significant public health crisis. The aim sought to identify potential gaps in opioid care in primary care practices. METHODS American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) offered a monthly online educational series to seven U.S. practices. Practices were asked to complete up to 50 chart reviews for visits during two periods: February-April, 2019, and February-April, 2022. Each chart had to have an ICD-10 diagnosis of opioid misuse, opioid dependence, or opioid use. Chart reviews consisted of 14 questions derived from an American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) Performance in Practice activity, and then, scored based on practices' responses. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic and multinomial regressions were used. RESULTS Both periods had 173 chart reviews (total: 346) from the six practices. Most chart reviews were for patients with a diagnosis of opioid dependence (2019: 90.2%; 2022: 83.2%). Three questions for assessing OUD treatment behaviors had high levels of documentation across both time periods (>85%): other drug use, treatment readiness, and treatment discussion. DISCUSSION Results show a gap in the treatment of patients with OUD in primary care across several clinical practice recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Expanding OUD treatment integration to primary care remains the most promising effort to combat the opioid crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth F Callen
- American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network, Leawood, KS, USA
- DARTNet Institute, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tarin Clay
- American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network, Leawood, KS, USA
- DARTNet Institute, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cory Lutgen
- American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network, Leawood, KS, USA
- DARTNet Institute, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elise Robertson
- American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network, Leawood, KS, USA
- DARTNet Institute, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Staton
- DARTNet Institute, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Melissa K Filippi
- American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network, Leawood, KS, USA
- Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care, Washington, DC, USA
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16
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Montoya ID, Watson C, Aldridge A, Ryan D, Murphy SM, Amuchi B, McCollister KE, Schackman BR, Bush JL, Speer D, Harlow K, Orme S, Zarkin GA, Castry M, Seiber EE, Barocas JA, Linas BP, Starbird LE. Cost of start-up activities to implement a community-level opioid overdose reduction intervention in the HEALing Communities Study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:23. [PMID: 38566249 PMCID: PMC10988809 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00454-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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communities That HEAL (CTH) is a novel, data-driven community-engaged intervention designed to reduce opioid overdose deaths by increasing community engagement, adoption of an integrated set of evidence-based practices, and delivering a communications campaign across healthcare, behavioral-health, criminal-legal, and other community-based settings. The implementation of such a complex initiative requires up-front investments of time and other expenditures (i.e., start-up costs). Despite the importance of these start-up costs in investment decisions to stakeholders, they are typically excluded from cost-effectiveness analyses. The objective of this study is to report a detailed analysis of CTH start-up costs pre-intervention implementation and to describe the relevance of these data for stakeholders to determine implementation feasibility. METHODS This study is guided by the community perspective, reflecting the investments that a real-world community would need to incur to implement the CTH intervention. We adopted an activity-based costing approach, in which resources related to hiring, training, purchasing, and community dashboard creation were identified through macro- and micro-costing techniques from 34 communities with high rates of fatal opioid overdoses, across four states-Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio. Resources were identified and assigned a unit cost using administrative and semi-structured-interview data. All cost estimates were reported in 2019 dollars. RESULTS State-level average and median start-up cost (representing 8-10 communities per state) were $268,657 and $175,683, respectively. Hiring and training represented 40%, equipment and infrastructure costs represented 24%, and dashboard creation represented 36% of the total average start-up cost. Comparatively, hiring and training represented 49%, purchasing costs represented 18%, and dashboard creation represented 34% of the total median start-up cost. CONCLUSION We identified three distinct CTH hiring models that affected start-up costs: hospital-academic (Massachusetts), university-academic (Kentucky and Ohio), and community-leveraged (New York). Hiring, training, and purchasing start-up costs were lowest in New York due to existing local infrastructure. Community-based implementation similar to the New York model may have lower start-up costs due to leveraging of existing infrastructure, relationships, and support from local health departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván D Montoya
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Danielle Ryan
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brenda Amuchi
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn E McCollister
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua L Bush
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Drew Speer
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kristin Harlow
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen Orme
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Mathieu Castry
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric E Seiber
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joshua A Barocas
- Sections of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura E Starbird
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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17
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Jehan S, Zahnd WE, Wooten NR, Seay KD. Geographic variation in availability of opioid treatment programs across U.S. communities. J Addict Dis 2024; 42:136-146. [PMID: 36645315 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2165869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment is only dispensed at Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). Little is known about the geographic variation in OTP availability and community characteristics associated with the availability across smaller geographic communities in the U.S. To (1) describe geographic distribution of OTPs and (2) examine OTP availability by community characteristics in the contiguous U.S. at Zip Code Area Tabulation (ZCTA) level. Logistic regression was used to examine community characteristics associated with OTP availability (N = 30,367). Chi-square and t-tests were conducted to examine statistically significant differences in OTP availability. Maps and descriptive statistics were used to examine geographic variation in OTP availability. Only 5% (1,417) of ZCTAs had at least one OTP for a total of 1,682 OTPs. Rural ZCTAs had 50% lower odds of having an OTP compared to urban ZCTAs [AOR 0.5; (95% CI: 0.41-0.60)]. ZCTAs in the lowest income quartile had higher odds of having an OTP compared to ZCTAs in the highest income quartile [AOR 3.4; (95% CI: 2.71-4.18)]. Further, ZCTAs with OTPs had a higher proportion of minority residents [Black: 17.5% vs. 7.2%; Hispanic: 19.2% vs. 9%] and a lower proportion of White residents [55.1% vs. 78.2%]. Nationally, OTPs are extremely scarce with notable regional and urban-rural disparities. Potential solutions to address these disparities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Jehan
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Whitney E Zahnd
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nikki R Wooten
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kristen D Seay
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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18
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Gallardo KR, Wilkerson JM, Stewart HLN, Zoschke IN, Fredriksen Isaacs C, McCurdy SA. "Being here is saving my life": Resident experiences of living in recovery residences for people taking medication for an opioid use disorder. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 158:209242. [PMID: 38061632 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209242] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are an effective treatment for addressing opioid use disorder. Despite MOUD's demonstrated effectiveness, MOUD-related stigma is prevalent throughout many recovery communities and subsequently limits persons taking MOUD access to recovery supports, including recovery housing. While recovery residences that serve people taking MOUD could be a critical recovery support, they are limited in number and understudied. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 47 residents in medication-assisted recovery (MAR) living in 11 Texas-based recovery residences serving people taking MOUD to characterize residents' experiences and understand the impact that these homes had on their recovery. RESULTS We found that many participants could not previously access recovery housing and other recovery supports due to MOUD-related stigma, thus recovery homes that supported people in MAR were considered a groundbreaking opportunity. Recovery residences provided participants with a space in which they did not feel judged for taking MOUD, which facilitated participants' connections with their fellow housemates. Subsequently, participants no longer had to hide their MAR pathway and could be transparent about taking MOUD among their recovery residence community. Last, recovery homes provided a supportive environment in which participants' internalized MOUD-related stigma could evolve into acceptance of their MAR pathway. CONCLUSIONS Recovery residences that serve people in MAR provide a supportive, safe, nonjudgmental recovery environment in which residents develop relationships with other peers taking MOUD, share openly about their MAR, and are empowered to embrace their recovery pathway. These findings highlight the need for more recovery residences that are supportive of people taking MOUD as part of their recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Gallardo
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, United States of America.
