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Le AB, Urban-Wojcik E, Seewald M, Mezuk BR. The Relationship Between Workplace Drug Policies, Opioid Misuse, and Psychological Distress: Evidence From the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. New Solut 2024; 34:22-37. [PMID: 38332622 PMCID: PMC11003197 DOI: 10.1177/10482911241231523] [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] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Background: This study, using a nationally representative dataset of the U.S. workforce, examines how punitive workplace drug policies relate to opioid use/misuse and psychological distress. Methods: The sample included adults aged ≥18 years who participated in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and were employed in 2020. Hierarchical multivariate logistical models were constructed to address the research questions. Results: The weighted, design-based estimates indicate that of 147 831 081 workers, 3.38% reported misusing opioids in the last 12 months. Having a punitive workplace policy was associated with higher rates of opioid use/misuse among workers aged ≤ 34 compared to their same-aged counterparts in nonpunitive workplaces, and among workers identifying as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color who also experienced severe psychological distress the past year. Conclusion: Some employers may think drug testing policies are net-beneficial to worker well-being; these findings indicate such policies may interact in harmful ways with psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora B. Le
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Emily Urban-Wojcik
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meghan Seewald
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Briana R. Mezuk
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Wrathall M, Cristiano N, Walters D, Cullen G, Hathaway A. Examining the impact of legalization on the prevalence of driving after using cannabis: A comparison of rural and non-rural parts of Canada. Traffic Inj Prev 2024; 25:571-578. [PMID: 38572920 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2024.2333908] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the likelihood of driving after using cannabis, and of being a passenger with someone who is driving after using cannabis, in rural areas and non-rural areas before and after legalization. METHODS A multi-wave analysis of Canada's National Cannabis Survey was conducted using logistic regression with interactions to predict the prevalence of driving after using cannabis, and of being a passenger with someone who is driving after using cannabis, in relation to place of residence (rural or non-rural) and in the weeks and months before and after legalization. Three time points were compared: pre-legalization, two months following legalization and 1 year after legalization. RESULTS At the national level, there are no significant differences between the predicted estimates of driving after using cannabis for those who live in rural and non-rural areas. However, when examining the impact of legalization, we found a significant increase in driving after using cannabis among rural residents directly following legalization. Furthermore, it was observed that this increase in driving after using cannabis returns to pre-legalization rates one year after legalization. By contrast, in the weeks and months following legalization, driving after using cannabis decreased among those living in non-rural areas, and slowly increased soon thereafter. No significant differences were observed, in either time period or group, in the prevalence of being a passenger with someone who is driving after using cannabis. CONCLUSIONS The finding of significantly higher risk of driving after use of cannabis soon after legalization in rural areas suggests a need for more attention to address immediate concerns for public safety. The increased potential for traffic injuries and deaths in other jurisdictions contemplating legalization supports the call for more and better targeted prevention efforts in rural communities that have far too often been overlooked and under-served.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Wrathall
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick Cristiano
- Department of Policing and Community Well-Being, Trent University Durham, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Walters
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greggory Cullen
- Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Hathaway
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Winstock AR. Nitrous oxide: The label 'potentially addictive' may do more harm than good. Addiction 2024; 119:623-624. [PMID: 38183384 DOI: 10.1111/add.16426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Rohan Winstock
- University College London, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, London, UK
- Global Drug Survey, London, UK
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Singh VJ, Roy V, Singhal S, Daga M. Pharmacoeconomics of medicines used for geriatric individuals in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Indian J Med Res 2024; 159:143-152. [PMID: 38577855 PMCID: PMC11050745 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_2507_21] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES Expenditure on healthcare is a major concern in the geriatric age group. The current study was carried out to assess the expenditure patterns on medicines utilized in geriatric inpatients. METHODS An observational study was conducted on 1000 geriatric inpatients, aged ≥60 yr, admitted to the medicine unit. Data were collected regarding demographic characteristics, prescribed medicines, expenditure incurred on medicines, appropriateness of medicines prescribed and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Appropriateness of the prescribed medicines was determined using the American Geriatrics Society 2015 Updated Beers Criteria. RESULTS Geriatric inpatients comprised 41.3 per cent of the total individuals admitted in the ward during the study period. A total of 8366 medicines were prescribed in 127 formulations. The total expenditure on prescribed medicines was INR 1,087,175 with a per capita expenditure of INR 1087.17. Parenteral medicines accounted for 91 per cent of the expenditure on medicines. Maximum expenditure (70%) was incurred on 11.9 per cent of the medicines prescribed. The per capita expenditure was significantly higher in individuals with comorbidities (P=0.03) and those who had a longer duration of hospital stay (P<0.0001). About 28.1 per cent prescriptions were inappropriate. ADRs (140) were observed in 139 (13.9%) inpatients. Individuals with inappropriate medicines prescriptions and ADRs had a longer duration of hospital stay and more number of medicines prescribed. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS Comorbidities, prolonged hospitalization, polypharmacy, inappropriate medicines and parenteral medicines being prescribed contribute to increased expenditure on medicines in geriatric inpatients. In view of the rising number of geriatric inpatients, there is a need to frame a drug policy for them along with surveillance of expenditure on prescribed medicines. This needs to be treated as a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Jit Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Vandana Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Shubha Singhal
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
| | - M.K. Daga
- Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
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Golichenko M, Chu SKH, Lehman R. Maternal health and human rights impacts of Russian drug policy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:358-363. [PMID: 37927165 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15214] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
This article describes how Russian drug policy defies international ethical standards in patient care and violates the human rights of pregnant people who use drugs. While the CEDAW Committee previously found Russia to be in violation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) by failing to ensure that pregnant people have access to gender-sensitive drug dependence treatment, to date the Committee has refused to address the role of drug criminalization in enabling this human rights violation. This article outlines the gendered impacts of Russia's punitive approach to drug use, including its detrimental effects on maternal health, and concludes by urging the CEDAW Committee to follow the approach of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the UN Chief Executives, the World Health Organization, and UNAIDS, as well as senior UN lawyers and international legal experts to assess drug criminalization critically through the prism of the CEDAW convention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renée Lehman
