1
|
Peavy KM, Klipsch A, Soma CS, Pace B, Imel ZE, Tanana MJ, Soth S, Ricardo-Bulis E, Atkins DC. Improving the quality of counseling and clinical supervision in opioid treatment programs: how can technology help? Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38245783 PMCID: PMC10799386 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00435-z] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic has resulted in expanded substance use treatment services and strained the clinical workforce serving people with opioid use disorder. Focusing on evidence-based counseling practices like motivational interviewing may be of interest to counselors and their supervisors, but time-intensive adherence tasks like recording and feedback are aspirational in busy community-based opioid treatment programs. The need to improve and systematize clinical training and supervision might be addressed by the growing field of machine learning and natural language-based technology, which can promote counseling skill via self- and supervisor-monitoring of counseling session recordings. METHODS Counselors in an opioid treatment program were provided with an opportunity to use an artificial intelligence based, HIPAA compliant recording and supervision platform (Lyssn.io) to record counseling sessions. We then conducted four focus groups-two with counselors and two with supervisors-to understand the integration of technology with practice and supervision. Questions centered on the acceptability of the clinical supervision software and its potential in an OTP setting; we conducted a thematic coding of the responses. RESULTS The clinical supervision software was experienced by counselors and clinical supervisors as beneficial to counselor training, professional development, and clinical supervision. Focus group participants reported that the clinical supervision software could help counselors learn and improve motivational interviewing skills. Counselors said that using the technology highlights the value of counseling encounters (versus paperwork). Clinical supervisors noted that the clinical supervision software could help meet national clinical supervision guidelines and local requirements. Counselors and clinical supervisors alike talked about some of the potential challenges of requiring session recording. CONCLUSIONS Implementing evidence-based counseling practices can help the population served in OTPs; another benefit of focusing on clinical skills is to emphasize and hold up counselors' roles as worthy. Machine learning technology can have a positive impact on clinical practices among counselors and clinical supervisors in opioid treatment programs, settings whose clinical workforce continues to be challenged by the opioid epidemic. Using technology to focus on clinical skill building may enhance counselors' and clinical supervisors' overall experiences in their places of work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Michelle Peavy
- PRISM, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Zac E Imel
- Lyssn.Io, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Sean Soth
- Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Enns B, Krebs E, Whitehurst DGT, Jutras-Aswad D, Le Foll B, Socias ME, Nosyk B. Cost-effectiveness of flexible take-home buprenorphine-naloxone versus methadone for treatment of prescription-type opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 247:109893. [PMID: 37120920 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109893] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness of flexible take-home buprenorphine-naloxone (BNX) versus methadone alongside the OPTIMA trial in Canada. METHODS The OPTIMA study was a pragmatic, open-label, noninferiority, two-arm randomized controlled trial, to assess the comparative effectiveness of flexible take-home BNX vs. methadone in routine clinical care for individuals with prescription-type opioid use disorder. We evaluated cost-effectiveness using a semi-Markov cohort model. Probabilities of overdose were calibrated, accounting for fentanyl prevalence and other overdose risk factors such as naloxone availability. We considered health sector and societal cost perspectives, including costs (2020 CAD) for treatment, health resource use, criminal activity, and health state-specific preference weights as outcomes to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Six-month and lifetime (3% annual discount rate) time-horizons were explored. RESULTS Over a lifetime time horizon, individuals accumulated -0.144 [CI: -0.302, -0.025] incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in BNX compared with methadone. Incremental costs were -$2047 [CI: -$39,197, $24,250] from a societal perspective, and -$4549 [CI: -$6332, -$3001] from a health sector perspective. Over a six-month time-horizon, individuals accumulated 0.002 [credible interval (CI): -0.011, 0.016] incremental QALYs in BNX compared with methadone. Incremental costs were -$307 [CI: -$10,385, $8466] from a societal perspective and -$1111 [CI: -$1517, -$631] from a health sector perspective. BNX was dominated (costlier, less effective) in 49.7% of simulations when adopting a societal perspective over a lifetime time horizon. CONCLUSIONS Flexible take-home BNX was not cost-effective versus methadone over a lifetime time horizon, resulting from better treatment retention in methadone compared to BNX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Enns
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David G T Whitehurst
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint-Denis Street, Montréal, QuébecH2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QuébecH3T1J4, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th floor, Toronto, OntarioM5T 1R8, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, OntarioM5T 3M7, Canada; Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, OntarioM5S 2S1, Canada; Acute Care Program, CAMH, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, OntarioM5S 2S1, Canada
| | - M Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Knight D, Nkya IH, West NS, Yang C, Kidorf M, Latkin C, Saleem HT. Economic, social, and clinic influences on opioid treatment program retention in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a qualitative study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:19. [PMID: 36973794 PMCID: PMC10042396 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00374-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are associated with positive health outcomes. People remaining on MOUD have a reduced likelihood of drug overdose and mortality. Tanzania supports a national opioid treatment program (OTP) offering MOUD, but retention is a continual challenge. To date, most research on MOUD retention in Tanzania and other Sub-Saharan Africa settings has been focused on the individual-level, with little attention to economic, social, and clinic-level factors. METHODS We qualitatively examined economic, social, and clinic factors that affect retention on MOUD, specifically methadone maintenance therapy, among former and current clients attending an OTP clinic Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews with a total of 40 current and former clients receiving MOUD and four focus groups with an additional 35 current clients on MOUD between January and April 2020. We utilized a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Daily OTP clinic attendance posed a financial burden to current and former clients and was a barrier to remaining on MOUD. Though treatment is free, clients described struggles to attend clinic, including being able