| | - J Michael Wilkerson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Hannah L N Stewart
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - I Niles Zoschke
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Cameron Fredriksen Isaacs
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Sheryl A McCurdy
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, United States of America
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Bahji A, Bastien G, Bach P, Choi J, Le Foll B, Lim R, Jutras-Aswad D, Socias ME. The Association Between Self-Reported Anxiety and Retention in Opioid Agonist Therapy: Findings From a Canadian Pragmatic Trial. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2024; 69:172-182. [PMID: 37697811 PMCID: PMC10874605 DOI: 10.1177/07067437231194385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription-type opioid use disorder (POUD) is often accompanied by comorbid anxiety, yet the impact of anxiety on retention in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is unclear. Therefore, this study investigated whether baseline anxiety severity affects retention in OAT and whether this effect differs by OAT type (methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) vs. buprenorphine/naloxone (BNX)). METHODS This secondary analysis used data from a pan-Canadian randomized trial comparing flexible take-home dosing BNX and standard supervised MMT for 24 weeks. The study included 268 adults with POUD. Baseline anxiety was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), with BAI ≥ 16 indicating moderate-to-severe anxiety. The primary outcomes were retention in assigned and any OAT at week 24. In addition, the impact of anxiety severity on retention was examined, and assigned OAT was considered an effect modifier. RESULTS Of the participants, 176 (65%) reported moderate-to-severe baseline anxiety. In adjusted analyses, there was no significant difference in retention between those with BAI ≥ 16 and those with BAI < 16 assigned (29% vs. 28%; odds ratio (OR) = 2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.94-4.40; P = 0.07) or any OAT (35% vs. 34%; OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 0.77-3.21; P = 0.21). In addition, there was no significant effect modification by OAT type for retention in assigned (P = 0.41) or any OAT (P = 0.71). In adjusted analyses, greater retention in treatment was associated with BNX (vs. MMT), male gender identity (vs. female, transgender, or other), enrolment in the Quebec study site (vs. other sites), and absence of a positive urine drug screen for stimulants at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Baseline anxiety severity did not significantly impact retention in OAT for adults with POUD, and there was no significant effect modification by OAT type. However, the overall retention rates were low, highlighting the need to develop new strategies to minimize the risk of attrition from treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03033732).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Bahji
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gabriel Bastien
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Paxton Bach
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - JinCheol Choi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ron Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - M. Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Guo J, Kilby AE, Marks MS. The impact of scope-of-practice restrictions on access to medical care. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 94:102844. [PMID: 38219527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102844] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
We study the impact of scope-of-practice laws in a highly regulated and important policy setting, the provision of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. We consider two natural experiments generated by policy changes at the state and federal level that allow nurse practitioners more practice autonomy. Both experiments show that liberalizations of prescribing authority lead to large improvements in access to care. Further, we use rich address-level data to answer key policy questions. Expanding nurse practitioner prescribing authority reduces urban-rural disparities in health care access. Additionally, expanded autonomy increases access to care provided by physicians, driven by complementarities between providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapei Guo
- Nanjing Normal University of Special Education, 2112 Boya Hall, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210038, China.
| | - Angela E Kilby
- Northeastern University, 301 Lake Hall, Boston MA 02115, United States of America.
| | - Mindy S Marks
- Northeastern University, 301 Lake Hall, Boston MA 02115, United States of America.
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21
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Dickson-Gomez J, Krechel S, Ohlrich J, Montaque HDG, Weeks M, Li J, Havens J, Spector A. "They make it too hard and too many hoops to jump": system and organizational barriers to drug treatment during epidemic rates of opioid overdose. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:52. [PMID: 38413972 PMCID: PMC10900746 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00964-5] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The United States is currently facing an opioid overdose crisis. Research suggests that multiple interventions are needed to reduce overdose deaths including increasing access and retention to medications to treat opioid use disorders (MOUD, i.e., methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) and increasing the distribution and use of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the respiratory depression that occurs during opioid overdoses. However, barriers to MOUD initiation and retention persist and discontinuations of MOUD carry a heightened risk of overdose. Many times, MOUD is not sought as a first line of treatment by people with opioid use disorder (OUD), many of whom seek treatment from medically managed withdrawal (detox) programs. Among those who do initiate MOUD, retention is generally low. The present study examines the treatment experiences of people who use opioids in three states, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with people who use opioids in a rural, urban, and suburban area of three states: Connecticut, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Data analysis was collaborative and key themes were identified through multiple readings, coding of transcripts and discussion with all research team members. RESULTS Results reveal a number of systemic issues that reduce the likelihood that people initiate and are retained on MOUD including the ubiquity of detox as a first step in drug treatment, abstinence requirements and requiring patients to attend group treatment. MOUD-related stigma was a significant factor in the kinds of treatment participants chose and their experiences in treatment. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to reduce MOUD stigma are needed to encourage MOUD as a first course of treatment. Eliminating abstinence-based rules for MOUD treatment may improve treatment retention and decrease overdose risk.
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Urmi AF, Britton E, Saunders H, Harrell A, Bachireddy C, Lowe J, Barnes AJ, Cunningham P. Changes in buprenorphine waivered provider supply after Virginia Medicaid implements the addiction and recovery treatment services program and Medicaid expansion. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 157:209213. [PMID: 37981241 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209213] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shortages of providers authorized to prescribe buprenorphine may limit access to buprenorphine, which studies have shown to be effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). OBJECTIVE To examine whether two state Medicaid policies in Virginia-the Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) program in 2017, and Medicaid expansion in 2019-increased the number of buprenorphine waivered providers (BWP) in Virginia, compared to other southern states in the United States that did not expand Medicaid. METHODS The study population includes providers authorized to prescribe buprenorphine. We compute the number of BWP per 100,000 people for the study states, overall and for different waiver limits (30, 100 or 275). Using difference-in-difference regression models, we examine changes in BWP rates for Virginia relative to nonexpansion states in the US South between 2015 and 2020. RESULTS The rate of increase in BWP was higher in Virginia after implementation of ARTS and Medicaid expansion (148 %), compared to southern nonexpansion states over the same time period (115 %). Relative to nonexpansion states in the South, BWP with patient limits of 100 or 275 increased by 7 % in Virginia after ARTS implementation in 2017, and by an additional 22 % after Medicaid expansion in 2019 (p < 0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that public policies that expand access to OUD treatment services-including buprenorphine treatment-may also increase the supply of providers authorized to prescribe buprenorphine, helping to alleviate shortages of BWP providers and further increasing access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin Britton
- Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America
| | | | - Ashley Harrell
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, United States of America
| | - Chethan Bachireddy
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, United States of America
| | - Jason Lowe
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, United States of America
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23
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Bailey NR, Mitchell KA, Miller TM. Opioid Misuse Harm Reduction. J Addict Nurs 2024; 35:3-14. [PMID: 38373177 DOI: 10.1097/jan.0000000000000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The misuse of opioids by the public is a major health issue. Prescription opioids and nonprescription opioids, such as heroin and opium, are misused in epidemic proportions. When opioids are used incorrectly or illegally, they can lead to drug dependence, addiction, morbidity, and mortality. This program is in collaboration with the Jolt Foundation that provides resources to prevent opioid overdose deaths. DESIGN/METHODS This program involves community education on the dangers of opioid use and training on the use of naloxone rescue procedures to prevent overdose deaths. A pretest-posttest design was employed to determine if participants gained knowledge regarding the naloxone administration procedures. PARTICIPANTS The researcher presented 10 community naloxone trainings that included staff from 20 different social service agencies, two schools, and three local churches. Each agency received at least one naloxone kit. FINDINGS The outcomes were met and included educating 137 participants on the risk factors and signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and the proper procedure to administer naloxone. One hundred twenty-eight posttests were returned and showed that the objectives for the project were met. The overall mean score for the pretests was 65.00 ( n = 126) with a standard deviation of 19.01, and the overall mean for the posttests was 86.64 ( n = 128) with a standard deviation of 14.60. CONCLUSIONS Community social service agency staff were successfully educated to respond appropriately to overdose situations in a group training setting as evidenced by significant posttest scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R Bailey
- Nancy R. Bailey, RN, DNP, Kimberly A. Mitchell, RN, PhD, CNE, and Theresa M. Miller, RN, PhD, Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, Peoria, Illinois
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24