- Faculty of Law, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Lalanne L, Roux P, Donadille C, Briand Madrid L, Célerier I, Chauvin C, Hamelin N, Kervran C, Maradan G, Auriacombe M, Jauffret-Roustide M. Drug consumption rooms are effective to reduce at-risk practices associated with HIV/HCV infections among people who inject drugs: Results from the COSINUS cohort study. Addiction 2024; 119:180-199. [PMID: 37743675 DOI: 10.1111/add.16320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of drug consumption rooms (DCRs) in France on injection equipment-sharing, while the secondary aims focused upon their impact on access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and opioid agonist treatment (OAT). DESIGN The COhort to identify Structural and INdividual factors associated with drug USe (COSINUS cohort) was a 12-month longitudinal study of 665 people who inject drugs (PWID), conducted in Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris and Strasbourg. We used data from face-to-face interviews at enrolment and at 6-month and 12-month visits. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The participants were recruited in harm reduction programmes in Bordeaux and Marseille and in DCRs in Strasbourg and Paris. Participants were aged more than 18 years, French-speaking and had injected substances the month before enrolment. MEASUREMENTS We measured the impact of DCR exposure on injection equipment sharing, HCV testing and the use of medications for opioid use disorder, after adjustment for significant correlates. We used a two-step Heckman mixed-effects probit model, which allowed us to take into account the correlation of repeated measures and to control for potential bias due to non-randomization between the two groups (DCR-exposed versus DCR-unexposed participants). FINDINGS The difference of declared injection equipment sharing between PWID exposed to DCRs versus non-exposed was 10% (1% for those exposed versus 11% for those non-exposed, marginal effect = -0.10; 95% confidence interval = -0.18, -0.03); there was no impact of DCRs on HCV testing and OAT. CONCLUSIONS In the French context, drug consumption rooms appear to have a positive impact on at-risk practices for infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Lalanne
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Cécile Donadille
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Laelia Briand Madrid
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Célerier
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Carole Chauvin
- Centre d'étude des Mouvements Sociaux (Inserm U1276/CNRS UMR8044/EHESS), Paris, France
| | - Naomi Hamelin
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Charlotte Kervran
- Addiction Team, SANPSY, CNRS UMR 6033, Bordeaux, France
- CH Charles Perrens and CHU de Bordeaux, Pôle inter-établissement Addictologie, Bordeaux, France
- Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Auriacombe
- Addiction Team, SANPSY, CNRS UMR 6033, Bordeaux, France
- CH Charles Perrens and CHU de Bordeaux, Pôle inter-établissement Addictologie, Bordeaux, France
- Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Centre d'étude des Mouvements Sociaux (Inserm U1276/CNRS UMR8044/EHESS), Paris, France
- British Columbia Center on Substance Use (BCCSU), Vancouver, Canada
- Baldy Center on Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University, New York City, NY, USA
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Martin-Willett R, Stanger M, James W, Bryan AD, Bidwell LC. Effects of historical inequity and institutional power on cannabis research: Moving toward equity and inclusion. PNAS Nexus 2023; 2:pgad383. [PMID: 38089600 PMCID: PMC10715194 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad383] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Given historical inequities in cannabis laws and policies, there is an obligation on the part of researchers and policy makers to actively work toward improving equity in cannabis research at a time when the field is rapidly expanding. We wish to propose a way forward for cannabis research that acknowledges this history of discrimination and misuse of institutional power and embraces equity and inclusion. This article provides a brief perspective on historical drug policy, recent legalization trends that have disproportionately benefitted some groups over others, and the repercussions of those trends for the cannabis research enterprise. In addition, it proposes five key actions in both policy and research domains that are necessary to move the field of cannabis research, and perhaps biomedical research in substance use more broadly, forward in a productive and inclusionary way. Specifically, recommendations focus on equity-focused legislation and policy, supporting the entry and retention of scientists of color into the field, engaging in more ethical research practices, and practicing intentionally inclusive recruitment of participants will help to move the field of cannabis research forward. These efforts will ensure that scientific gains are shared equitably moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Martin-Willett
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Madeline Stanger
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Wanda James
- University of Colorado Board of Regents, 1st Congressional District, Denver, CO 80203, USA
| | - Angela D Bryan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - L Cinnamon Bidwell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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Hu S, Zhang J, Li J, Zhang J, Pan M, Xiang C, Dave CV, Yang C, Fang Y. The impact of drug shortages on drug prices: evidence from China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1185356. [PMID: 38026336 PMCID: PMC10663221 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1185356] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Drug shortages pose a serious global public health challenge, affecting China and other countries. Evidence from USA shows that short-supplied drugs demonstrated a very high price growth during and after a shortage. However, the effect of shortages on drug prices in China remains unknown. This paper aims to understand the impact of drug shortages on prices and explore implications for shortage prevention policy. Methods We collected the purchase prices and delivery rates of 120 drugs from April 2019 to December 2021 across whole China. We examined price progression of affected drugs using linear mixed-effects models and performed subgroup analyses based on the number of manufacturers and the severity of shortage. Results Non-shortage cohort had an annual price growth of 11.62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.34 to 14.98). Shortage cohort demonstrated an annual price growth of 8.08% (95%CI 0.12 to 16.77) in the period preceding a shortage, 27.57% (95%CI 6.17 to 52.87) during a shortage, and 9.38% (95%CI -12.64 to 36.39) in the post-shortage period. Drug shortages' impact on prices varied across subgroups. Compared with that of drug markets supplied by a single manufacturer, the price growth rate of markets supplied by more than one manufacture declined more after the shortage resolution. Conclusion Shortages resulted in significant price increases of study markets, especially the low-priced markets, while the shortage resolution slowed the growth. The primary shortage driver has shifted from the low price to others drivers, such as unavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. For currently sole-supplied drugs, the expedited review of applications from other manufacturers should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchen Hu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- School of Software Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengyuan Pan
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chintan V. Dave
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Ne'eman-Haviv V, Rozmann N. Public perceptions of medical cannabis diversion: A legal and moral dilemma. J Health Psychol 2023; 28:1264-1275. [PMID: 37243499 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231173590] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The study examined public perception in Israel of the severity of medical cannabis diversion, its morality, and normativeness. The sample included 380 participants who completed a quantitative questionnaire to respond to four scenarios about diverting medical cannabis to a person with/without a license and with/without a small payment (a 2×2 design). The findings show that although the participants received advance information about the severity of medical cannabis diversion as a drug trafficking offense, they perceived the severity of the offense as moderate, and as an act that is at least moderately moral and normative. The findings are explained based on moral theories. We discuss the implications of the findings in relation to the gap between public attitudes and legal policy.