to afford transportation. Female clients were differentially impacted, as sex work was the most common income-generating activity that they participated in, which presented its own set of unique challenges, including barriers to attending during set clinic hours. Drug use stigma acted as a barrier to MOUD and prevented clients from securing a job, rebuilding trust within the community, and accessing transportation to attend the clinic. Being able to rebuild trust with family facilitated remaining on MOUD, as family provided social and financial support. Caretaking responsibilities and familial expectations among female clients conflicted with MOUD adherence. Finally, clinic level factors, such as clinic dispensing hours and punitive consequences for breaking rules, posed barriers to clients on MOUD. CONCLUSION Social and structural factors, both within (e.g., clinic policies) and outside of (e.g., transportation) the clinic impact MOUD retention. Our findings can inform interventions and policies to address economic and social barriers to MOUD, that can contribute to sustained recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deja Knight
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Iddi Haruna Nkya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nora Solon West
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2213 McElderry Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Michael Kidorf
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Campus, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 North Broadway Avenue, Hampton House Room 737, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Haneefa T Saleem
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Henderson R, McInnes A, Danyluk A, Wadsworth I, Healy B, Crowshoe L. A realist review of best practices and contextual factors enhancing treatment of opioid dependence in Indigenous contexts. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:34. [PMID: 36932417 PMCID: PMC10022548 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00740-x] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to examine international literature to identify best practices for treatment of opioid dependence in Indigenous contexts. METHODS We utilized a systematic search to identify relevant literature. The literature was analysed using a realist review methodology supported by a two-step knowledge contextualization process, including a Knowledge Holders Gathering to initiate the literature search and analysis, and five consensus-building meetings to focus and synthesize relevant findings. A realist review methodology incorporates an analysis of the complex contextual factors in treatment by identifying program mechanisms, namely how and why different programs are effective in different contexts. RESULTS A total of 27 sources were identified that met inclusion criteria. Contextual factors contributing to opioid dependence described in the literature often included discussions of a complex interaction of social determinants of health in the sampled community. Twenty-four articles provided evidence of the importance of compassion in treatment. Compassion was evidenced primarily at the individual level, in interpersonal relationships based on nonjudgmental care and respect for the client, as well as in more holistic treatment programs beyond biophysical supports such as medically assisted treatment. Compassion was also shown to be important at the structural level in harm reduction policies. Twenty-five articles provided evidence of the importance of client self-determination in treatment programs. Client self-determination was evidenced primarily at the structural level, in community-based programs and collaborative partnerships based in trust and meaningful engagement but was also shown to be important at the individual level in client-directed care. Identified outcomes moved beyond a reduction in opioid use to include holistic health and wellness goals, such as improved life skills, self-esteem, feelings of safety, and healing at the individual level. Community-level outcomes were also identified, including more families kept intact, reduction in drug-related medical evacuations, criminal charges and child protection cases, and an increase in school attendance, cleanliness, and community spirit. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this realist review indicate compassion and self-determination as key program mechanisms that can support outcomes beyond reduced incidence of substance use to include mitigating systemic health inequities and addressing social determinants of health in Indigenous communities, ultimately healing the whole human being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Henderson
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Ashley McInnes
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ava Danyluk
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Bonnie Healy
- , Blood Tribe, AB, Canada
- Blackfoot Confederacy, Calgary, AB, T2H 2G5, Canada
| | - Lindsay Crowshoe
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salvador JG, Bolaños-Sacoman SL, Katzman JG, Morrison AE, Fox LE, Schneider JS, Bhatt SR, Kincaid TW, Waldorf VA. Evaluation and guide for embedding opioid use disorder education in health professions' curricula. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:135. [PMID: 36859298 PMCID: PMC9975819 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04088-5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality from Opioid Use Disorder is a health crisis in the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a devastating increase of 38.4% in overdose deaths from the 12-month period leading up to June 2019 compared with the 12-month period leading up to May 2020, primarily driven by synthetic opioids. Buprenorphine is an effective medication for opioid use disorder but uptake is slow due in part to lack of provider knowledge, confidence, and negative attitudes/stigma toward patients with OUD. Addressing these barriers in academic training is a promising approach to building workforce able to effectively treat opioid use disorder. METHODS Our university developed a training for pre-licensure physicians, physician assistants and psychiatric nurse practitioners that included the DATA Waiver training and a shadowing experience. Expected outcomes included improved knowledge, skills and attitudes about persons with OUD and buprenorphine treatment, plans to provide this treatment post-graduation, for pre-licensure learners to have completed all requirements to prescribe buprenorphine post-graduation, and for the training to be embedded into school's curricula. RESULTS Results were positive overall including improved knowledge and attitudes toward persons with OUD, better understanding of the benefits of this treatment for patients, increased confidence and motivation to provide this treatment post-graduation. The training is now embedded in each program's graduation requirements. CONCLUSION Developing a didactic and experiential training on buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder and embedding it into medical, physician assistant, and psychiatric nurse practitioner licensure programs can help prepare future providers to treat opioid use disorder in a range of settings. Key to replicating this program in other university settings is to engage faculty members who actively provide treatment to persons with OUD to ensure shadowing opportunities and serve as role models for learners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie G Salvador
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA.