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Soni A, Bullinger L, Andrews C, Abraham A, Simon K. The Impact of State Medicaid Eligibility and Benefits Policy on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Hospitalizations. CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC POLICY 2024; 42:25-40. [PMID: 38463202 PMCID: PMC10923531 DOI: 10.1111/coep.12623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) resulting from opioid misuse are rising. However, policies to treat opioid misuse during pregnancy are unclear. We apply a difference-in-differences design to national pediatric discharge records to examine the effects of state Medicaid policies on NAS. Among states in which Medicaid covered two clinically-recommended medications for treating opioid misuse (buprenorphine, methadone), the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion reduced Medicaid-covered NAS hospitalizations. Medicaid expansion did not affect NAS hospitalizations in other expansion states. These findings imply a nuanced relationship between Medicaid policy and NAS that should be considered in addressing opioid misuse among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kosali Simon
- Indiana University and National Bureau of Economic Research
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25
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Lawson SG, Foudray CMA, Lowder EM, Ray B, Carey KL. The role of co-occurring disorders in criminal recidivism and psychiatric recovery among adults with opioid use disorder and criminal-legal involvement: A statewide retrospective cohort study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 156:209192. [PMID: 37866440 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209192] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the criminal-legal system commonly present co-occurring mental health disorders. However, evidence-based treatment for high-risk populations such as those with co-occurring disorders is often unavailable within jails and prisons. Coordination of timely and affordable access to behavioral health treatment following incarceration is critical to address the multidimensional needs of people with co-occurring needs. However, the role of co-occurring disorders among adults with OUD and criminal-legal involvement who are accessing community-based treatment is understudied. METHODS This retrospective cohort study investigated community and recovery outcomes among 2039 adults with OUD and criminal-legal involvement enrolled in a statewide forensic treatment initiative between October 2015 to March 2018. Using court records and clinical data, we assessed the impact of co-occurring OUD and mental health disorders on criminal recidivism and psychiatric recovery and the moderating role of co-occurring disorders on the relationship between community-based treatment and these outcomes. RESULTS We found that 47 % of those with OUD also had an underlying mental health disorder. Co-occurring OUD and mental health disorders predicted higher rates of recidivism during the early stages of treatment. Furthermore, group and individual therapy services were associated with lower odds of recidivism. A co-occurring disorder was an important predictor of more severe behavioral health needs when exiting community-based services and did moderate the relationship between service utilization-specifically group therapy and substance use outpatient services-and psychiatric recovery (i.e., behavioral health needs at exit). CONCLUSIONS Co-occurring mental health disorders are highly prevalent among adults with OUD who have criminal-legal involvement, but it appears that they can benefit from social support services in the community. Given the multidimensional needs of this high-risk population, criminal-legal stakeholders and community-based clinicians must work in tandem to develop tailored treatment plans that give individuals with co-occurring OUD and mental health disorders the best chance for success post-incarceration rather than a siloed approach to overlapping disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer G Lawson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Chelsea M A Foudray
- Department of Criminology, Law and Society, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Evan M Lowder
- Department of Criminology, Law and Society, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Bradley Ray
- Division for Applied Justice Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kory L Carey
- Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Cooper RL, Edgerton RD, Watson J, Conley N, Agee WA, Wilus DM, MacMaster SA, Bell L, Patel P, Godbole A, Bass-Thomas C, Ramesh A, Tabatabai M. Meta-analysis of primary care delivered buprenorphine treatment retention outcomes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:756-765. [PMID: 37737714 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2251653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Background: Currently, the capacity to provide buprenorphine treatment (BT) is not sufficient to treat the growing number of people in the United States with opioid use disorder (OUD). We sought to examine participant retention in care rates of primary care delivered BT programs and to describe factors associated with retention/attrition for participants receiving BT in this setting.Objectives: A PRISMA-guided search of various databases was performed to identify the articles focusing on efficacy of BT treatment and OUD.Method: A systematic literature search identified 15 studies examining retention in care in the primary care setting between 2002 and 2020. Random effects meta-regression were used to identify retention rates across studies.Results: Retention rates decreased across time with a mean 0.52 rate at one year. Several factors were found to be related to retention, including: race, use of other drugs, receipt of counseling, and previous treatment with buprenorphine.Conclusions: While we only investigate BT through primary care, our findings indicate retention rates are equivalent to the rates reported in the specialty care literature. More work is needed to examine factors that may impact primary care delivered BT specifically and differentiate participants that may benefit from care delivered in specialty over primary care as well as the converse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Cooper
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ryan D Edgerton
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Julia Watson
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - William A Agee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Derek M Wilus
- School of Graduate Studies & Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel A MacMaster
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa Bell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Parul Patel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amruta Godbole
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cynthia Bass-Thomas
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aramandla Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mohammad Tabatabai
- School of Graduate Studies & Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
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Harris LM, Marsh JC, Khachikian T, Serrett V, Kong Y, Guerrero EG. What can we learn from COVID-19 to improve opioid treatment? Expert providers respond. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 154:209157. [PMID: 37652210 PMCID: PMC10923184 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had devasting effects on drug abuse treatment systems already stressed by the opioid crisis. Providers within opioid use disorder (OUD) outpatient treatment programs have had to adjust to rapid change and respond to new service delivery provisions such as telehealth and take-home medication. Using the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent organizational challenges as a backdrop, this study explores providers' perspectives about strategies and policies that, if made permanent, can potentially improve access to and quality of OUD treatment. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted in Los Angeles County, which has one of the largest substance use disorder (SUD) treatment systems in the United States serving a diverse population, including communities impacted by the opioid crisis. We collected qualitative interview data from 30 high-performing programs (one manager/supervisor per program) where we based high performance on empirical measures of access, retention, and program completion outcomes. The study team completed data collection and analysis using constructivist grounded theory (CGT) to describe the social processes in which the participating managers engaged when faced with the pandemic and subsequent organizational changes. We developed 14 major codes and six minor codes with definitions. The interrater reliability tests showed pooled Cohen's kappa statistic of 93 %. RESULTS Our results document the impacts of COVID-19 on SUD treatment systems, their programmatic responses, and the strategic innovations they developed to improve service delivery and quality and which managers plan to sustain within their organizations. CONCLUSION Providers identified three primary areas for strategic innovation designed to improve access and quality: (1) designing better medication utilization, (2) increasing telemedicine capacity, and (3) improving reimbursement policies. These strategies for system transformation enable us to use lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to direct policy and programmatic reform, such as expanding eligibility for take-home medication and enhancing access to telehealth services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley M Harris
- University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, 2217 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Jeanne C Marsh
- University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Tenie Khachikian
- University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Veronica Serrett
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA.
| | - Yinfei Kong
- California State University, Fullerton, Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences, College of Business and Economics, CA, USA.
| | - Erick G Guerrero
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Tierney M, Castillo E, Leonard A, Huang E. Closing the Opioid Treatment Gap Through Advance Practice Nursing Activation: Curricular Design and Initial Outcomes. J Addict Nurs 2023; 34:240-250. [PMID: 38015575 DOI: 10.1097/jan.0000000000000547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Buprenorphine, an effective medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), reduces opioid-related harms including overdose, but a significant gap exists between MOUD need and treatment, especially for marginalized populations. Historically, low MOUD treatment capacity is rising, driven by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). A graduate nursing course was designed to increase equitable buprenorphine treatment delivery by APRNs. We report on baseline findings of a curriculum evaluation study with a pretest-posttest design. DESIGN Computerized surveys assessed trainee satisfaction with the course, trainee knowledge for providing MOUD, and trainee satisfaction in working with people who use drugs. METHODS Quantitative survey results utilizing Likert scales are presented. RESULTS Baseline precourse surveys revealed less than half (44%) of APRN students agreed/strongly agreed that they had a working knowledge of drugs and drug-related problems and 37% agreed/strongly agreed that they knew enough about the causes of drug problems to carry out their roles when working with people who use drugs. Approximately two thirds of APRN students agreed/strongly agreed that they want to work with people who use drugs (63%), that it is satisfying to work with people who use drugs (66%), and that it is rewarding to work with people who use drugs (63%). Nearly all students reported high satisfaction with the course. CONCLUSION APRN students reported high satisfaction with a novel course grounded in health equity that has potential to reduce health disparities and accelerate the closure of the MOUD treatment gap, particularly for racial/ethnic minorities, rural populations, and transition-age youth.