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Xia T, Picco L, Lalic S, Buchbinder R, Bell JS, Andrew NE, Lubman DI, Pearce C, Nielsen S. Determining the Impact of Opioid Policy on Substance Use and Mental Health-Related Harms: Protocol for a Data Linkage Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e51825. [PMID: 37847553 PMCID: PMC10618880 DOI: 10.2196/51825] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing harms related to prescription opioids over the past decade have led to the introduction of a range of key national and state policy initiatives across Australia. These include introducing a mandatory real-time prescription drug-monitoring program in the state of Victoria from April 2020 and a series of changes to subsidies for opioids on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme from June 2020. Together, these changes aim to influence opioid supply and reduce harms related to prescription opioids, yet few studies have specifically explored how these policies have influenced opioid prescribing and related harms in Australia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the impact of a range of opioid-related policies on hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) presentations in Victoria, Australia. In particular, the study aims to understand the effect of various opioid policies and opioid-prescribing changes on (1) the number and rates of ED presentations and hospital admissions attributed to substance use (ie, opioid and nonopioid related) or mental ill-health (eg, suicide, self-harm, anxiety, and depression), (2) the association between differing opioid dose trajectories and the likelihood of ED presentations and hospital admissions related to substance use and mental ill-health, and (3) whether changes in an individual's opioid prescribing change the risk related to ED presentations and hospital admissions related to substance use and mental ill-health. METHODS We will conduct a population-level linked data study. General practice health records obtained from the Population Level Analysis and Reporting platform are linked with person-level data from 3 large hospital networks in Victoria, Australia. Interrupted time series analysis will be used to examine the impact of opioid policies on a range of harms, including the rates of presentations related to substance use (opioid and nonopioid) and mental ill-health among the primary care cohort. Group-based trajectory modeling and a case-crossover design will be used to further explore the impact of changes in opioid dosage and other covariates on opioid and nonopioid poisonings and mental ill-health-related presentations at the patient level. RESULTS Given that this paper serves as a protocol, there are currently no results available. The deidentified primary health data were sourced from electronic medical records of approximately 4,717,000 patients from 542 consenting general practices over a 6-year period (2017-2022). The submission of results for publication is planned for early 2024. CONCLUSIONS This study will add to the limited evidence base to help understand the impact of opioid policies in Australia, including whether intended or unintended outcomes are occurring as a result. TRIAL REGISTRATION EU PAS Register EUPAS104005; https://www.encepp.eu/encepp/viewResource.htm?id=104006. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Louisa Picco
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Samanta Lalic
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Musculoskeletal Health and Wiser Health Care Units, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, St Kilda, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadine E Andrew
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Peninsula Health, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | | | - Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
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Chatterjee A, Yan S, Lambert A, Morgan JR, Green TC, Jeng PJ, Jalali A, Xuan Z, Krieger M, Marshall BDL, Walley AY, Murphy SM. Comparison of a national commercial pharmacy naloxone data source to state and city pharmacy naloxone data sources-Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York City, 2013-2019. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:1141-1150. [PMID: 37408299 PMCID: PMC10480090 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14200] [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] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accurate naloxone distribution data are critical for planning and prevention purposes, yet sources of naloxone dispensing data vary by location, and completeness of local datasets is unknown. We sought to compare available datasets in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York City (NYC) to a commercially available pharmacy national claims dataset (Symphony Health Solutions). DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING We utilized retail pharmacy naloxone dispensing data from NYC (2018-2019), Rhode Island (2013-2019), and Massachusetts (2014-2018), and pharmaceutical claims data from Symphony Health Solutions (2013-2019). STUDY DESIGN We conducted a descriptive, retrospective, and secondary analysis comparing naloxone dispensing events (NDEs) captured via Symphony to NDEs captured by local datasets from the three jurisdictions between 2013 and 2019, when data were available from both sources, using descriptive statistics, regressions, and heat maps. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We defined an NDE as a dispensing event documented by the pharmacy and assumed that each dispensing event represented one naloxone kit (i.e., two doses). We extracted NDEs from local datasets and the Symphony claims dataset. The unit of analysis was the ZIP Code annual quarter. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS NDEs captured by Symphony exceeded those in local datasets for each time period and location, except in RI following legislation requiring NDEs to be reported to the PDMP. In regression analysis, absolute differences in NDEs between datasets increased substantially over time, except in RI before the PDMP. Heat maps of NDEs by ZIP code quarter showed important variations reflecting where pharmacies may not be reporting NDEs to Symphony or local datasets. CONCLUSIONS Policymakers must be able to monitor the quantity and location of NDEs in order to combat the opioid crisis. In regions where NDEs are not required to be reported to PDMPs, proprietary pharmaceutical claims datasets may be useful alternatives, with a need for local expertise to assess dataset-specific variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Chatterjee
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal MedicineBoston Medical Center/Boston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Shapei Yan
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal MedicineBoston Medical Center/Boston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Audrey Lambert
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal MedicineBoston Medical Center/Boston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jake R. Morgan
- Boston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Traci C. Green
- The Heller School for Social Policy and ManagementBrandeis UniversityWalthamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Philip J. Jeng
- Department of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Ali Jalali
- Department of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Ziming Xuan
- Boston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Maxwell Krieger
- Department of EpidemiologyBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Brandon D. L. Marshall
- Department of EpidemiologyBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal MedicineBoston Medical Center/Boston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sean M. Murphy
- Department of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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12
