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Badke K, Small SS, Pratt M, Lockington J, Gurney L, Kestler A, Moe J. Healthcare provider perspectives on emergency department-initiated buprenorphine/naloxone: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:211. [PMID: 38360620 PMCID: PMC10870432 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10271-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Take-home buprenorphine/naloxone is an effective method of initiating opioid agonist therapy in the Emergency Department (ED) that requires ED healthcare worker buy-in for large-scale implementation. We aimed to investigate healthcare workers perceptions of ED take-home buprenorphine/naloxone, as well as barriers and facilitators from an ED healthcare worker perspective. METHODS In the context of a take-home buprenorphine/naloxone feasibility study at a tertiary care teaching hospital we conducted a descriptive qualitative study. We conducted one-on-one in person or telephone interviews and focus groups with ED healthcare workers who cared for patients given take-home buprenorphine/naloxone in the feasibility study at Vancouver General Hospital from July 2019 to March 2020. We conducted 37 healthcare worker interviews from December 2019 to July 2020. We audio recorded interviews and focus groups and transcribed them verbatim. We completed interviews until we reached thematic saturation. DATA ANALYSIS We inductively coded a sample of transcripts to generate a provisional coding structure and to identify emerging themes, which were reviewed by our multidisciplinary team. We then used the final coding structure to analyze the transcripts. We present our findings descriptively. RESULTS Participants identified a number of context-specific facilitators and barriers to take-home buprenorphine/naloxone provision in the ED. Participants highlighted ED conditions having either facilitative or prohibitive effects: provision of buprenorphine/naloxone was feasible when ED volume was low and space was available but became less so as ED volume increased and space decreased. Similarly, participants noted that patient-related factors could have a facilitative or prohibitive effect, such as willingness to wait (willing to stay in the ED for study-related activities and buprenorphine/naloxone initiation activities), receptiveness to buprenorphine/naloxone, and comprehension of the instructions. As for staff-related factors, time was identified as a consistent barrier. Time included time available and time required to initiate buprenorphine/naloxone (including time building rapport). Healthcare worker familiarity with buprenorphine/naloxone was noted as either a facilitating factor or a barrier, and healthcare workers indicated that ongoing training would have been advantageous. Many healthcare workers identified that the ED is an important first point of contact for the target patient population. CONCLUSION Integrating a buprenorphine/naloxone program into ED care requires organizational supports (e.g., for managing buprenorphine/naloxone within limitations of ED volume, space, and time), and ongoing education of healthcare workers to minimize identified barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherin Badke
- Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Pharmacy Department, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Serena S Small
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan Pratt
- Social Work Department, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julie Lockington
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lara Gurney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew Kestler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica Moe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Chang JE, Lindenfeld Z, Hagan H. Integrating Harm Reduction into Medical Care: Lessons from Three Models. J Am Board Fam Med 2023; 36:449-461. [PMID: 37169587 PMCID: PMC10636714 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220303r3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorders (SUDs) are at a national high, with significant morbidity and mortality. Harm reduction, a public-health strategy aimed at reducing the negative consequences of a risky behavior without necessarily eliminating the behavior, represents a useful approach to engage patients with SUDs in care. The objective of this article is to describe how 3 medical practices operationalized harm reduction as a framework toward patient care and identify the common practices undertaken across these settings to integrate harm reduction and medical care. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth, semistructured interviews with 20 staff and providers at 3 integrated harm reduction and medical care sites across New York State from March to June 2021. Interview questions focused on how harm reduction approaches were implemented, how harm reduction philosophies were demonstrated in practice, and barriers to adoption. RESULTS The interviews resulted in 8 main themes of integrated harm reduction medical care: 1) role of provider as both learner and informer; 2) pragmatic measures of success; 3) collaborative and interdisciplinary care teams; 4) developing a stigma-free culture; 5) creating a comfortable and welcoming physical space; 6) low-threshold care with flexible scheduling; and; 7) reaching beyond the clinic to disseminate harm reduction orientation; and 8) creating robust referral networks to enhance transitions of care. These themes existed at the patient-provider level (#1 to 3), the organizational level (#4 to 6), and the level extending beyond the clinic (#7 to 8). CONCLUSIONS All 3 sites followed 8 common themes in delivering harm reduction-informed care, most of which are consistent with the broader movement toward patient-centered care. These practices demonstrate how medical providers may overcome some of the barriers imposed by the medical model and successfully integrate harm reduction as an orienting framework toward care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Chang
- From the Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY (JEC, ZL); Department of Social Behavioral Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY (HH).