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29
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Rosenthal ES, Brokus C, Sun J, Carpenter JE, Catalanotti J, Eaton EF, Steck AR, Kuo I, Burkholder GA, Akselrod H, McGonigle K, Moran T, Mai W, Notis M, Del Rio C, Greenberg A, Saag MS, Kottilil S, Masur H, Kattakuzhy S. Undertreatment of opioid use disorder in patients hospitalized with injection drug use-associated infections. AIDS 2023; 37:1799-1809. [PMID: 37352497 PMCID: PMC10481931 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003629] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) initiation and addiction consultation and outcomes for patients hospitalized with infectious complications of injecting opioids. METHOD This was a retrospective cohort study performed at four academic medical centers in the United States. The participants were patients who had been hospitalized with infectious complications of injecting opioids in 2018. Three hundred and twenty-two patients were included and their individual patient records were manually reviewed to identify inpatient receipt of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), initiation of MOUD, and addiction consultation. The main outcomes of interest were premature discharge, MOUD on discharge, linkage to outpatient MOUD, one-year readmission and death. RESULTS Three hundred and twenty-two patients were predominately male (59%), white (66%), and median age 38 years, with 36% unstably housed, and 30% uninsured. One hundred and forty-five (45%) patients received MOUD during hospitalization, including only 65 (28%) patients not on baseline MOUD. Discharge was premature for 64 (20%) patients. In the year following discharge, 27 (9%) patients were linked to MOUD, and 159 (50%) patients had at least one readmission. Being on MOUD during hospitalization was significantly associated with higher odds of planned discharge [odds ratio (OR) 3.87, P < 0.0001], MOUD on discharge (OR 129.7, P < 0.0001), and linkage to outpatient MOUD (OR 1.25, P < 0.0001), however, was not associated with readmission. Study limitations were the retrospective nature of the study, so post-discharge data are likely underestimated. CONCLUSION There was dramatic undertreatment with MOUD from inpatient admission to outpatient linkage, and high rates of premature discharge and readmission. Engagement in addiction care during hospitalization is a critical first step in improving the care continuum for individuals with opioid use disorder; however, additional interventions may be needed to impact long-term outcomes like readmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana S. Rosenthal
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Christopher Brokus
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Junfeng Sun
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joseph E. Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jillian Catalanotti
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC
| | - Ellen F. Eaton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Alaina R. Steck
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Irene Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington DC
| | - Greer A. Burkholder
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hana Akselrod
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC
| | - Keanan McGonigle
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC
| | - Timothy Moran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William Mai
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC
| | - Melissa Notis
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Rollins School of Public Health and Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alan Greenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington DC
| | - Michael S. Saag
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Shyamasundaran Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Henry Masur
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sarah Kattakuzhy
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
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Wu LT, Mannelli P, John WS, Anderson A, Schwartz RP. Pharmacy-based methadone treatment in the US: views of pharmacists and opioid treatment program staff. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:55. [PMID: 37697326 PMCID: PMC10496162 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00563-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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US federal regulations allow pharmacy administration and dispensing of methadone for opioid use disorder (PADMOUD) to increase the capability of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in providing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) as part of a medication unit. However, there is a lack of research data from both pharmacy and OTP staff to inform the implementation of PADMOUD. METHODS Staff of a pharmacy (n = 8) and an OTP (n = 9) that participated in the first completed US trial on PADMOUD through electronic prescribing for methadone (parent study) were recruited to participate in this qualitative interview study to explore implementation-related factors for PADMOUD. Each interview was recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo was used to help identify themes of qualitative interview data. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework was used to guide the coding and interpretation of data. RESULTS Six pharmacy staff and eight OTP staff (n = 14) completed the interview. Results based on PARIHS domains were summarized, including evidence, context, and facilitation domains. Participants perceived benefits of PADMOUD for patients, pharmacies, OTPs, and payers. PADMOUD was considered to increase access for stable patients, provide additional patient service opportunities and revenues for pharmacies/pharmacists, enhance the capability of OTPs to treat more new patients, and reduce patients' cost when receiving medication at a pharmacy relative to an OTP. Both pharmacy and OTP staff were perceived to be supportive of the implementation of PADMOUD. Pharmacy staff/pharmacists were perceived to need proper training on addiction and methadone as well as a protocol of PADMOUD to conduct PADMOUD. Facilitators include having thought leaders to guide the operation, a certification program to ensure proper training of pharmacy staff/pharmacist, having updated pharmacy service software or technology to streamline the workflow of delivering PADMOUD and inventory management, and reimbursement for pharmacists. CONCLUSION This study presents the first findings on perspectives of PADMOUD from both staff of a community pharmacy and an OTP in the US. Finding on barriers and facilitators are useful data to guide the development of strategies to implement PADMOUD to help address the US opioid crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tzy Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Child and Family Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Institute For Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Paolo Mannelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Sigmon SC, Peck KR, Batchelder SR, Badger GJ, Heil SH, Higgins ST. Technology-Assisted Buprenorphine Treatment in Rural and Nonrural Settings: Two Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2331910. [PMID: 37755833 PMCID: PMC10534272 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Expansion of opioid use disorder treatment is needed, particularly in rural communities. Objective To evaluate technology-assisted buprenorphine (TAB) efficacy (1) over a longer period than previously examined, (2) with the addition of overdose education, and (3) among individuals residing in rural communities. Design, Setting, and Participants Two parallel, 24-week randomized clinical trials were conducted at the University of Vermont between February 1, 2018, and June 30, 2022. Participants were adults with untreated opioid use disorder from nonrural (trial 1) or rural (trial 2) communities. These trials are part of a programmatic effort to develop TAB protocols to improve treatment availability in underserved areas. Interventions Within each trial, 50 participants were randomized to TAB or control conditions. Participants in the TAB group completed bimonthly visits to ingest medication and receive take-home doses via a computerized device. They received nightly calls via an interactive voice response (IVR) system, IVR-generated random call-backs, and iPad-delivered HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and overdose education. Control participants received community resource guides and assistance with contacting resources. All participants received harm reduction supplies and completed monthly assessments. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was biochemically verified illicit opioid abstinence across monthly assessments. Secondary outcomes included self-reported opioid use in both groups and abstinence at bimonthly and random call-back visits, treatment adherence, satisfaction, and changes in HIV, HCV, and overdose knowledge among TAB participants. Results Fifty individuals (mean [SD] age, 40.6 [13.1] years; 28 [56.0%] male) participated in trial 1, and 50 (mean [SD] age, 40.3 [10.8] years; 30 [60.0%] male) participated in trial 2. Participants in the TAB group achieved significantly greater illicit opioid abstinence vs controls at all time points in both trial 1 (85.3% [128 of 150]; 95% CI, 70.7%-93.3%; vs 24.0% [36 of 150]; 95% CI, 13.6%-38.8%) and trial 2 (88.0% [132 of 150]; 95% CI, 72.1%-95.4%; vs 21.3% [32 of 150]; 95% CI, 11.4%-36.5%). High abstinence rates were also observed at TAB participants' bimonthly dosing visits (83.0% [95% CI, 67.0%-92.0%] for trial 1 and 88.0% [95% CI, 71.0%-95.0%] for trial 2). Treatment adherence was favorable and similar between trials (with rates of approximately 99% for buprenorphine administration, 93% for daily IVR calls, and 92% for random call-backs), and 183 of 187 urine samples (97.9%) tested negative for illicit opioids at random call-backs. iPad-delivered education was associated with significant and sustained increases in HIV, HCV, and overdose knowledge. Conclusions and Relevance In these randomized clinical trials of TAB treatment, demonstration of efficacy was extended to a longer duration than previously examined and to patients residing in rural communities. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03420313.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey C. Sigmon
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Kelly R. Peck
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Sydney R. Batchelder
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Gary J. Badger
- Department of Medical Biostatistics, University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Sarah H. Heil
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - Stephen T. Higgins
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington
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Bobb R, Malayala SV, Papudesi BN, Potluri D. A Case of Acute Opioid Withdrawal after Liposuction Surgery in a Patient on Extended-release Buprenorphine. J Addict Med 2023; 17:621-623. [PMID: 37788623 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US Food and Drug Administration approved the once-monthly injectable extended-release buprenorphine product to treat moderate-to-severe opioid use disorders. The patient in our case report had a liposuction procedure and immediately started having opioid withdrawal symptoms after the procedure. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient is a 27-year-old African-American woman who injects drugs and has morbid obesity. She enrolled in a medications for addiction treatment program and opted to get treated with extended-release buprenorphine monthly injections. She tolerated them well for a span of 6 months. In one clinic visit, she reported opioid withdrawal symptoms and started purchasing and using sublingual buprenorphine from her acquaintances. On review of history, she underwent liposuction surgery and this triggered the opioid withdrawal symptoms. Examining her abdomen revealed surgical scars at the site of the buprenorphine injection and the residual buprenorphine depot was not palpable.A subcutaneous injection of 300-mg extended release buprenorphine was administered in the right periumbilical area in this clinic visit. The following week, she was doing well and denied any withdrawal symptoms. DISCUSSION This is a unique case of "iatrogenic opioid withdrawal" after a fairly common surgical procedure. The extended-release buprenorphine formulation solidifies when it comes into contact with bodily fluids forming a depot. The depot and surrounding adipose tissue may have been removed during the patient's liposuction procedure, causing an immediate drop in buprenorphine levels leading to acute opioid withdrawal.This case report highlights the precautions that need to be taken before patients go for a surgical procedure like liposuction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Bobb
- From the Merakey Parkside Recovery, Philadelphia, PA (RB, SVM); Mercy Suburban Hospital, Philadelphia, PA (BNP); Reading Hospital, Reading, PA (DP)
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Risby J, Schlesinger E, Geminn W, Cernasev A. Methadone Treatment Gap in Tennessee and How Medication Units Could Bridge the Gap: A Review. PHARMACY 2023; 11:131. [PMID: 37736904 PMCID: PMC10514867 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11050131] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has been an ongoing public health concern in the United States (US) for the last few decades. The number of overdose deaths involving opioids, hereafter referred to as overdose deaths, has increased yearly since the mid-1990s. One treatment modality for opioid use disorder (OUD) is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). As of 2022, only three pharmacotherapy options have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating OUD: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Unlike buprenorphine and naltrexone, methadone dispensing and administrating are restricted to opioid treatment programs (OTPs). To date, Tennessee has no medication units, and administration and dispensing of methadone is limited to licensed OTPs. This review details the research process used to develop a policy draft for medication units in Tennessee. This review is comprised of three parts: (1) a rapid review aimed at identifying obstacles and facilitators to OTP access in the US, (2) a descriptive analysis of Tennessee's geographic availability of OTPs, pharmacies, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and (3) policy mapping of 21 US states' OTP regulations. In the rapid review, a total of 486 articles were imported into EndNote from PubMed and Embase. After removing 152 duplicates, 357 articles were screened based on their title and abstract. Thus, 34 articles underwent a full-text review to identify articles that addressed the accessibility of methadone treatment for OUD. A total of 18 articles were identified and analyzed. A descriptive analysis of Tennessee's availability of OTP showed that the state has 22 OTPs. All 22 OTPs were matched to a county and a region based on their address resulting in 15 counties (16%) and all three regions having at least one OTP. A total of 260 FQHCs and 2294 pharmacies are in Tennessee. Each facility was matched to a county based on its address resulting in 70 counties (74%) having at least one FQHC and 94 counties (99%) having at least one pharmacy. As of 31 December 2022, 17 states mentioned medication units in their state-level OTP regulations. Utilizing the regulations for the eleven states with medication units and federal guidelines, a policy draft was created for Tennessee's medication units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Risby
- Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Andrew Jackson Building, 6th Floor, 500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243, USA; (E.S.); (W.G.)