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Wen X, Xu L, Chen X, Wu R, Luo J, Wan Y, Mao Z. A quasi-experimental study of the volume-based procurement (VBP) effect on antiviral medications of hepatitis B virus in China. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:984794. [PMID: 37731741 PMCID: PMC10507907 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.984794] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Pilot Plan of National Centralized Volume-Based Procurement (NCVBP) was adopted to cope with the rapid increase in drug expenditures. This research aimed to quantitatively evaluate the impact of the NCVBP on antiviral medications for the hepatitis B virus. Methods: Data on nucleoside analogs (NAs) medications of hepatitis B virus monthly procurement records in the pilot cities from January 2018 to December 2019 were extracted from the China Drug Supply Information Platform (CDSIP). The impacts of the NCVBP on purchased volumes, expenditures, and pre-defined daily dose costs were evaluated by interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis using Stata 16.0. We constructed two segments with one interruptive point (March 2019). Results: Compared to the same period between pre-and post-intervention, the purchased volume of NAs medications were increased by 92.85%, and selected medications were increased by 119.09%. Analysis of changes in the level of NAs medication followed a decrease in purchased expenditure (coefficient: 5364.88, p < 0.001), meanwhile, the purchased volume was increased with statistical significance (coefficient:605.49, p < 0.001). The Defined Daily Dose cost (DDDc) of NAs medication followed a decrease (coefficient: 8.90, p < 0.001). The NCVBP reform was followed by an increase of 618.41 ten thousand Defined Daily Dose (DDD) (p < 0.001) in purchased volume and a reduction of 5273.84 ten thousand Chinese Yuan (CNY) (p < 0.001) in the purchased expenditure of selected medications in the level. The DDDc of selected medications decreased in the level (coefficient: 9.87, p < 0.001), while the DDDc of alternative medications increased in the slope (coefficient:0.07, p = 0.030). The purchased volume and expenditure of bid-winning products increased by 964.08 ten thousand DDD and 637.36 ten thousand CNY in the level (p < 0.001). An increase of 633.46 ten thousand DDD (p < 0.001) in purchased volume and a reduction of 4285.32 ten thousand CNY (p < 0.001) in the purchased expenditure of generic drugs in the level was observed. Conclusion: The NCVBP reduced the DDDc of NAs medication, improved the utilization of the selected medications, and promoted the usage of generic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wen
- Department of Hospital Infection Management, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Luxinyi Xu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoze Chen
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiao Tong Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruonan Wu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Luo
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuying Wan
- Department of Hospital Infection Management, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zongfu Mao
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Crossin R, Cleland L, Wilkins C, Rychert M, Adamson S, Potiki T, Pomerleau AC, MacDonald B, Faletanoai D, Hutton F, Noller G, Lambie I, Sheridan JL, George J, Mercier K, Maynard K, Leonard L, Walsh P, Ponton R, Bagshaw S, Muthukumaraswamy S, McIntosh T, Poot E, Gordon P, Sharry P, Nutt D, Boden J. The New Zealand drug harms ranking study: A multi-criteria decision analysis. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:891-903. [PMID: 37353972 PMCID: PMC10481626 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231182012] [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] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The harms arising from psychoactive drug use are complex, and harm reduction strategies should be informed by a detailed understanding of the extent and nature of that harm. Drug harm is also context specific, and so any comprehensive assessment of drug harm should be relevant to the characteristics of the population in question. This study aimed to evaluate and rank drug harms within Aotearoa New Zealand using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework, and to separately consider harm within the total population, and among youth. METHODS Two facilitated workshops involved the separate ranking of harm for the total population, and then for youth aged 12-17, by two expert panels. In the total population workshop, 23 drugs were scored against 17 harm criteria, and those criteria were then evaluated using a swing weighting process. Scoring and weighting were subsequently updated during the youth-specific workshop. All results were recorded and analysed using specialised MCDA software. RESULTS When considering overall harm, the MCDA modelling results indicated that alcohol, methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids were the most harmful to both the overall population and the youth, followed by tobacco in the total population. Alcohol remained the most harmful drug for the total population when separately considering harm to those who use it, and harm to others. CONCLUSIONS The results provide detailed and context-specific insight into the harm associated with psychoactive drugs use within Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings also demonstrate the value of separately considering harm for different countries, and for different population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Crossin
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Lana Cleland
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Chris Wilkins
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rychert
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon Adamson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tuari Potiki
- Office of Māori Development, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Adam C Pomerleau
- National Poisons Centre, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Blair MacDonald
- National Drug Intelligence Bureau, New Zealand Police, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dwaine Faletanoai
- Pacific Mental Health and Addictions Services (Takanga a Fohe), Waitemata District Health Board, Takapuna, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Hutton
- Institute of Criminology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Geoff Noller
- Department of General Practice and Rural Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme, National Office, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ian Lambie
- Department of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane L Sheridan
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jason George
- New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme, National Office, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Kali Mercier
- New Zealand Drug Foundation, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Louise Leonard
- Community and Other Drug Service, Waikato District Health Board, Waikato, New Zealand
| | | | - Rhys Ponton
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sue Bagshaw
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Suresh Muthukumaraswamy
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tracey McIntosh
- School of Māori Studies and Pacific Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ministry of Social Development, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Patrick Sharry
- People and Decisions, Sydney, Australia
- Australian Graduate School of Management, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Nutt
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Joseph Boden
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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14
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Potter L, Crowther B, McDermott JK. Impactful improvements to Medicare Part D immunosuppressive drug coverage. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1468-1470. [PMID: 37182603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Potter
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Barrett Crowther
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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15
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Haines-Saah RJ, Morris H, Schulz P, Jenkins E, Hyshka E. Engaging families and parent advocates in research on substance use and drug policy reform: Guiding principles from a Canadian community-academic partnership. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023. [PMID: 37608430 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13740] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Canada is in the midst of a public health emergency in drug poisoning (overdose) deaths. In this context parents, and especially mothers, of those who have died from drug poisoning have mobilised to advocate for urgent responses and drug policy reforms. To document this emerging women-led advocacy, we initiated a community-academic research partnership with three parent groups representing families in Canada bereaved by drug-related deaths. In this commentary, we describe four guiding principles we developed during the course of this project, to ensure an ethical and equitable approach to conducting our research partnership. In particular, we emphasise how we navigated parents' roles as vocal advocates for addressing drug stigma and expanding harm reduction while actively working to avoid eclipsing the need to centre the perspectives of people who use drugs. Meaningful and collaborative partnerships between academics and community groups may facilitate greater understandings of how families and communities can be allied in drug policy reforms urgently needed to prevent drug poisoning deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather Morris
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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16