| | | | - Joanna G Katzman
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA
| | - Ann E Morrison
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA
| | - Lindsay E Fox
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA
| | - Jennifer S Schneider
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA
| | - Snehal R Bhatt
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA
| | - Tyler W Kincaid
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA
| | - V Ann Waldorf
- Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM, MSC09 5030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lambdin BH, Kan D, Kral AH. Improving equity and access to buprenorphine treatment through telemedicine at syringe services programs. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:51. [PMID: 35841036 PMCID: PMC9283820 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00483-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims In the United States, access to buprenorphine remains low and disparities regarding who receives treatment have emerged. Federal laws have regulated buprenorphine delivery, ultimately limiting its implementation more broadly. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal agencies acted quickly to remove a legal barrier, effectively allowing people with opioid used disorder (OUD) to initiate buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine. Leveraging this policy shift, a low barrier buprenorphine treatment initiative via telemedicine was started at syringe service programs in California. We assessed early findings from participants reached by this model of treatment. Methods In May 2020, buprenorphine treatment was offered through a virtual platform to SSP participants in California. SSP staff connected interested participants to virtual appointments with medical providers in a private location. During these visits, clinicians conducted clinical assessments for diagnosing participants with OUD and developed an unsupervised home induction plan for individuals who were eligible. Participants were prescribed a 7-day supply of up to 16 mg daily buprenorphine or 16 mg buprenorphine-2 mg naloxone and asked to return the following week if interested in continuing treatment. Results From May 2020 to March 2021, the SSP-buprenorphine virtual care initiative inducted 115 participants onto treatment with 87% of participants inducted on the same day as their referral. Of those inducted, 58% were between the ages of 30 and 49 and 28% were cisgender female. Regarding participants’ method of payment to reimburse buprenorphine costs, 92% of participants were covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Overall, 64% of participants returned for a second buprenorphine prescription refill. Conclusions These early findings suggest that this could be a promising approach to improve equity and access to buprenorphine treatment. We encourage policymakers to continue allowing buprenorphine delivery via telemedicine and researchers to study whether this approach improves equity and access to treatment throughout the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barrot H Lambdin
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
| | - David Kan
- Bright Heart Health, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Alex H Kral
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pyra M, Taylor B, Flanagan E, Hotton A, Johnson O, Lamuda P, Schneider J, Pollack HA. Support for evidence-informed opioid policies and interventions: The role of racial attitudes, political affiliation, and opioid stigma. Prev Med 2022; 158:107034. [PMID: 35339585 PMCID: PMC9153069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Political affiliation, racial attitudes, and opioid stigma influence public support for public health responses to address opioid use disorders (OUD). Prior studies suggest public perceptions of the opioid epidemic are less racialized and less politically polarized than were public perceptions of the crack cocaine epidemic. Analyzing a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample (n = 1161 U.S. adults) from the October 2020 AmeriSpeak survey, we explored how political affiliation, racial attitudes (as captured in the Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale [CoBRAS]), and OUD stigma were associated with respondents' expressed views regarding four critical domains. Respondents with unfavorable attitudes towards Black Americans were less likely to support expanding Medicaid funding, increasing government spending to provide services for people living with OUD, and distributing naloxone for overdose prevention. Democratic Party affiliation was associated with greater support for all three of the above measures, and increased support for mandatory treatment, which may be seen as a substitute for more punitive interventions. Black respondents were also less likely to support expanding Medicaid funding, increasing government spending to provide services for people living with OUD, and of distributing naloxone. Our finding suggest that negative attitudes towards African-Americans and political differences remain important factors of public opinion on responding to the OUD epidemic, even after controlling for opioid stigma. Our findings also suggest that culturally-competent dialogue within politically conservative and Black communities may be important to engage public support for evidence-informed treatment and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pyra
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Bruce Taylor
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Flanagan
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Anna Hotton
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - O'Dell Johnson
- University of Arkansas Faye Boozman College of Public Health Southern Public Health and Criminal Justice Research Center, Little Rock, AR, United States of America
| | - Phoebe Lamuda
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Harold A Pollack
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Urban Health Lab, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
French R, Aronowitz SV, Carthon JMB, Schmidt HD, Compton P. Interventions for hospitalized medical and surgical patients with opioid use disorder: A systematic review. Subst Abus 2022; 43:495-507. [PMID: 34283698 PMCID: PMC8991391 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1949663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Concurrent with the opioid overdose crisis there has been an increase in hospitalizations among people with opioid use disorder (OUD), with one in ten hospitalized medical or surgical patients having comorbid opioid-related diagnoses. We sought to conduct a systematic review of hospital-based interventions, their staffing composition, and their impact on outcomes for patients with OUD hospitalized for medical or surgical conditions. Methods: Authors searched PubMed MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and CINAHL from January 2015 through October 2020. The authors screened 463 titles and abstracts for inclusion and reviewed 96 full-text studies. Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria. Extracted were study characteristics, outcomes, and intervention components. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Methodological Quality Rating Scale. Results: Ten of the 17 included studies were controlled retrospective cohort studies, five were uncontrolled retrospective studies, one was a prospective quasi-experimental evaluation, and one was a secondary analysis of a completed randomized clinical trial. Intervention components and outcomes varied across studies. Outcomes included in-hospital initiation and post-discharge connection to medication for OUD, healthcare utilization, and discharge against medical advice. Results were mixed regarding the impact of existing interventions on outcomes. Most studies focused on linkage to medication for OUD during hospitalization and connection to post-discharge OUD care. Conclusions: Given that many individuals with OUD require hospitalization, there is a need for OUD-related interventions for this patient population. Interventions with the best evidence of efficacy facilitated connection to post-discharge OUD care and employed an Addiction Medicine Consult model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel French