| | - Erica Schlesinger
- Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Andrew Jackson Building, 6th Floor, 500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243, USA; (E.S.); (W.G.)
| | - Wesley Geminn
- Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Andrew Jackson Building, 6th Floor, 500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243, USA; (E.S.); (W.G.)
| | - Alina Cernasev
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, 301 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37211, USA;
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Truong A, Kablinger A, Hartman C, Hartman D, West J, Hanlon A, Lozano A, McNamara R, Seidel R, Trestman R. Noninferiority Clinical Trial of Adapted START NOW Psychotherapy for Outpatient Opioid Treatment. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3229052. [PMID: 37609219 PMCID: PMC10441517 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3229052/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) such as buprenorphine is effective for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). START NOW (SN) is a manualized, skills-based group psychotherapy originally developed and validated for the correctional population and has been shown to result in reduced risk of disciplinary infractions and future psychiatric inpatient days with a dose response effect. We investigate whether adapted START NOW is effective for treating OUD in a MOUD office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) setting in this non-inferiority clinical trial. Methods Patients enrolled in once weekly buprenorphine/suboxone MOUD OBOT were eligible for enrollment in this study. Participants were cluster-randomized, individually-randomized, or not randomized into either START NOW psychotherapy or treatment-as-usual (TAU) for 32 weeks of therapy. Treatment effectiveness was measured as the number of groups attended, treatment duration, intensity of attendance, and overall drug use as determined by drug screens. Results 137 participants were quasi-randomized to participate in SN (n = 79) or TAU (n = 58). Participants receiving START NOW psychotherapy, when compared to TAU, had comparable number of groups attended (16.5 vs. 16.7, p = 0.80), treatment duration in weeks (24.1 vs. 23.8, p = 0.62), and intensity defined by number of groups attended divided by the number of weeks to last group (0.71 vs. 0.71, p = 0.90). SN compared to TAU also had similar rates of any positive drug screen result (81.0% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.16). This suggests that adapted START NOW is noninferior to TAU, or the standard of care at our institution, for treating opioid use disorder. Conclusion Adapted START NOW is an effective psychotherapy for treating OUD when paired with buprenorphine/naloxone in the outpatient group therapy setting. Always free and publicly available, START NOW psychotherapy, along with its clinician manual and training materials, are easily accessible and distributable and may be especially useful for low-resource settings in need of evidence-based psychotherapy.
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Wu LT, John WS, Mannelli P, Morse ED, Anderson A, Schwartz RP. Patient perspectives on community pharmacy administered and dispensing of methadone treatment for opioid use disorder: a qualitative study in the U.S. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:45. [PMID: 37533071 PMCID: PMC10398989 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00399-6] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacy administration and dispensing of methadone treatment for opioid use disorder (PADMOUD) may address inadequate capability of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the US by expanding access to methadone at community pharmacies nationally. PADMOUD is vastly underutilized in the US. There is no published US study on OUD patients' perspectives on PADMOUD. Data are timely and needed to inform the implementation of PADMOUD in the US to address its serious opioid overdose crisis. METHODS Patient participants of the first completed US trial on PADMOUD through electronic prescribing for methadone (parent study) were interviewed to explore implementation-related factors for PADMOUD. All 20 participants of the parent study were invited to participate in this interview study. Each interview was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify emergent themes. RESULTS Seventeen participants completed the interview. Patients' perspectives on PADMOUD were grouped into five areas. Participants reported feasibility of taking the tablet formulation of methadone at the pharmacy and identified benefits from PADMOUD (e.g., better access, efficiency, convenience) compared with usual care at the OTP. Participants perceived support for PADMOUD from their family/friends, OTP staff, and pharmacy staff. PADMOUD was perceived to be a great option for stable patients with take-home doses and those with transportation barriers. The distance (convenience), office hours, and the cost were considered factors most influencing their decision to receive methadone from a pharmacy. Nonjudgmental communication, pharmacists' training on methadone treatment, selection of patients (stable status), workflow of PADMOUD, and protection of privacy were considered key factors for improving operations of PADMOUD. CONCLUSION This study presents the first findings on patient perspectives on PADMOUD. Participants considered pharmacies more accessible than OTPs, which could encourage more people to receive methadone treatment earlier and help transition stable patients from an OTP into a local pharmacy. The findings have timely implications for informing implementation strategies of PADMOUD that consider patients' views and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tzy Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Child and Family Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Institute For Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | | | - Paolo Mannelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Jenkins WD, Friedman SR, Hurt CB, Korthuis PT, Feinberg J, Del Toro-Mejias LM, Walters S, Seal DW, Fredericksen RJ, Westergaard R, Miller WC, Go VF, Schneider J, Giurcanu M. Variation in HIV Transmission Behaviors Among People Who Use Drugs in Rural US Communities. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2330225. [PMID: 37603331 PMCID: PMC10442709 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.30225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance People who use drugs (PWUD) continue to be at risk of HIV infection, but the frequency and distribution of transmission-associated behaviors within various rural communities is poorly understood. Objective To examine the association of characteristics of rural PWUD with HIV transmission behaviors. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study, surveys of PWUD in rural communities in 10 states (Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) were collected January 2018 through March 2020 and analyzed August through December 2022. A chain-referral sampling strategy identified convenience sample seeds who referred others who used drugs. Rural PWUD who reported any past 30-day injection drug use or noninjection opioid use "to get high" were included. Exposures Individual characteristics, including age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, partnership status, drug of choice, and location, were collected. Main Outcomes and Measures Past 30-day frequency of behaviors associated with HIV transmission, including drug injection, syringe sharing, opposite- and same-gender partners, transactional sex, and condomless sex, was assessed. Results Of 3048 rural PWUD (mean [SD] age, 36.1 [10.3] years; 225 American Indian [7.4%], 96 Black [3.2%], and 2576 White [84.5%] among 3045 with responses; and 1737 men [57.0%] among 3046 with responses), most participants were heterosexual (1771 individuals [86.8%] among 2040 with responses) and single (1974 individuals [68.6%] among 2879 with responses). Opioids and stimulants were reported as drug of choice by 1636 individuals (53.9%) and 1258 individuals (41.5%), respectively, among 3033 individuals with responses. Most participants reported recent injection (2587 of 3046 individuals [84.9%] with responses) and condomless sex (1406 of 1757 individuals [80.0%] with responses), among whom 904 of 1391 individuals (65.0%) with responses indicated that it occurred with people who inject drugs. Syringe sharing (1016 of 2433 individuals [41.8%] with responses) and transactional sex (230 of 1799 individuals [12.8%] with responses) were reported less frequently. All characteristics and behaviors, except the number of men partners reported by women, varied significantly across locations (eg, mean [SD] age ranged from 34.5 [10.0] years in Wisconsin to 39.7 [11.0] years in Illinois; P < .001). In multivariable modeling, younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for ages 15-33 vs ≥34 years, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.72) and being single (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08-1.74) were associated with recent injection; younger age (aOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.20-1.85) and bisexual orientation (aOR vs heterosexual orientation, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.60-3.23) with syringe sharing; gender identity as a woman (aOR vs gender identity as a man, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.01-2.12), bisexual orientation (aOR vs heterosexual orientation, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.67-4.03), and being single (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.15-2.55) with transactional sex; and bisexual orientation (aOR vs heterosexual orientation, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04-2.46) and stimulants as the drug of choice (aOR vs opioids, 1.45; 95 CI, 1.09-1.93) with condomless sex with someone who injects drugs. Conclusions and Relevance This study found that behaviors associated with HIV transmission were common and varied across communities. These findings suggest that interventions to reduce HIV risk among rural PWUD may need to be tailored to locally relevant factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiley D. Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield
| | - Samuel R. Friedman
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York
| | - Christopher B. Hurt
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Addiction Medicine Section, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | | | | | - Suzan Walters
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York
| | - David W. Seal
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - Ryan Westergaard
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - William C. Miller
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Vivian F. Go
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - John Schneider
- Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mihai Giurcanu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Hsu ZS, Warnick JA, Harkins TR, Sylvester BE, Bharati NK, Eley LB, Nichols SD, McCall K, Piper BJ. An analysis of patterns of distribution of buprenorphine in the United States using ARCOS, Medicaid, and Medicare databases. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01115. [PMID: 37485957 PMCID: PMC10364307 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1115] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid overdose remains a problem in the United States despite pharmacotherapies, such as buprenorphine, in the treatment of opioid use disorder. This study characterized changes in buprenorphine use. Using the Drug Enforcement Administration's ARCOS, Medicaid, and Medicare claims databases, patterns in buprenorphine usage in the United States from 2018 to 2020 were analyzed by examining percentage changes in total grams distributed and changes in grams per 100 K people in year-to-year usage based on ZIP code and state levels. For ARCOS from 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020, total buprenorphine distribution in grams increased by 16.2% and 12.6%, respectively. South Dakota showed the largest statewide percentage increase in both 2018-2019 (66.1%) and 2019-2020 (36.7%). From 2018 to 2019, the ZIP codes ND-577 (156.4%) and VA-222 (-82.1%) had the largest and smallest percentage changes, respectively. From 2019 to 2020, CA-932 (250.2%) and IL-603 (-36.8%) were the largest and smallest, respectively. In both 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, PA-191 had the second highest increase in grams per 100K while OH-452 was the only ZIP code to remain in the top three largest decreases in grams per 100K in both periods. Among Medicaid patients in 2018, there was a nearly 2000-fold difference in prescriptions per 100k Medicaid enrollees between Kentucky (12 075) and Nebraska (6). Among Medicare enrollees in 2018, family medicine physicians and other primary care providers were the top buprenorphine prescribers. This study not only identified overall increases in buprenorphine availability but also pronounced state-level differences. Such geographic analysis can be used to discern which public policies and regional factors impact buprenorphine access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Shan Hsu