| | - Zoe Lindenfeld
- From the Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY (JEC, ZL); Department of Social Behavioral Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY (HH)
| | - Holly Hagan
- From the Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY (JEC, ZL); Department of Social Behavioral Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY (HH)
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Oliveira C, Filipe R, Meira J, Sampaio L, Teixeira L, Rodrigues J, Nunes I, Tavares J. Benzodiazepine Use in Opioid Maintenance Treatment Programme: Risks and Clinical Outcomes. ACTA MEDICA PORT 2021; 34:209-216. [PMID: 33971116 DOI: 10.20344/amp.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The co-association of benzodiazepines and opioids is associated with an increased risk of overdose, death, and poorer psychosocial prognosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the prevalence, pattern of use, and primary clinical outcomes in benzodiazepines users in a public opioid maintenance treatment unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 236 patients treated with opioid substitutes (methadone and buprenorphine). We conducted a descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable analysis to determine clinical differences between benzodiazepines users and non-users. RESULTS The prevalence of consumption of benzodiazepines was 25.4% (60). The benzodiazepines were obtained with a medical prescription (49.8%) or on the black market (42.6%). The most prescribed benzodiazepine was diazepam (29.1%), and the main reasons were to relieve insomnia (27.7%) or anxiety (26.9%) and to enhance the psychoactive effects of other drugs (19.7%). Regarding the clinical outcomes, we highlight: a very high prevalence of hepatitis C (51.7%); severe ongoing consumption of psychoactive drugs (73.7%); and a high rate of depression and anxiety (> 60%), significantly higher in the benzodiazepines-user group. In the multivariable analysis of benzodiazepine use, we found alcohol consumption (OR 0.482; IC 95% 0.247, 0.238) had a negative association and having hepatitis C (OR 2.544, IC 95% 1.273, 5.084) or anxiety symptoms (OR 5.591; IC 95% 2.345, 13.326) had positive associations. DISCUSSION Our results suggest the BZD users had a complex drug addiction problem and underline the importance of adequately addressing BZD use, contemplating psychological and psychiatric approach in this particular population. CONCLUSION Past or current use of benzodiazepines is associated with poor clinical and psychiatric outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach with a focus on infectious diseases and mental health is critical in order to enhance the treatment effectiveness and overall prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Oliveira
- Psychiatry Department. Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca. Amadora. Portugal
| | - Rita Filipe
- Unidade de Saúde Pública. Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde Lisboa Ocidental e Oeiras. Oeiras. Portugal
| | - João Meira
- Drug Addiction Treatment Centre. Agualva-Cacém. Cacém. Portugal
| | - Lara Sampaio
- Drug Addiction Treatment Centre. Agualva-Cacém. Cacém. Portugal
| | - Leonor Teixeira
- Drug Addiction Treatment Centre. Agualva-Cacém. Cacém. Portugal
| | - Júlio Rodrigues
- Drug Addiction Treatment Centre. Agualva-Cacém. Cacém. Portugal
| | - Inês Nunes
- Drug Addiction Treatment Centre. Agualva-Cacém. Cacém. Portugal
| | - João Tavares
- Drug Addiction Treatment Centre. Agualva-Cacém. Cacém. Portugal
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Dahlman D, Ekefäll M, Garpenhag L. Health Literacy among Swedish Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 214:108186. [PMID: 32721789 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor health and unmet healthcare needs is common among people with substance use disorder (SUD) including patients in opioid substitution treatment (OST). Low health literacy (HL) is associated with poverty, low education and physical limitations, but is unexplored in an OST context. METHODS Mixed-methods were used. Participants were consecutively recruited by clinic staff or researcher, from five OST clinics in Malmö, Sweden, during September - November 2019. HL level was measured through HLS-EU-Q16 (n?=?286). Self-reported socioeconomic correlates of HL were analyzed through logistic regression. Patients' experiences of HL-related problems were assessed through six focus group interviews (n?=?23) moderated by an OST employee. RESULTS While 46% had sufficient HL (13-16 points of maximum 16), 32% did not receive a HL score due to too many missing answers. No correlates of sufficient HL level were found. Missing HL level was associated with low educational attainment (Ajusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.94; 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.13-3.32) and negatively associated with employment (AOR 0.28; 95% CI 0.11-0.71). Qualitative data revealed a diversity in participants' self-assessed capabilities, and problems associated with access, comprehension, trust and dependency on addiction-specific services. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that HL level is low, and identifies a number of concrete problems related to HL in the studied population. The results implicate a need for tailored interventions regarding health information among OST patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Malin Ekefäll
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars Garpenhag
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
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Brooks EM, Tong S. Implementing Office-Based Opioid Treatment Models in Primary Care. J Am Board Fam Med 2020; 33:512-20. [PMID: 32675262 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2020.04.190240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care practices are ideal sites for integrating medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, but little is known about how practices have achieved this. Our study aimed to describe the implementation experiences and treatment models of practices implementing MAT. METHODS We conducted a qualitative analysis of MAT integration at 26 practices across Virginia after the state implemented the Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) benefit in 2017. Data collection activities included interviews with clinic team members, including buprenorphine-waivered prescribers, behavioral health clinicians, care coordinators, and peer counselors. We used a template analysis approach to thematically analyze data. RESULTS Our study identified various ways in which MAT can be implemented in primary care clinics and other ambulatory settings. Although state regulations and treatment guidelines suggest colocating behavioral health counseling and medication management, providing care coordination, and conducting regular urine drug screens, we found a wide spectrum of ways in which practices can adapt and innovate treatment models to fit local needs. DISCUSSION As the fight against the opioid epidemic continues, we need to identify feasible and effective MAT treatment models and integration approaches for primary care.