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shoshana V. Aronowitz
- Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - J. Margo Brooks Carthon
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heath D. Schmidt
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peggy Compton
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
O'Grady MA, Neighbors CJ, Randrianarivony R, Shapiro-Luft D, Tempchin J, Perez-Cubillan Y, Collymore DC, Martin K, Heyward N, Wu M, Beacham A, Greenfield B. Identifying the Physical and Mental Healthcare Needs of Opioid Treatment Program Clients. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1164-1169. [PMID: 35440294 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2064508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) often have significant medical and behavioral health needs that are unaddressed. Opioid treatment programs (OTP) are uniquely positioned to provide integrated services for OUD, physical and mental health but are underutilized for this purpose. This study aims to describe the physical and mental healthcare needs of OTP clients in order to inform integrated care implementation in OTPs. Method: OTP clients (n = 1261) in an integrated care program in the Bronx borough of New York City were assessed for mental health symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression), chronic disease indicators (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol), and general functioning (e.g., capability of managing healthcare needs). Results: Symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression were common. Self-reported health status and level of functioning were generally poor. Heavy smoking and obesity were the most frequent physical health risks. Other chronic disease indicators (e.g., blood pressure) showed 25-46% may be at risk. Sixty percent had multiple mental health risks and 85% had multiple physical health risks. Older clients had a higher rate of hypertension and diabetes risk than younger clients. Conclusions: Integrated care programs in OTPs must be prepared to address and coordinate care for chronic mental and physical health conditions in addition to OUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A O'Grady
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Charles J Neighbors
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Jacob Tempchin
- Partnership to End Addiction, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nyasia Heyward
- New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Morgan Wu
- Partnership to End Addiction, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Alexa Beacham
- Partnership to End Addiction, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Belinda Greenfield
- New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Albany, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kitchen SA, McCormack D, Werb D, Caudarella A, Martins D, Matheson FI, Gomes T. Trends and outcomes of serious complications associated with non-fatal opioid overdoses in Ontario, Canada. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 225:108830. [PMID: 34182376 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-fatal opioid overdoses can lead to serious complications and consequently, long-term health effects. We sought to characterize trends of hospitalizations for serious complications associated with opioid overdoses in Ontario, Canada and report health services utilization and mortality in the year following hospital discharge. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in Ontario among individuals who experienced a hospitalization for a serious complication (required intubation, rhabdomyolysis, or a brain injury) associated with an opioid overdose between 2010 and 2019. We examined inpatient characteristics at the time of hospital admission, and health services utilization and mortality rates in the year following hospital discharge. RESULTS The rate of hospitalizations for serious complications associated with opioid overdoses increased by 66.7 % from 1.8 per 100,000 population in 2010 to 3.0 per 100,000 population in 2019 in Ontario. Individuals that were discharged alive from hospital experienced high health services utilization in the following year; 71.2 % (N = 953 of 1,338) visited the emergency department (ED), 34.2 % (N = 458) were admitted to hospital, and 16.4 % (N = 219) were treated in hospital for an opioid overdose. However only a quarter of individuals (N = 332; 24.8 %) initiated on opioid agonist therapy within 90 days. Additionally, 8.0 % (N = 127) of hospitalizations resulted in death within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights increasing rates of serious complications associated with opioid overdoses, with a high demand of health services and a high mortality rate in the following year. These findings highlight an ongoing need for support and harm reduction services to allow for early intervention and follow-up care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Kitchen
- Unity Health Toronto and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Daniel McCormack
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Unity Health Toronto and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Alexander Caudarella
- Mental Health and Addictions Service, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Diana Martins
- Unity Health Toronto and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Flora I Matheson