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Rubel SK, Eisenstat M, Wolff J, Calevski M, Mital S. Scope of, Motivations for, and Outcomes Associated with Buprenorphine Diversion in the United States: A Scoping Review. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:685-697. [PMID: 36803159 PMCID: PMC10961708 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2177972] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding access to medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), such as buprenorphine, is an evidence-based response to the mounting drug overdose crisis. However, concerns about buprenorphine diversion persist and contribute to limited access. METHODS To inform decisions about expanding access, a scoping review was conducted on publications describing the scope of, motivations for, and outcomes associated with diverted buprenorphine in the U.S. RESULTS In the 57 included studies, definitions for diversion were inconsistent. Most studied use of illicitly-obtained buprenorphine. Across studies, the scope of buprenorphine diversion ranged from 0% to 100%, varying by sample type and recall period. Among samples of people receiving buprenorphine for OUD treatment, diversion peaked at 4.8%. Motivations for using diverted buprenorphine were self-treatment, management of drug use, to get high, and when drug of choice was unavailable. Associated outcomes examined trended toward positive or neutral, including improved attitudes toward and retention in MOUD. CONCLUSIONS Despite inconsistent definitions of diversion, studies reported a low scope of diversion among people receiving MOUD, with inability to access treatment as a motivating factor for using diverted buprenorphine, and increased retention in MOUD as an outcome associated with use of diverted buprenorphine. Future research should explore reasons for diverted buprenorphine use in the context of expanded treatment availability to address persistent barriers to evidence-based treatment for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Rubel
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew Eisenstat
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica Wolff
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael Calevski
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sasha Mital
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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17
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Duncan DF, Ellis-Griffith G, Nicholson T, Nimkar S. Health care administration and drug policy. Int J Health Plann Manage 2023; 38:735-746. [PMID: 36808644 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3621] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The American healthcare system faces a potential reorganization of the way in which services are provided and financed. We argue that healthcare administrators need to be increasingly aware of the ways in which our nation's illicit drug policy, commonly referred to as the 'War on Drugs', affects the provision of health services. A large and growing portion of the US population uses one or more of the currently illegal drugs and some of these persons suffer from an addiction or other substance use disorder. This is clearly demonstrated by the current opioid epidemic which is not yet being adequately controlled. Providing specialty treatment for drug abuse disorders will be increasingly important for healthcare administrators thanks to recent mental health parity legislation. At the same time, drug users and abusers will be increasingly encountered while providing care not specifically tied to drug use or abuse. The character of our current national drug policy has an important impact on how drug abuse disorders are treated and how the health delivery system responds to drug users who are increasingly often encountered in primary care, emergency care, specialty care, and long-term care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Nicholson
- Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Swateja Nimkar
- University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, USA
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18
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Campbell ND. From Dark Paradise to limbic capitalism. Addiction 2023; 118:378-381. [PMID: 36148818 DOI: 10.1111/add.16053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy D Campbell
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
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19
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Caulkins JP. The virtues of bans on high-THC content cannabis products? Addiction 2023; 118:1004-1005. [PMID: 36709770 DOI: 10.1111/add.16131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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20
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Mavragani A, Bradley H, Wang Z, Ma M, Zhang B, Jia Z. Comparison of the Users' Attitudes Toward Cannabidiol on Social Media Platforms: Topic Modeling Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e34132. [PMID: 36630175 PMCID: PMC9878368 DOI: 10.2196/34132] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the major constituents of the cannabis sativa plant, cannabidiol (CBD) is approved for use in medical treatment and cosmetics because of its potential health benefits. With the rapid growth of the CBD market, customers purchase these products, and relevant discussions are becoming more active on social media. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to understand the users' attitudes toward CBD products in various countries by conducting text mining on social media in countries with different substance management policies. METHODS We collected posts from Reddit and Xiaohongshu, conducted topic mining using the latent Dirichlet allocation model, and analyzed the characteristics of topics on different social media. Subsequently, a co-occurrence network of high-frequency keywords was constructed to explore potential relationships among topics. Moreover, we conducted sentiment analysis on the posts' comments and compared users' attitudes toward CBD products on Reddit and Xiaohongshu using chi-square test. RESULTS CBD-related posts on social media have been rapidly increasing, especially on Xiaohongshu since 2019. A total of 1790 posts from Reddit and 1951 posts from Xiaohongshu were included in the final analysis. The posts on the 2 social media platforms, Reddit and Xiaohongshu, were categorized into 7 and 8 topics, respectively, by the latent Dirichlet allocation model, and these topics on the 2 social media were grouped into 5 themes. Our study showed that the themes on Reddit were mainly related to the therapeutic effects of CBD, whereas the themes on Xiaohongshu concentrated on cosmetics, such as facial masks. Theme 2 (CBD market information) and theme 3 (attitudes toward CBD) on Reddit had more connections with other themes in the co-occurrence network, and theme 3 and theme 1 (CBD therapeutic effects) had a high co-occurrence frequency (22,803/73,865, 30.87%). Meanwhile, theme 1 (CBD cosmetics) on Xiaohongshu had various connections with others (169,961/384,575, 44.19%), and the co-occurrence frequency of theme 4 (CBD ingredients) and theme 1 was relatively prominent (27,128/49,312, 55.01%). Overall, users' comments tended to be positive for CBD-related information on both Reddit and Xiaohongshu, but the percentage was higher on Xiaohongshu (82.25% vs 86.18%; P<.001), especially in cosmetics and medical health care products. CONCLUSIONS The CBD market has grown rapidly, and the topics related to CBD on social media have become active. There are apparent differences in users' attitudes toward CBD in countries with different substance management policies. Targeted CBD management measures should be formulated to suit the prevalence of CBD use of each country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zekun Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingchang Ma
- School of Cyberspace Security, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongwei Jia
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Center for Intelligent Public Health, Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Center for Drug Abuse Control and Prevention, National Institute of Health Data Science, Beijing, China
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21
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Smyth BP, McCarron P. Increase in cannabis-related emergency department presentations in the period immediately before legalization requires explanation. Addiction 2023; 118:979-980. [PMID: 36606761 DOI: 10.1111/add.16128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bobby P Smyth
- Health Service Executive Addiction Service, Dublin South West, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter McCarron
- Health Service Executive Addiction Service, Dublin South West, Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Rivera-Aguirre A, Castillo-Carniglia A, Laqueur HS, Rudolph KE, Martins SS, Ramírez J, Queirolo R, Cerdá M. On generating adequate counterfactuals for national policy evaluations. A response to Mundt et al. Addiction 2023; 118:192-194. [PMID: 36239882 PMCID: PMC9841828 DOI: 10.1111/add.16068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Rivera-Aguirre