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Kheradmand A, Amini Ranjbar Z, Zeynali Z, Sabahy AR, Nakhaee N. Sleep Quality and Sexual Function in Patients Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Int J High Risk Behav Addict 2015; 4:e23550. [PMID: 26870710 PMCID: PMC4744905 DOI: 10.5812/ijhrba.23550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone maintenance has remained the main modality of treatment for opioid dependent subjects. Side effects of methadone treatment may be potential obstacles to its continuation. Sleep quality and sexual function are two culture-based concerns, directly related to patients' compliance with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program. OBJECTIVES This research was conducted to examine the frequency of sleep disparity and sexual dysfunction in patients under MMT referring to MMT clinics of Kerman, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 198 adult subjects under MMT for more than 6 months were enrolled. Measurement tool consisted of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX), the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12), and a demographic questionnaire. The questionnaires were self-completed, except where individuals were illiterate. RESULTS Mean ± SD age of the subjects was 41.2 ± 7.9 years and 93.4% of them were male. More than half of them used heroin. Prevalence of poor sleeping and sexual dysfunction in patients under MMT were 67.7% and 18.2%, respectively. There was no association between sleep quality or sexual dysfunction and demographics or methadone dose. However, a significant correlation was observed between mental health and sleep quality (r =0.16, P = 0.033), and sexual function (r = 0.18, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Sleep quality showed a poorer profile than sexual function. Therefore, more emphasis should be laid on treatment of sleep disparity during follow up of MMT patients comparing to their sexual function. Patients should be reassured that probable sexual dysfunctions should not be regarded as a consequence of MMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kheradmand
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Taleghani Hospital, Research Development Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Zahra Amini Ranjbar
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Institute of Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran
| | - Zahra Zeynali
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Institute of Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran
| | - Abdol Reza Sabahy
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran
| | - Nouzar Nakhaee
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Nouzar Nakhaee, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran. Tel: +98-3432264196, Fax: +98-3432264198, E-mail:
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Hassamal S, Fernandez A, Moradi Rekabdarkolaee H, Pandurangi A. QTc Prolongation in Veterans With Heroin Dependence on Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Int J High Risk Behav Addict 2015; 4:e23819. [PMID: 26097838 PMCID: PMC4464576 DOI: 10.5812/ijhrba.4(2)2015.23819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: QTc prolongation and Torsade de Ppointes have been reported in patients on methadone maintenance. Objectives: In this study, QTc was compared before and after the veteran (n = 49) was on a stable dosage of methadone for 8.72 ± 4.50 years to treat heroin dependence. Risk factors were correlated with the QTc once the veteran was on a stable dose of methadone. Differences in the clinical risk factors in subgroups of veterans with below and above mean QTc change was compared. Patients and Methods: ECG data was obtained from a 12-lead electrocardiogram (pre-methadone and on methadone) on 49 veterans. Data and risk factors were retrospectively collected from the medical records. Results: The mean QTc at baseline (pre-methadone) was 426 ± 34 msec and after being on methadone for an average of 8.72 ± 4.50 years was significantly higher at 450 ± 35 msec. No significant relationships were found between QTc prolongation and risk factors except for calcium. The methadone dosage was significantly higher in veterans with a QTc change above the mean change of ≥ 24 msec (88.48 ± 27.20 mg v.s 68.96 ± 19.84 mg). None of the veterans experienced cardiac arrhythmias. Conclusions: The low complexity of medical co-morbidities may explain the lack of a significant correlation between any risk factor with the QTc except calcium and methadone dosage. The absence of TdP may be explained by the low prevalence of QTc values > 500 msec as well as the retrospective design of the study. During long-term methadone treatment, there was a slight increase in the QTc interval but we did not find evidence of increased cardiac toxicity as a reason for treatment termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Hassamal
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, USA
- Corresponding author: Sameer Hassamal, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, USA. Tel: +1-6263991005, E-mail:
| | - Antony Fernandez
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, USA
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Ananda Pandurangi
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, USA
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