- Unity Health Toronto and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Unity Health Toronto and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schwartz LP, Blank L, Hursh SR. Behavioral economic demand in opioid treatment: Predictive validity of hypothetical purchase tasks for heroin, cocaine, and benzodiazepines. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 221:108562. [PMID: 33556658 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral economics provides a framework in which to understand choice and motivation in the field of substance use disorders. Hypothetical purchase tasks (HPT), which indicate the amount or probability of purchasing substances at different prices, have been suggested as a clinical tool that can help predict future substance use and identify targets for intervention. METHODS Hypothetical demand for heroin, cocaine, and benzodiazepines was assessed at baseline and after six-months in 52 opioid-agonist treatment patients. The results were analyzed using a novel exponential demand equation (normalized zero-bounded exponential model [ZBEn]) that uses a log-like transform that accommodates zero consumption values. RESULTS Demand for these drugs was well described by the ZBEn model. After six months, demand intensity for heroin was decreased and demand metrics for cocaine and benzodiazepines increased. Multiple demand curve indices at baseline predicted the percentage of drug-positive urinalysis results at follow-up, even after controlling for covariates. Additionally, participants were divided into High and Low baseline demand groups for each drug based on demand indices. Participants with High demand at baseline for 8 out of 9 groups had significantly more drug-positive urine samples in the subsequent 6-month period. CONCLUSIONS This report provides evidence that demand assessment is predictive of future substance use and could help guide treatment planning at intake. These results also demonstrated that the ZBEn model provides good fits to consumption data and allows for sensitive statistical analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay P Schwartz
- Applied Behavioral Research, Institutes for Behavior Resources, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Steven R Hursh
- Applied Behavioral Research, Institutes for Behavior Resources, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sherbuk JE, Knick TK, Canan C, Ross P, Helbert B, Cantrell ES, Cantrell CJ, Stallings R, Barron N, Jordan D, McManus KA, Dillingham R. Development of an Interdisciplinary Telehealth Model of Provider Training and Comprehensive Care for Hepatitis C and Opioid Use Disorder in a High-Burden Region. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:S354-S364. [PMID: 32877562 PMCID: PMC7467249 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the opioid epidemic disproportionately affect the Appalachian region. Geographic and financial barriers prevent access to specialty care. Interventions are needed to address the HCV-opioid syndemic in this region. METHODS We developed an innovative, collaborative telehealth model in Southwest Virginia featuring bidirectional referrals from and to comprehensive harm reduction (CHR) programs and office-based opioid therapy (OBOT), as well as workforce development through local provider training in HCV management. We aimed to (1) describe the implementation process of provider training and (2) assess the effectiveness of the telehealth model by monitoring patient outcomes in the first year. RESULTS The provider training model moved from a graduated autonomy model with direct specialist supervision to a 1-day workshop with parallel tracks for providers and support staff followed by monthly case conferences. Forty-four providers and support staff attended training. Eight providers have begun treating independently. For the telehealth component, 123 people were referred, with 62% referred from partner OBOT or CHR sites; 103 (84%) attended a visit, 93 (76%) completed the treatment course, and 61 (50%) have achieved sustained virologic response. Rates of sustained virologic response did not differ by receipt of treatment for opioid use disorder. CONCLUSIONS Providers demonstrated a preference for an in-person training workshop, though further investigation is needed to determine why only a minority of those trained have begun treating HCV independently. The interdisciplinary nature of this program led to efficient treatment of hepatitis C in a real-world population with a majority of patients referred from OBOTs and CHR programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Sherbuk
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Terry Kemp Knick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Chelsea Canan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Patrice Ross
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Bailey Helbert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Rachel Stallings
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Disease Prevention, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicole Barron
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Disease Prevention, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Diana Jordan
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Disease Prevention, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kathleen A McManus
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gruß I, Firemark A, Mayhew M, McMullen CK, DeBar LL. Taking opioids in times of crisis: Institutional oversight, chronic pain and suffering in an integrated healthcare delivery system in the U.S. Int J Drug Policy 2019; 74:62-68. [PMID: 31536957 PMCID: PMC6893145 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid treatment for chronic pain has garnered heightened public attention and political pressure to control a devastating public health crisis in the United States (U.S.). Resulting policy changes, together with ongoing public and political attention, have pushed health care systems and providers to lower doses or deprescribe and taper patients off opioids. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of such practice changes on patients who had relied on opioid treatment to manage their chronic pain. The aim of this article is to explore experiences with opioid-related care under aggressive tapering efforts and concomitant heightened monitoring and institutional oversight among patients with chronic pain in an integrated delivery system through in-depth interviews. METHODS We interviewed 97 patients with chronic pain who were assigned to the usual care arm of the Pain Program for Active Coping and Training (PPACT) study. These patients had been prescribed opioids as part of their treatment regimens and taken opioids closely monitored by their health care providers. We followed the framework method for coding and analysing transcripts using NVivo 12. RESULTS The experiences of these patients during this period of change can be understood through three interconnected themes: (1) many patients taking opioids experience debilitating physical side effects; (2) navigating opioid treatment contributes to significant emotional distress among many patients with chronic pain and; (3) the quality of patients' relationship with their primary care provider can be negatively affected by negotiations regarding long-term opioid treatment for chronic pain. CONCLUSION We highlight the importance of utilizing communication approaches that are patient-centered and include shared decision making during the tapering and/or deprescribing processes of opioids and ensuring alternative pain treatments are available to patients with chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga Gruß
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, 3800 N. Interstate, Portland, OR 97227, United States.
| | - Alison Firemark
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, 3800 N. Interstate, Portland, OR 97227, United States.
| | - Meghan Mayhew
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, 3800 N. Interstate, Portland, OR 97227, United States.
| | - Carmit K McMullen
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, 3800 N. Interstate, Portland, OR 97227, United States.