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Millennium Nucleus for the Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Policies, nDP, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alvaro Castillo-Carniglia
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Millennium Nucleus for the Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Policies, nDP, Santiago, Chile
- Society and Health Research Center and School of Public Health, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hannah S Laqueur
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kara E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Silva S Martins
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Ramírez
- National Drug Observatory of Uruguay, National Drug Board, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosario Queirolo
- Millennium Nucleus for the Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Policies, nDP, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Social Sciences, Universidad Católica del Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
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23
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Tabatabai M, Cooper RL, Wilus DM, Edgerton RD, Ramesh A, MacMaster SA, Patel PN, Singh KP. The Effect of Naloxone Access Laws on Fatal Synthetic Opioid Overdose Fatality Rates. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319221147246. [PMID: 36625264 PMCID: PMC9834937 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221147246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in fatal synthetic opioid overdoses over the past 8 years have left states scrambling for effective means to curtail these deaths. Many states have implemented policies and increased service capacity to address this rise. To better understand the effectiveness of policy level interventions we estimated the impact of the presence of naloxone access laws (NALs) on synthetic opioid fatalities at the state level. METHODS A multivariable longitudinal linear mixed model with a random intercept was used to determine the relationship between the presence of NALs and synthetic opioid overdose death rates, while controlling for, Good Samaritan laws, opioid prescription rate, and capacity for medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), utilizing a quadratic time trajectory. Data for the study was collected from the National Vital Statistics System using multiple cause-of-death mortality files linked to drug overdose deaths. RESULTS The presence of an NAL had a significant (univariate P-value = .013; multivariable p-value = .010) negative relationship to fentanyl overdose death rates. Other significant controlling variables were quadratic time (univariate and multivariable P-value < .001), MOUD (univariate P-value < .001; multivariable P-value = .009), and Good Samaritan Law (univariate P-value = .033; multivariable P-value = .018). CONCLUSION Naloxone standing orders are strongly related to fatal synthetic opioid overdose reduction. The effect of NALs, MOUD treatment capacity, and Good Samaritan laws all significantly influenced the synthetic opioid overdose death rate. The use of naloxone should be a central part of any state strategy to reduce overdose death rate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karan P. Singh
- University of Texas at Tyler School of
Medicine, Tyler, TX, USA
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24
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Abstract
Growing research exploring the utility of psychedelic substances suggests that they not only hold promise for clinical practice but may enhance mental health through recreational use as well. However, given the importance of set and setting for maximizing benefits and minimizing harms of drug use, it is important to develop a foundational understanding of the contextual factors associated with positive and negative mental health in psychedelic users. Accordingly, data were collected using an internet-based survey of psychedelic drug users (n = 511). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to explore to what degree life-time use, frequency of use, dose size, group use, intentions for use, and post-use integration predict mental health in psychedelic users. In particular, using psychedelics with high frequency and to cope with negative affect were found to predict negative mental health. Conversely, using psychedelics in a group setting, with self-expansive intentions, and integrating post-use were found to predict positive mental health. Findings suggest that recreational psychedelic use may either enhance or diminish mental health depending on the contextual parameters of use. Limitations and areas for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O St Arnaud
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University of Edmonton, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Donald Sharpe
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
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25
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Allen ST, Grieb SM, Glick JL, White RH, Puryear T, Smith KC, Weir BW, Sherman SG. Applications of research evidence during processes to acquire approvals for syringe services program implementation in rural counties in Kentucky. Ann Med 2022; 54:404-412. [PMID: 35098828 PMCID: PMC8812801 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2028001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite decades of empirical research in the US and internationally documenting the benefits of implementing syringe services programs (SSPs), their implementation may be controversial in many jurisdictions. Better understanding how research evidence is applied during SSP implementation processes may enable the public health workforce to advocate for program scale up. This study explores applications of research evidence during processes to acquire approvals for SSP implementation in rural counties in Kentucky. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted among eighteen stakeholders (e.g. health department directors, SSP operators) involved in SSP implementation in rural Kentucky counties. Stakeholders were asked to describe the contexts surrounding SSP implementation processes. Interviews were transcribed and analysed for applications of research evidence. Research evidence-related quotes were subsequently categorised based on the typologies for applications of research evidence developed by Weiss et al. (instrumental, conceptual, and symbolic) and a fourth category for instances when research evidence was not used. RESULTS Instrumental applications of research evidence occurred at the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels to dispel concerns about SSPs and formed the basis for implementation support. SSP proponents used research evidence in a conceptual manner to address underlying attitudes and beliefs that were not evidence-based. Participants reported symbolic research evidence applications to justify pre-existing attitudes and beliefs about meeting the public health needs of people who inject drugs. Lastly, in some instances, research evidence was met with scepticism and an unwillingness to consider its merits. CONCLUSION Applications of research evidence during SSP implementation approval processes in rural Kentucky counties were heterogeneous in nature. Better understanding the diversity of ways in which research evidence may be employed during SSP implementation processes may support efforts to improve the public health of people who inject drugs.Key messagesApplications of research evidence during SSP implementation approval processes in rural Kentucky counties were heterogeneous in nature.Instrumental applications of research evidence occurred at the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels to dispel concerns about SSPs and formed the basis for implementation support.SSP proponents used research evidence in a conceptual manner to address underlying attitudes and beliefs that were not evidence-based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suzanne M Grieb
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Glick
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tyler Puryear
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine C Smith
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian W Weir