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Justina A Warnick
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tice R Harkins
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Briana E Sylvester
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Neal K Bharati
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - leTausjua B Eley
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie D Nichols
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of New England, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Kenneth McCall
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Brian J Piper
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Geisinger Precision Heath Center, Pennsylvania, USA
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Miller-Rosales C, Morden NE, Brunette MF, Busch SH, Torous JB, Meara ER. Provision of Digital Health Technologies for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment by US Health Care Organizations. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2323741. [PMID: 37459098 PMCID: PMC10352858 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.23741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Digital health technologies may expand organizational capacity to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). However, it remains unclear whether these technologies serve as substitutes for or complements to traditional substance use disorder (SUD) treatment resources in health care organizations. Objective To characterize the use of patient-facing digital health technologies for OUD by US organizations with accountable care organization (ACO) contracts. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study analyzed responses to the 2022 National Survey of Accountable Care Organizations (NSACO), collected between October 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, from US organizations with Medicare and Medicaid ACO contracts. Data analysis was performed between December 15, 2022, and January 6, 2023. Exposures Treatment resources for SUD (eg, an addiction medicine specialist, sufficient staff to treat SUD, medications for OUD, a specialty SUD treatment facility, a registry to identify patients with OUD, or a registry to track mental health for patients with OUD) and organizational characteristics (eg, organization type, Medicaid ACO contract). Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes included survey-reported use of 3 categories of digital health technologies for OUD: remote mental health therapy and tracking, virtual peer recovery support programs, and digital recovery support for adjuvant cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models. Results Overall, 276 of 505 organizations responded to the NSACO (54.7% response rate), with a total of 304 respondents. Of these, 161 (53.1%) were from a hospital or health system, 74 (24.2%) were from a physician- or medical group-led organization, and 23 (7.8%) were from a safety-net organization. One-third of respondents (101 [33.5%]) reported that their organization used at least 1 of the 3 digital health technology categories, including remote mental health therapy and tracking (80 [26.5%]), virtual peer recovery support programs (46 [15.1%]), and digital recovery support for adjuvant CBT (27 [9.0%]). In an adjusted analysis, organizations with an addiction medicine specialist (average marginal effect [SE], 32.3 [4.7] percentage points; P < .001) or a registry to track mental health (average marginal effect [SE], 27.2 [3.8] percentage points; P < .001) were more likely to use at least 1 category of technology compared with otherwise similar organizations lacking these capabilities. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of 276 organizations with ACO contracts, organizations used patient-facing digital health technologies for OUD as complements to available SUD treatment capabilities rather than as substitutes for unavailable resources. Future studies should examine implementation facilitators to realize the potential of emerging technologies to support organizations facing health care practitioner shortages and other barriers to OUD treatment delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy E. Morden
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- UnitedHealthcare, Minnetonka, Minnesota
| | - Mary F. Brunette
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Bureau of Mental Health Services, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Concord
| | - Susan H. Busch
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - John B. Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ellen R. Meara
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Schuler MS, Saloner B, Gordon AJ, Dick AW, Stein BD. National Trends in Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder From 2007 to 2018. Subst Abus 2023; 44:154-163. [PMID: 37278310 PMCID: PMC10654713 DOI: 10.1177/08897077231179576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine is a key medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Since its approval in 2002, buprenorphine access has grown markedly, spurred by major federal and state policy changes. This study characterizes buprenorphine treatment episodes during 2007 to 2018 with respect to payer, provider specialty, and patient demographics. METHODS In this observational cohort study, IQVIA Real World pharmacy claims data were used to characterize trends in buprenorphine treatment episodes across four time periods: 2007-2009, 2010-2012, 2013-2015, and 2016-2018. RESULTS In total, we identified more than 4.1 million buprenorphine treatment episodes among 2 540 710 unique individuals. The number of episodes doubled from 652 994 in 2007-2009 to 1 331 980 in 2016-2018. Our findings indicate that the payer landscape changed dramatically, with the most pronounced growth observed for Medicaid (increased from 17% of episodes in 2007-2009 to 37% of episodes in 2016-2018), accompanied by relative declines for both commercial insurance (declined from 35 to 21%) and self-pay (declined from 27 to 11%). Adult primary care providers (PCPs) were the dominant prescribers throughout the study period. The number of episodes among adults older than 55 increased more than 3-fold from 2007-2009 to 2016-2018. In contrast, youth under age 18 experienced an absolute decline in buprenorphine treatment episodes. Buprenorphine episodes increased in length from 2007-2018, particularly among adults over age 45. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the U.S. experienced clear growth in buprenorphine treatment-particularly for older adults and Medicaid beneficiaries-reflecting some key health policy and implementation success stories. Yet, since the prevalence of OUD and fatal overdose rate have also approximately doubled during this period, the observed growth in buprenorphine treatment did not demonstrably impact the pronounced treatment gap. To date, only a minority of individuals with OUD currently receive treatment, indicating continued need for systemic efforts to equitably improve treatment uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA) Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, and Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Peterkin AF, Baldwin M, Demers L, Gergen Barnett K. Evaluating a Video-Based Addiction Curriculum at a Safety Net Academic Medical Center. Subst Abus 2023; 44:241-248. [PMID: 37728099 DOI: 10.1177/08897077231195995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2019, the United States (US) has witnessed an unprecedented increase in drug overdose and alcohol-related deaths. Despite this rise in morbidity and mortality, treatment rates for substance use disorder remain inadequate. Insufficient training in addiction along with a dearth of addiction providers are key barriers to addressing the current addiction epidemic. Addiction-related clinical experiences can improve trainee knowledge, yet they remain dependent on practice sites and residency training environments. Asynchronous learning, in the form of video-based modules, may serve as a complement to formal, scheduled lectures and clinical experiences. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the educational impact of a video-based addiction curriculum in 2 residency programs at a large safety net academic medical center with a high volume of patients with substance use disorders. METHODS Family Medicine (FM) and Internal Medicine (IM) residency interns (PGY1s) (n = 60) had access to 28 minutes of video content related to opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) during the first 2 months of their residency training. Interns were asked to complete voluntary and anonymized pre- and post-surveys in Qualtrics that included knowledge and confidence-based questions about the management of OUD and AUD, in addition to questions about prior exposure to and future interests in addiction training and practice. Data were analyzed with non-parametric sign tests. RESULTS Twenty-eight interns completed both OUD pre- and post-surveys, and 24 interns completed all AUD survey questions. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of interns who reported increased knowledge of and confidence around diagnosis, management, and ability to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for both OUD and AUD. CONCLUSIONS Brief addiction focused video-modules can improve confidence and knowledge in managing OUD and AUD among medical trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa F Peterkin
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marielle Baldwin
- Department of Family Medicine, Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay Demers
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Gergen Barnett
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Winiker AK, Schneider KE, Hamilton White R, O'Rourke A, Grieb SM, Allen ST. A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to drug treatment services among people who inject drugs in west Virginia. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:69. [PMID: 37264367 PMCID: PMC10233537 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00795-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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid overdose crisis in the USA has called for expanding access to evidence-based substance use treatment programs, yet many barriers limit the ability of people who inject drugs (PWID) to engage in these programs. Predominantly rural states have been disproportionately affected by the opioid overdose crisis while simultaneously facing diminished access to drug treatment services. The purpose of this study is to explore barriers and facilitators to engagement in drug treatment among PWID residing in a rural county in West Virginia. METHODS From June to July 2018, in-depth interviews (n = 21) that explored drug treatment experiences among PWID were conducted in Cabell County, West Virginia. Participants were recruited from locations frequented by PWID such as local service providers and public parks. An iterative, modified constant comparison approach was used to code and synthesize interview data. RESULTS Participants reported experiencing a variety of barriers to engaging in drug treatment, including low thresholds for dismissal, a lack of comprehensive support services, financial barriers, and inadequate management of withdrawal symptoms. However, participants also described several facilitators of treatment engagement and sustained recovery. These included the use of medications for opioid use disorder and supportive health care workers/program staff. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a range of barriers exist that may limit the abilities of rural PWID to successfully access and remain engaged in drug treatment in West Virginia. Improving the public health of rural PWID populations will require expanding access to evidence-based drug treatment programs that are tailored to participants' individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail K Winiker