| | - Lynn L DeBar
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Ave, Suite 1600, Seattle, WA 98101-1466, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Havens JR, Walsh SL, Korthuis PT, Fiellin DA. Implementing Treatment of Opioid-Use Disorder in Rural Settings: a Focus on HIV and Hepatitis C Prevention and Treatment. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:315-323. [PMID: 29948609 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0402-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the epidemiology of opioid-use disorder in the rural United States (U.S.) as it pertains to HIV and hepatitis C transmission and treatment resources. RECENT FINDINGS Heroin and fentanyl analogs have surpassed prescription opioids in their availability in rural opioid markets adding to HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) and overdose risks. Only 18% of rural individuals live in towns with inpatient services which are of limited quality and utility. Opioid treatment programs that provide methadone are not located in rural areas and only 3% of the primary care providers have the ability to prescribe buprenorphine. National models and resources have been established but lack implementation in rural areas leading to ongoing HIV and HCV transmission and overdose. Addressing the adverse impact of opioids in the rural U.S. will require a concerted effort to implement effective treatments according to national standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addition Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David A Fiellin
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kraemer KL, McGinnis KA, Fiellin DA, Skanderson M, Gordon AJ, Robbins J, Zickmund S, Bryant K, Korthuis PT. Low levels of initiation, engagement, and retention in substance use disorder treatment including pharmacotherapy among HIV-infected and uninfected veterans. J Subst Abuse Treat 2019; 103:23-32. [PMID: 31229189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common in healthcare settings and contribute to poor outcomes, particularly in patients living with HIV. We assessed initiation, engagement, and retention in SUD treatment and pharmacotherapy following an index SUD episode in a national sample of HIV-infected and uninfected patients receiving care in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. METHODS We used electronic national VA data (years 2000-2015) from 52,995 HIV-infected and 111,229 age-, race-, gender-, and region-matched uninfected patients. We defined index SUD episodes as outpatient visits or inpatient/residential admissions with associated primary or secondary ICD-9 codes for substance use in patients without SUD-related services or pharmacotherapy in the preceding 5 months. RESULTS Overall, 57,428 (35%) patients had at least 1 index SUD episode. HIV-infected patients were more likely than uninfected controls to have at least one index SUD episode (35.7% vs. 34.6%; p < .001). Rates of initiation, engagement, and retention in SUD treatment after the index SUD episode were <17% for both groups. In adjusted models, HIV-infected patients were more likely than uninfected patients to be retained in SUD treatment at 6 months (Odds Ratio 1.10; 95% Confidence Interval 1.04-1.16). SUD pharmacotherapy initiation and engagement was uncommon in both HIV-infected and uninfected patients. CONCLUSIONS In this national VA sample, initiation of SUD treatment and pharmacotherapy were uncommon for both HIV-infected and uninfected patients. Interventions to improve initiation, engagement, and retention in the full range of services, including SUD pharmacotherapy, are warranted for all patients with SUD in the VA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Kraemer
- Center for Research on Health Care, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 230 McKee Place, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 4100 Allequippa Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Kathleen A McGinnis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, Boardman 110, P.O. Box 208056, New Haven, CT 06520-8056, United States
| | - David A Fiellin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, Boardman 110, P.O. Box 208056, New Haven, CT 06520-8056, United States; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College Street, Suite 200, New Haven, CT 06510-2483, United States
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, Boardman 110, P.O. Box 208056, New Haven, CT 06520-8056, United States
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States; Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center (IDEAS), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, United States
| | - Jonathan Robbins
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road L475, Portland, OR 97239-3098, United States
| | - Susan Zickmund
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States; Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center (IDEAS), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, United States
| | - Kendall Bryant
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 6700B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-6902, United States
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road L475, Portland, OR 97239-3098, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Haley SJ, Maroko AR, Wyka K, Baker MR. The association between county-level safety net treatment access and opioid hospitalizations and mortality in New York. J Subst Abuse Treat 2019; 100:52-58. [PMID: 30898328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in pharmaceutical opioid sales have paralleled the quadrupling of prescription opioid overdose deaths and spikes in emergency department visits for non-medical opioid prescription overdoses. In response, federal and state governments have advanced a myriad of policies to reduce opioid availability and increase treatment access, aimed to ultimately reduce opioid-related mortality. Despite these efforts, including ACA Medicaid expansion and more robust prescription drug monitoring programs, opioid-related mortality has continued to rise in NY and 29 other states. This study examined whether geographic access to Federally Qualified Health Centers, opioid treatment programs, and buprenorphine providers mitigated opioid-related hospital visits (emergency department, inpatient, and all visits) and mortality, by county, between 2012 and 2014. METHODS The authors examined the relationships among opioid-related health outcomes and geographic access to treatment options using spatial error regression models at the county (n = 62) level in 2012 and 2014. Z-tests further assessed significant differences in access coefficients between 2012 and 2014. RESULTS Of the 62 counties in New York State in 2014, 54 (87.1%) showed increased opioid overdose-related emergency department rates (t = 9.125, p < 0.001), and 37 (59.7%) showed mortality rate increases (t = 1.687, p < 0.1), compared to 2012. Regression models demonstrated significant negative relationships between county-level opioid-related mortality rates and geographic access to opioid treatment programs, Federally Qualified Health Centers in both 2012 and 2014 and buprenorphine providers concentration in 2014 while adjusting for county socio-demographics (all p values < 0.05). Access coefficients were not significantly different between 2012 and 2014 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Greater geographic access to treatment services was protective against opioid-related mortality. Access to opioid treatment may not be sufficient to mitigate opioid-related hospital visits or mortality, but may offset climbing mortality rates in select counties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Haley
- Department of Health Policy and Management, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Andrew R Maroko
- Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Katarzyna Wyka
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Margaret Ryerson Baker