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Aronowitz SV, Carroll JJ, Hansen H, Jauffret-Roustide M, Parker CM, Suhail-Sindhu S, Albizu-Garcia C, Alegria M, Arrendondo J, Baldacchino A, Bluthenthal R, Bourgois P, Burraway J, Chen JS, Ekhtiari H, Elkhoy H, Farhoudian A, Friedman J, Jordan A, Kato L, Knight K, Martinez C, McNeil R, Murray H, Namirembe S, Radfar R, Roe L, Sarang A, Scherz C, Tay Wee Teck J, Textor L, Thi Hai Oanh K. Substance use policy and practice in the COVID-19 pandemic: Learning from early pandemic responses through internationally comparative field data. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3654-3669. [PMID: 36692903 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2129720] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented natural experiment in drug policy, treatment delivery, and harm reduction strategies by exposing wide variation in public health infrastructures and social safety nets around the world. Using qualitative data including ethnographic methods, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews with people who use drugs (PWUD) and Delphi-method with experts from field sites spanning 13 different countries, this paper compares national responses to substance use during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Field data was collected by the Substance Use x COVID-19 (SU x COVID) Data Collaborative, an international network of social scientists, public health scientists, and community health practitioners convened to identify and contextualise health service delivery models and social protections that influence the health and wellbeing of PWUD during COVID-19. Findings suggest that countries with stronger social welfare systems pre-COVID introduced durable interventions targeting structural drivers of health. Countries with fragmented social service infrastructures implemented temporary initiatives for PWUD led by non-governmental organisations. The paper summarises the most successful early pandemic responses seen across countries and ends by calling for greater systemic investments in social protections for PWUD, diversion away from criminal-legal systems toward health interventions, and integrated harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports for PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshana V Aronowitz
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Jennifer J Carroll
- Department of Anthropology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States
| | - Helena Hansen
- UCLA Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Centre d'étude des mouvements sociaux (Inserm U12/76/CNRS UMR 8044/EHESS), Paris, France.,Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University of Social Science, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Mary Parker
- The University of Manchester, Manchester University, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Selena Suhail-Sindhu
- University of California Los Angeles, UCLA Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Carmen Albizu-Garcia
- Universidad de Puerto Rico, Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Margarita Alegria
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Disparities Research Unit, Boston, United States
| | - Jaimie Arrendondo
- Center for Research and Economic Teaching, Drug Policy Program, Aguascalientes, MX, Mexico
| | - Alexander Baldacchino
- Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Ricky Bluthenthal
- Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Philippe Bourgois
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Joshua Burraway
- Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Jia-Shin Chen
- Institute of Science, Technology and Society, National Yang-Ming University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, United States
| | - Hussien Elkhoy
- Neurology and Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ali Farhoudian
- University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Joseph Friedman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Ayana Jordan
- Psychiary, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Lindsey Kato
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Overdose Response Strategy, Atlanta, United States
| | - Kelly Knight
- Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Carlos Martinez
- Medical Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Ryan McNeil
- Addiction Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Hayley Murray
- Anthropology, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Ramin Radfar
- Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Thought, Culture and Health Institute, Isfahan, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Laura Roe
- Social Anthropology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Anya Sarang
- Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice, President, RU, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - China Scherz
- Anthropology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Joe Tay Wee Teck
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Lauren Textor
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Khuat Thi Hai Oanh
- Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives, Executive Director, Hanoi, VN, Vietnam
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Zhang YJ, Ren Y, Zheng Q, Tan J, Yao MH, Huang YX, Zhang X, Zou K, Zhao SY, Sun X. The impact of national centralized drug procurement on health expenditures for lung cancer inpatients: A difference-in-differences analysis in a large tertiary hospital in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:956823. [PMID: 36033763 PMCID: PMC9412196 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.956823] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability and affordability of medicines remain major health challenges around the world. In March 2019, the Chinese government introduced a pilot National Centralized Drug Procurement (NCDP) program in order to reduce drug prices and improve the affordability of effective and safe medicines. This study aimed to assess the impact of NCDP policy on health expenditures of cancer patients. Using inpatient discharge records from a large hospital in the pilot city, we performed a difference-in-differences design to estimate the change in health expenditures before and after the policy. We found that the implementation of NCDP was associated with a significant decrease in total expenditures (14.13%) and drug expenditures (20.75%) per inpatient admission. There were also significant reductions in non-drug-related expenditures, including a 7.65% decrease in health service expenditures, a 38.28% decrease in diagnosis expenditures, and a 25.31% decrease in consumable material expenditures per inpatient admission. However, the NCDP implementation was associated with a 107.97% increase in the traditional Chinese medicine expenditures. Overall, the study provided evidence that the NCDP policy has achieved its goals of high-quality and affordable healthcare. The drug expenditures of lung cancer patients revealed a continuous decline, and the policy may have spillover effects on other healthcare expenditures. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of NCDP on policy-related expenditures and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-jin Zhang
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Ren
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Tan
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming-hong Yao
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun-xiang Huang
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kang Zou
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shao-yang Zhao
- Department of Finance, School of Economics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Shao-yang Zhao
| | - Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Hainan Healthcare Security Administration Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Xin Sun
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Fortin D, Marcellin F, Carrieri P, Mancini J, Barré T. Medical Cannabis: Toward a New Policy and Health Model for an Ancient Medicine. Front Public Health 2022; 10:904291. [PMID: 35712276 PMCID: PMC9197104 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.904291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabienne Marcellin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Mancini
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Tangui Barré
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Kolla
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Touesnard
- Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Gomes T, Kim KC, Suda KJ, Garg R, Tadrous M. International trends in prescription opioid sales among developed and developing economies, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional analysis of 66 countries. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2022; 31:779-787. [PMID: 35460142 PMCID: PMC9088547 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5443] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Purpose We sought to compare trends in opioid purchasing between developed and developing economies to understand patterns of opioid consumption, and how they were impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional study of retail pharmacy opioid sales from 66 jurisdictions between July 2014 and August 2020. We measured monthly population‐adjusted rate of opioid units purchased, stratified by development group and country, and used interventional time series analysis to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on rates of opioid purchasing among developed and developing economies separately. Results Rates of opioid purchasing were generally higher among developed economies, although trends differed considerably by development group. Rates of opioid purchasing declined 23.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] −34.7% to 3.6%) in the 5 years prior to the pandemic in developed economies, but rose 15.2% (95% CI 4.6%–35.6%) among developing economies. In March 2020 there was a short‐term increase in the rate of opioid purchases in both developing (10.9 units/1000 population increase; p < 0.0001) and developed (145.5 units/1000 population; p < 0.0001) economies, which was followed immediately by reduced opioid purchasing of a similar scale in April–May 2020 (−14.8 and −171.8 units/1000 population in developing and developed economies, respectively; p < 0.0001). Conclusion The COVID‐19 pandemic led to disruptions in opioid purchasing around the world; although the specific impacts varied both between and among developed and developing economies. With global variation in opioid use, there is a need to monitor these trajectories to ensure the safety of opioid use, and adequate access to pain management globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Gomes