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Kristin E Schneider
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Allison O'Rourke
- DC Center for AIDS Research, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, 2125 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Suzanne M Grieb
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Sokol R, Ahern J, Pleman B, Rizzo P, Walker AT, Wang K, Martin MP. An Evaluation of STFM's National Addiction Curriculum. Fam Med 2023; 55:362-366. [PMID: 37307386 PMCID: PMC10622090 DOI: 10.22454/fammed.2023.340020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Family physicians are well positioned to treat patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), expand access to care, destigmatize addiction, and provide a biopsychosocial treatment approach. There is a great need to train residents and faculty to competency in SUD treatment. Through the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Addiction Collaborative, we created and evaluated the first national family medicine (FM) addiction curriculum using evidence-based content and teaching principles. METHODS After launching the curriculum with 25 FM residency programs, we collected formative feedback through monthly faculty development sessions and summative feedback through 8 focus groups with 33 faculty members and 21 residents. We used qualitative thematic analysis to assess the value of the curriculum. RESULTS The curriculum enriched resident and faculty knowledge across all SUD topics. It changed their attitudes in viewing addiction as a chronic disease within the scope of FM practice, increased confidence, and decreased stigma. It nurtured behavior change, enhancing communication and assessment skills and encouraging collaboration across disciplines. Participants valued the flipped-classroom approach, videos, cases, role plays, ready-made teacher's guides, and one-page summaries. Having protected time to complete the modules and temporally coupling the modules with the live, faculty-led sessions enhanced learning. CONCLUSION The curriculum provides a comprehensive, ready-made, evidenced-based platform for training residents and faculty in SUDs. It can be implemented by faculty with all levels of prior expertise, cotaught by physicians and behavioral health providers, tailored to each program's didactic schedule, and modified based on the local culture and resource availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Sokol
- Tufts Family Medicine Residency Program at Cambridge Health AllianceMalden, MA
| | - John Ahern
- Tufts Family Medicine Residency Program at Cambridge Health AllianceMalden, MA
| | - Brandon Pleman
- Tufts Family Medicine Residency Program at Cambridge Health AllianceMalden, MA
| | - Paul Rizzo
- Tufts Family Medicine Residency Program at Cambridge Health AllianceMalden, MA
| | - A. Taylor Walker
- Tufts Family Medicine Residency Program at Cambridge Health AllianceMalden, MA
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Tierney M, Flentje A. Reducing Drug Overdose Deaths: Significant Changes Needed in U.S. Drug Treatment Policy. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2023; 61:7-10. [PMID: 37261971 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20230510-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Slow and incremental changes in federal and state drug policies are neither meeting treatment needs nor reversing yearly increases in drug-related mortality. U.S. drug policies convey confounding messages that non-sanctioned substance use leads to health problems that need treatment while simultaneously being legal problems that must be punished. As a result, drug treatments remain a sequestered component of health care, with onerous treatment requirements for patients and providers that act as barriers to the treatment that policies seek to allow. A new direction in drug policy is needed that broadens rather than restricts access to care and that also focuses on prevention. Policies must consider the totality of health and wellness, not just "last resort" safety nets for urgent needs. For substantive change in drug-related morbidity and mortality, forward-thinking policy must focus more on addiction prevention and address the known risks of developing a substance use disorder. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(6), 7-10.].
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Fast N, van Kessel R, Humphreys K, Ward NF, Roman-Urrestarazu A. The Evolution of Telepsychiatry for Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19: a Narrative Review. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:187-197. [PMID: 37266192 PMCID: PMC10126560 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This article aims to review and synthesize the current research evidence regarding the efficacy of telepsychiatry-delivered substance use disorder treatment using a narrative review with a focus on the effects of remote healthcare delivery within the substance abuse treatment space. Recent Findings The COVID-19 pandemic exerted substantial pressures on all levels of society. Social isolation, loss of employment, stress, physical illness, overburdened health services, unmet medical needs, and rapidly changing pandemic restrictions had particularly severe consequences for people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Since the start of the pandemic, addiction treatment (and medical treatment overall) using remote health platforms has significantly expanded to different platforms and delivery systems. The USA, in particular, reported transformational policy developments to enable the delivery of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, systemic barriers such as a widespread lack of internet access and insufficient patient and provider digital skills remain. Summary Overall, telepsychiatry is a promising approach for the treatment of substance use disorders, but more randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to assess the evidence base of available interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Fast
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, New York City, USA
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, USA
| | - Robin van Kessel
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Health, London, UK
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Natalie Frances Ward
- Department of International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andres Roman-Urrestarazu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Taylor JL, Wakeman SE, Walley AY, Kehoe LG. Substance use disorder bridge clinics: models, evidence, and future directions. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:23. [PMID: 37055851 PMCID: PMC10101823 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid overdose and polysubstance use crises have led to the development of low-barrier, transitional substance use disorder (SUD) treatment models, including bridge clinics. Bridge clinics offer immediate access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and other SUD treatment and are increasingly numerous. However, given relatively recent implementation, the clinical impact of bridge clinics is not well described. METHODS In this narrative review, we describe existing bridge clinic models, services provided, and unique characteristics, highlighting how bridge clinics fill critical gaps in the SUD care continuum. We discuss available evidence for bridge clinic effectiveness in care delivery, including retention in SUD care. We also highlight gaps in available data. RESULTS The first era of bridge clinic implementation has yielded diverse models united in the mission to lower barriers to SUD treatment entry, and preliminary data indicate success in patient-centered program design, MOUD initiation, MOUD retention, and SUD care innovation. However, data on effectiveness in linking to long-term care are limited. CONCLUSIONS Bridge clinics represent a critical innovation, offering on-demand access to MOUD and other services. Evaluating the effectiveness of bridge clinics in linking patients to long-term care settings remains an important research priority; however, available data show promising rates of treatment initiation and retention, potentially the most important metric amidst an increasingly dangerous drug supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sarah E Wakeman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura G Kehoe
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Molfenter T, Jacobson N, Kim JS, Horst J, Kim H, Madden L, Brown R, Haram E, Knudsen HK. Building medication for opioid use disorder prescriber capacity during the opioid epidemic: Prescriber recruitment trends and methods. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 147:208975. [PMID: 36804353 PMCID: PMC10833474 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physicians are a critical clinical resource for patient care. Yet physician recruitment has been considerably understudied, particularly in substance use disorder (SUD) settings. This study proposes a conceptual model called the "Physician Recruitment Descriptive Factors Framework" to investigate the role of environmental, organizational, and individual factors in the use of physician recruitment strategies. METHODS The study setting was 75 sites that provided outpatient SUD treatment services in Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin from 2016 to 2019. Central to the analysis is the use of five targeted physician recruitment strategies. The study investigated whether financial conditions, location (urban v. non-urban), external implementation coaching, and recruiters' roles influenced use of the targeted physician recruitment strategies. RESULTS During the study period, a formal plan to recruit physicians was the most common strategy used (n = 67.6 %). The director or chief executive officer (CEO) was most likely to conduct physician recruitment (n = 58.7 %). During the study, use of four of the five recruitment strategies significantly declined (at p ≤ 0.01), while the perceived need for new prescribing capacity significantly declined (p ≤ 0.01), and prescribers per site increased from 1.54 to 3.21. Sixty-four percent of this increase in prescribers was due to more physician prescribers, while 36 % was due to the onset of the ability of advanced nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe buprenorphine. In year 3 of the study, the strategies most closely aligned with the current number of prescribers were conducting weekly outreach to prescriber candidates (p = .018), having a dedicated prescriber recruiter (p = .011), and having a dedicated budget for prescriber recruiting (p = .002). CONCLUSIONS The study describes which physician recruitment strategies SUD treatment sites used and how the need to recruit physicians for specialty treatment SUD clinics declined as prescriber capacity increased. The proposed multi-level framework provides the scaffolding for future physician recruitment research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Molfenter
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Ave., Madison, WI, United States of America.