- Institute of Implementation Science and Population Health, Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Monico LB, Mitchell SG. Patient perspectives of transitioning from prescription opioids to heroin and the role of route of administration. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2018; 13:4. [PMID: 29378623 PMCID: PMC5789586 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-017-0137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background As the availability of prescription opioids decreases and the availability of heroin increases, some prescription opioid users are transitioning to heroin. This study seeks to explore factors associated with respondents’ transition from prescription opioid use to heroin. Methods In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 20) were conducted with buprenorphine patients in an opioid treatment program. Respondents were predominantly White (n = 13) and male (n = 13), with a range of treatment tenure (4 days to 2 years). Results A vast majority of respondents in this study (n = 15) initiated opioid use with either licit (n = 8) or illicit (n = 7) prescription opioids (e.g. hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine). Of these respondents, all but two transitioned from prescription opioids to heroin (n = 13). For those respondents who transitioned to heroin, most initiated heroin use intranasally (n = 12), after using prescription opioids in the same manner (n = 9), but before using heroin intravenously (n = 9). Respondents attributed this transition between substances to common explanations, such as “it’s cheaper” and “the same thing as pills.” However, respondents also dispel these myths by describing: 1) heroin quality is always uncertain, often resulting in spending more money over time; 2) dramatic increases in tolerance, resulting in spending more money over time and transitioning to intravenous use; 3) more severe withdrawal symptoms, especially when respondents transitioned to intravenous use. Conclusions Understanding how route of administration and common myths shape key transition points for opioid users will allow practitioners to develop effective harm reduction and prevention materials that target individuals already using prescription opioids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Monico
- Friends Research Institute, 1040 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lambdin BH, Lorvick J, Mbwambo JK, Rwegasha J, Hassan S, Lum P, Kral AH. Prevalence and predictors of HCV among a cohort of opioid treatment patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Int J Drug Policy 2017; 45:64-69. [PMID: 28628854 PMCID: PMC6166640 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The government of Tanzania launched an opioid treatment program (OTP), using methadone, in Dar es Salaam in February of 2011. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, especially among people who inject drugs (PWID). We conducted a cross-sectional study among PWID engaged in OTP in Dar es Salaam to describe the prevalence and predictors of HCV antibody serostatus. METHODS Routine programmatic data on patients enrolled in Muhimbili National Hospital's OTP clinic from February 2011 to January 2013 were utilized. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to examine factors associated with HCV antibody serostatus. RESULTS A total of 630 PWID enrolled into the OTP clinic during the study period, seven percent of which were women. The overall seroprevalence of HCV antibody was 57% (95% Confidence interval: 53-61%). In adjusted analysis, methadone patients who used heroin for 5-10 years (adjusted prevalence ratio; aPR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.10-1.81) and >10years (aPR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.17-1.88) were more likely to be HCV antibody positive, compared to patients who used heroin for <5years. Patients who reported sharing needles or other equipment at their last injection (aPR=1.20; 95% CI: 1.01-1.41; p=0.022), being arrested (aPR=1.20; 95% CI: 1.04-1.40; p=0.012) and who were HIV-positive (aPR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.56-2.16; p<0.001) were also more likely to be HCV antibody positive than their counterparts. CONCLUSION Our observed HCV antibody prevalence among PWID engaged in OTP is higher than previously reported estimates in Dar es Salaam. Predictors of HCV antibody serostatus in this sample were similar to those found among PWID in many other settings. Integrating HCV care and treatment into OTP clinics should be considered, leveraging lessons learned from the integration of HIV services into OTP. Global efforts to develop HCV care and treatment programs in low and middle-income countries are critical, especially among PWID who have a high burden of HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barrot H Lambdin
- RTI-International, San Francisco, CA , United States; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | | | - Jessie K Mbwambo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - John Rwegasha
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Paula Lum
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alex H Kral
- RTI-International, San Francisco, CA , United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Olesen SS, Poulsen JL, Broberg MCH, Madzak A, Drewes AM. Opioid treatment and hypoalbuminemia are associated with increased hospitalisation rates in chronic pancreatitis outpatients. Pancreatology 2016; 16:807-13. [PMID: 27320721 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex and debilitating disease with high resource utilisation. Prospective data on hospital admission rates and associated risk factors are scarce. We investigated hospitalisation rates, causes of hospitalisations and associated risk factors in CP outpatients. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study comprising 170 patients with CP. The primary outcome was time to first pancreatitis related hospitalisation and secondary outcomes were the annual hospitalisation frequency (hospitalisation burden) and causes of hospitalisations. A number of clinical and demographic parameters, including pain pattern and severity, opioid use and parameters related to the nutritional state, were analysed for their association with hospitalisation rates. RESULTS Of the 170 patients, 57 (33.5%) were hospitalised during the follow-up period (median 11.4 months [IQR 3.8-26.4]). The cumulative hospitalisation incidence was 7.6% (95% CI; 4.5-12.2) after 30 days and 28.8% (95% CI; 22.2-35.7) after 1 year. Eighteen of the hospitalised patients (32%) had three or more admissions per year. High dose opioid treatment (>100 mg per day) (Hazard Ratio 3.1 [95% CI; 1.1-8.5]; P = 0.03) and hypoalbuminemia (<36 g/l) (Hazard Ratio 3.8 [95% CI; 2.0-7.8]; P < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for hospitalisation. The most frequent causes of hospitalisations were pain exacerbation (40%) and common bile duct stenosis (28%). CONCLUSIONS One-third of CP outpatients account for the majority of hospital admissions and associated risk factors are high dose opioid treatment and hypoalbuminemia. This information should be implemented in outpatient monitoring strategies to identify risk patients and improve treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Søren S Olesen
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Jakob Lykke Poulsen
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marie C H Broberg
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Adnan Madzak
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn M Drewes
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pilat D, Piotrowska A, Rojewska E, Jurga A, Ślusarczyk J, Makuch W, Basta-Kaim A, Przewlocka B, Mika J. Blockade of IL-18 signaling diminished neuropathic pain and enhanced the efficacy of morphine and buprenorphine. Mol Cell Neurosci 2016; 71:114-24. [PMID: 26763728 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the low efficacy of antinociceptive drugs for the treatment of neuropathic pain is a major therapeutic problem. Here, we show the potential role of interleukin (IL)-18 signaling in this phenomenon. IL-18 is an important molecule that performs various crucial functions, including the alteration of nociceptive transmission in response to neuropathic pain. We have studied the changes in the mRNA and protein levels (qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively) of IL-18, IL-18-binding protein (IL-18BP) and the IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) over time in rats following chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Our study demonstrated that the spinal levels of IL-18BP were slightly downregulated at days 7 and 14 in the rats subjected to CCI. In contrast, the IL-18 and IL-18R mRNA expression and protein levels were elevated in the ipsilateral spinal cord on days 2, 7 and 14. Moreover, in rats exposed to a single intrathecal administration of IL-18BP (50 and 100 ng) 7 or 14 days following CCI, symptoms of neuropathic pain were attenuated, and the analgesia pursuant to morphine and buprenorphine (0.5 and 2.5 μg) was enhanced. In summary, the restoration of the analgesic activity of morphine and buprenorphine via the blockade of IL-18 signaling suggests that increased IL-18 pathway may account for the decreased analgesic efficacy of opioids for neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Pilat
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Anna Piotrowska
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Ewelina Rojewska
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jurga
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Joanna Ślusarczyk
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Wioletta Makuch
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Barbara Przewlocka
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Joanna Mika
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the undisputed effectiveness of agonist maintenance for opioid dependence, individuals can remain on waitlists for months, during which they are at significant risk for morbidity and mortality. To mitigate these risks, the Food and Drug Administration in 1993 approved interim treatment, involving daily medication+emergency counseling only, when only a waitlist is otherwise available. We review the published research in the 20years since the approval of interim opioid treatment. METHODS A literature search was conducted to identify all randomized trials evaluating the efficacy of interim treatment for opioid-dependent patients awaiting comprehensive treatment. RESULTS Interim opioid treatment has been evaluated in four controlled trials to date. In three, interim treatment was compared to waitlist or placebo control conditions and produced greater outcomes on measures of illicit opioid use, retention, criminality, and likelihood of entry into comprehensive treatment. In the fourth, interim treatment was compared to standard methadone maintenance and produced comparable outcomes in illicit opioid use, retention, and criminal activity. CONCLUSIONS Interim treatment significantly reduces patient and societal risks when conventional treatment is unavailable. Further research is needed to examine the generality of these findings, further enhance outcomes, and identify the patient characteristics which predict treatment response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey C Sigmon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lev R, Petro S, Lee A, Lee O, Lucas J, Castillo EM, Egnatios J, Vilke GM. Methadone related deaths compared to all prescription related deaths. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 257:347-352. [PMID: 26513639 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone is increasingly implicated in unintentional overdose deaths. Despite major interventions, rates continue to remain high. One primary intervention, Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) are limited in their ability to impact this epidemic due to federal law restricting Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) from sharing data to PDMPs, despite being a major source of Methadone dispensing. METHODS This retrospective, observational study analyzed all prescription-related deaths occurring in San Diego County during the year 2013 with a specific focus on methadone-related deaths. All patients designated by medical examiner to have died by unintentional prescription were then referenced in the California PDMP, the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). RESULTS As a whole, patients who died had a high number of average prescriptions, 21, and averaged 4.5 different providers, and three different pharmacies. Methadone-related deaths (MRD) accounted for 46 out of the 254 total patient deaths (18.1%). Methadone prescriptions were found in 14 patients with PDMP reports, 10 of who had methadone on toxicology report. Notably, 100% of methadone prescribed by primary care specialists. MRD patients were less likely to have toxicology reports matching PDMP data compared to other related drug deaths (20.6 vs. 61.2%, p<0.0001). Of the 46 methadone deaths, only 10 (29.4%) had prescriptions for methadone recorded in the database. Out of the 51 patients with only one drug recorded at death, methadone was most common (n=12; 23.5%). While all deaths had a notably high rate of chronic prescriptions at death (68.8% compared to 2% for all patients in CURES), there was no significant difference between MRD and other drug-related deaths (73.5 vs. 67.8%, p=0.68, respectively). MRD patients were less likely than other drug patients to have matching PDMP data without any illicit substance or alcohol (14.7 vs. 41.4%, p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION Methadone is a long-acting opioid that carries a higher risk profile than other opioids. In San Diego, the great majority of MRD had no data on methadone in the statewide PDMP database, bringing to question the restriction of OTP clinics from uploading information into the database. A risk-benefit analysis should be made to consider changing laws that would allow for OTP to input data into PDMP. OTP should make it standard of care to check PDMP data on their patients. Methadone prescribed for pain management should be limited to the most compliant patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roneet Lev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Sean Petro
- University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ariella Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA; University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Oren Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA; University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lucas
- San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Edward M Castillo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Egnatios
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gary M Vilke
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fenn JM, Laurent JS, Sigmon SC. Increases in body mass index following initiation of methadone treatment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2014; 51:59-63. [PMID: 25441923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the clear efficacy of methadone for opioid dependence, one less desirable phenomenon associated with methadone may be weight gain. We examined changes in body mass index (BMI) among patients entering methadone treatment. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 96 patients enrolled in an outpatient methadone clinic for ≥ 6 months. The primary outcome of BMI was assessed at intake and a subsequent physical examination approximately 1.8 ± 0.95 years later. Demographic, drug use and treatment characteristics were also examined. There was a significant increase in BMI following intake (p<0.001). Mean BMIs increased from 27.2 ± 6.8 to 30.1 ± 7.7 kg/m(2), translating to a 17.8-pound increase (10% increase in body weight) in the overall patient sample. Gender was the strongest predictor of BMI changes (p < 0.001), with significantly greater BMI increases in females than males (5.2 vs. 1.7 kg/m(2), respectively). This translates to a 28-pound (17.5%) increase in females vs. a 12-pound (6.4%) increase in males. In summary, methadone treatment enrollment was associated with clinically significant weight gain, particularly among female patients. This study highlights the importance of efforts to help patients mitigate weight gain during treatment, particularly considering the significant health and economic consequences of obesity for individuals and society more generally.
Collapse
|