| | - Nora Jacobson
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and School of Nursing, 4116 Signe Skott Cooper Hall, 701 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, United States of America
| | - Jee-Seon Kim
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Educational Psychology, 1025 West Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706-1706, United States of America
| | - Julie Horst
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Ave., Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Hanna Kim
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Educational Psychology, 1025 West Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706-1706, United States of America
| | - Lynn Madden
- APT Foundation, 1 Long Wharf Drive, Suite 321, New Haven, CT 06511, United States of America; Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, United States of America
| | - Randy Brown
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct., Madison, WI 53715-1896, United States of America
| | - Eric Haram
- Haram Consulting, 413 River Road, Bowdoinham, ME 04008, United States of America
| | - Hannah K Knudsen
- University of Kentucky, Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Ave., Room 204, Lexington, KY 40508, United States of America
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Daniulaityte R, Nahhas RW, Silverstein S, Martins S, Carlson RG. Trajectories of non-prescribed buprenorphine and other opioid use: A multi-trajectory latent class growth analysis. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 147:208973. [PMID: 36804351 PMCID: PMC10044504 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the increasing use of non-prescribed buprenorphine (NPB), we need more data to identify the longitudinal patterns of NPB use. The goal of this natural history study is to characterize heterogeneity in trajectories of NPB, other opioid use, and participation in medication for opioid disorder (MOUD) treatment among a community-recruited sample of individuals with current opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS The study recruited a community-based sample of 357 individuals with OUD who used NPB in the past 6 months in Ohio, United States, for baseline and follow-up assessments (every 6 months for 2 years) of drug use, treatment participation, and other health and psychosocial characteristics. The study used multiple imputation to handle missing data. We used a multi-trajectory latent class growth analysis (MT-LCGA) to find salient groupings of participants based on the trajectories of NPB, other opioid use, and treatment participation. RESULTS Over time, NPB use frequency declined from a mean of 14.6 % of days at baseline to 3.6 % of days at 24-month follow-up along with declines in heroin/fentanyl (56.4 % to 23.6 % of days) and non-prescribed pharmaceutical opioid (NPPO) use (11.6 % to 1.5 % of days). Participation in MOUD treatment increased from a mean of 17.0 % of days at baseline to 52.4 % of days at 24 months. MT-LCGA identified a 6-class model. All six classes showed declines in NPB use. Class 1 (28 %) was characterized by high and increasing MOUD treatment utilization. Class 2 (21 %) showed sustained high levels of heroin/fentanyl use and had the lowest levels of NPB use (2.2 % of days) at baseline. Class 3 (3 %) was characterized as the primary NPPO use group. Class 4 (5 %) transitioned from high levels of NPB use to increased MOUD treatment utilization. It had the highest levels of NPB use at baseline (average of 80.7 % of days) that decreased to an average of 12.9 % of days at 24 months. Class 5 (16 %) showed transition from high levels of heroin/fentanyl use to increased MOUD treatment utilization. Class 6 (27 %) showed decreased heroin/fentanyl use over time and low MOUD treatment utilization. Classes showed varying levels of improvement in psychosocial functioning, polydrug use, and overdose risks. CONCLUSION Overall, our findings suggest that NPB use was generally self-limiting with individuals reducing their use over time as some engage in greater utilization of MOUD treatment. A need exists for continuing improvements in MOUD treatment access and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raminta Daniulaityte
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Ramzi W Nahhas
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, United States of America
| | - Sydney Silverstein
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, United States of America
| | - Silvia Martins
- Department of Epidemiology Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Robert G Carlson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, United States of America
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Amgott-Kwan AT, Zadina JE. Endomorphin analog ZH853 shows low reward, tolerance, and affective-motivational signs of withdrawal, while inhibiting opioid withdrawal and seeking. Neuropharmacology 2023; 227:109439. [PMID: 36709036 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109439] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Currently available μ-opioid receptor agonist pharmacotherapies for opioid use disorder possess adverse effects limiting their use and, despite treatment, rates of relapse remain high. We previously showed that endomorphin analog ZH853 had no effect in rodent models that predict abuse liability in humans. Here we extended these findings by examining dependence liability and reinforcing properties in female rats and male rats with previous opioid exposure. The potential use of ZH853 in managing opioid use disorder was evaluated by examining its effect on opioid-seeking behavior and withdrawal. We found that ZH853 did not induce locomotor activation in male and female mice and was not self-administered by female rats. Relative to morphine, ZH853 led to similar somatic signs of withdrawal, but low affective-motivational signs of withdrawal, and absent changes in ventral tegmental area K(+)-Cl(-) co-transporter expression associated with reward dysregulation. The low abuse liability of ZH853 was further supported in oxycodone self-administering male rats, where ZH853 substitution extinguished opioid-seeking behavior. ZH853 priming also did not reinstate morphine conditioned place preference. Lastly, ZH853 inhibited oxycodone-seeking behavior during relapse after forced abstinence and decreased the expression of morphine withdrawal. These findings suggest the potential use of ZH853 as a safer opioid medication for long-term treatment of pain and opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel T Amgott-Kwan
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute: 6823 St Charles Avenue, 200 Flower Hall, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
| | - James E Zadina
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute: 6823 St Charles Avenue, 200 Flower Hall, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA; Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; SE Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70119, USA.
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Demuynck S. A Generation Ready for Change: Preparing for the Deregulation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Undergraduate Medical Education. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2023; 98:440-443. [PMID: 36731063 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released updated guidance that allows providers under standard licensure to treat 30 or fewer patients with buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist shown to be safe and effective as an office-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Previously, physicians and advanced practice providers needed to complete specialized training and certification under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000 before prescribing medications for OUD (MOUD). This deregulatory action comes as rates of opioid-involved overdose have accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the limited success of stepwise efforts to legislate for expanded access to MOUD, providers, professional associations, and other advocates have called for the elimination of the DATA requirements for all practitioners. An understanding of the statutory and regulatory history of MOUD may prove critical as legislative and policy actions continue to reshape clinical practice. Incorporating MOUD training as a standard in undergraduate medical education represents a unique opportunity for the medical community to prepare trainees for future deregulation of MOUD. Indeed, medical schools already offering or requiring MOUD training have demonstrated success in improving MOUD knowledge, skills, and attitudes among medical students and graduates. Existing virtual and hybrid training tools designed to meet DATA standards represent an accessible means to ensure critical learning for future generations of physicians uniquely ready and willing and to provide quality, evidence-based care to patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Demuynck
- S. Demuynck is a resident physician, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Li L, Nguyen TA, Liang LJ, Lin C, Pham TH, Nguyen HTT, Kha S. Strengthening Addiction Care Continuum Through Community Consortium in Vietnam: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e44219. [PMID: 36947125 PMCID: PMC10131887 DOI: 10.2196/44219] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A chronic condition, drug addiction, requires long-term multipronged health care and treatment services. Community-based approaches can offer the advantages of managing integrated care along the care continuum and improving clinical outcomes. However, scant rigorous research focuses on sustainable, community-based care and service delivery. OBJECTIVE This protocol describes a study aiming to develop and test an intervention that features the alliance of community health workers and family members to provide integrated support and individualized services and treatment for people who use drugs (PWUD) in community settings. METHODS Based on the National Institute on Drug Abuse's Seek-Test-Treat-Retain (STTR) framework, an intervention that provides training to community health workers will be developed and piloted before an intervention trial. Trained community health workers will conduct home visits and provide support for PWUD and their families. The intervention trial will be conducted in 3 regions in Vietnam, with 60 communities (named communes). These communes will be randomized to either an intervention or control condition. Intervention outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The primary outcome measure is PWUD's STTR fulfillment, consisting of multiple individual fulfillment indicators across 5 domains: Seek, Test, Treat, Retain, and Health. The secondary outcomes of interest are the community health workers' service provision and family members' support. The primary analysis will follow an intention-to-treat approach. Generalized mixed-effects regression models will be used to compare changes in the outcome measures from baseline between intervention and control conditions. RESULTS During the first year of the project, we conducted formative studies, including in-depth interviews and focus groups, to identify service barriers and intervention strategies. The intervention and assessment pilots are scheduled in 2023 before commencing the trial. Reports based on the baseline data will be distributed in early 2024. The intervention outcome results will be available within 6 months of the final data collection date, that is, the main study findings are expected to be available in early 2026. CONCLUSIONS This study will inform the establishment of community health workers and family members alliance, a locally available infrastructure, to support addiction services and care for PWUD. The methodology, findings, and lessons learned are expected to shed light on the addiction service continuum's implementation and demonstrate a community-based addiction service delivery model that can be transferable to other countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05315492; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05315492. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/44219.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tuan Anh Nguyen
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Li-Jung Liang
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chunqing Lin
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thang Hong Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Steven Kha
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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