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy, University of Toronto, Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Callaway Kim
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katie J Suda
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ria Garg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Vanyukov
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychiatry, and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) is due for reauthorization in 2022. Beyond creating the user fee program which now generates a majority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Human Drugs Program budget, PDUFA has made numerous additional changes to FDA policy during its 29-year history. FDA's budgetary dependence on user fees may advantage the industry in negotiating favorable policy changes through PDUFA. METHODS The full texts of all prior PDUFA reauthorization bills and all submitted public comments and meeting minutes for the 2022 reauthorization were reviewed. Provisions affecting FDA regulatory authority and processes were identified. FINDINGS PDUFA legislation has instituted a broad range of changes to FDA policy, including evidentiary standards for drug approval, accelerated pathways for approval, industry involvement in FDA decision-making, rules regarding industry information dissemination to providers, and market entry of generic drugs. Negotiations over the 2022 reauthorization suggest that industry priorities include increased application of real-world evidence, regulatory certainty, and increased communication between FDA and industry during the drug application process. CONCLUSIONS The need for PDUFA reauthorization every 5 years has created a recurring legislative vehicle through which far-ranging changes to FDA have been enacted, reshaping the agency's interactions and relationship with the regulated industry. The majority of policy changes enacted through PDUFA legislation have favored industry through decreasing regulatory standards, shortening approval times, and increasing industry involvement in FDA decision-making. FDA's budgetary dependence on the industry, the urgency of each PDUFA reauthorization's passage to maintain uninterrupted funding, and the industry's required participation in PDUFA negotiations may advantage the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P. Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Niti U. Trivedi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Peter B. Bach
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Delfi Diagnostics, Baltimore, MD
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Hämäläinen L, Lahti E. Argumentation in anonymous online discussions about decriminalising cannabis use. Nordisk Alkohol Nark 2022; 38:329-344. [PMID: 35308109 PMCID: PMC8899051 DOI: 10.1177/14550725211027383] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: In October 2019, a citizens’ initiative to decriminalise cannabis
use started a large debate about drug policy in Finland. This
study examines online discussions about the initiative to
supplement the current knowledge about citizens’ drug opinions.
The focus is especially on argumentation techniques that are
used to support or object to the decriminalisation. Design: Methodologically, the study is based on discourse studies, new
rhetoric, and argumentation analysis. The data of 1,092 messages
were collected from a popular Finnish anonymous discussion forum
Ylilauta. Results: Online discussions about the legal status of cannabis are highly
polarised. Decriminalisation is often both supported and
resisted in a strong and affective manner, and even hate speech
is not rare in the data. Statements made by both discussion
parties often lack any argumentation or are based on fallacies,
especially ad hominem arguments. Some discussants refer to
scientific studies and expert statements, even though such
references are usually inaccurate. Cannabis is compared to
alcohol more often than to other illegal drugs. Conclusions: The emotional responses and inadequate argumentation might be
partially explained by the general nature of online discussions
and the culture of the investigated website, but also by the
powerful stigma related to illegal drugs and insufficient
knowledge on the subject. A future objective is to create a
societal atmosphere where the complex question of the legal
status of cannabis could be discussed more neutrally and
rationally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmi Lahti
- University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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35
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Dahl SL, Bretteville-Jensen AL, Andreas JB. Exploring the onto-politics of cannabis: Shifting drug policies and understandings in Norway. Nordisk Alkohol Nark 2022; 38:394-396. [PMID: 35308113 PMCID: PMC8899050 DOI: 10.1177/14550725211030741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Goldberg T. A path forward for Swedish drug policy? Nordisk Alkohol Nark 2022; 38:112-124. [PMID: 35310003 PMCID: PMC8899069 DOI: 10.1177/1455072520978352] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims and premise: The primary aims of this article are to: describe some major aspects of the theoretical
basis of the Swedish drug policy model, present alternative theoretical understandings
which may pave the way for changes in drug policy, depict some problems with the Swedish
model, introduce the primary principles for “the experimenting society”, and give
concrete examples of when these have/have not been applied in Sweden. Some findings: Sweden’s predominantly biochemical approach should be replaced by a biopsychosocial
model. The idea that all non-medical consumption of drugs is abuse is counterproductive.
Differences between recreational and problematic consumers are discussed. The question
of people’s motives for taking drugs has not been incorporated into Swedish drug policy.
The stepping-stone hypothesis is examined. It was found that recreational and
problematic consumption do not co-vary, indicating that these are two essentially
different phenomena. Conclusion: After four decades with the current Swedish drug policy model we are further from our
pronounced goal of striving towards becoming a drug-free society than when we started.
Access to, and demand for, drugs has continually increased, and our drug policies have
caused serious collateral damage. Consequently, there is good reason to re-think the
course we have chosen. The Swedish version of the war on drugs has failed to achieve its
goals and it is time to make peace. It is time to accept that we will never be drug-free
and therefore must learn to live with narcotics. As nobody knows what is the best way to
achieve this, we should approach the task with humility. We need to put prestige aside
and become “the experimenting society”; that is, one that would vigorously try out
possible solutions and make stringent, multidimensional evaluations of outcomes. When
the evaluation of a reform shows it to have been ineffective or harmful, we should try
other measures.
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Søgaard TF, Nygaard-Christensen M, Frank VA. Danish cannabis policy revisited: Multiple framings of cannabis use in policy discourse. Nordisk Alkohol Nark 2022; 38:377-393. [PMID: 35308112 PMCID: PMC8899054 DOI: 10.1177/14550725211018602] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This article traces recent developments in Danish cannabis policy,
by exploring how “cannabis use” is problematised and governed
within different co-existing policy areas. Background: Recently, many countries have changed their cannabis policy by
introducing medical cannabis and/or by moving toward
legalisation or decriminalisation. Researchers have thus argued
that traditional notions of cannabis as a singular and coherent
object, are being replaced by perspectives that highlight the
multiple ontological character of cannabis. At the same time,
there is growing recognition that drug policy is not a unitary
phenomenon, but rather composed by multiple “policy areas”, each
defined by particular notions of what constitutes the relevant
policy “problem”. Design: We draw on existing research, government reports, policy papers and
media accounts of policy and policing developments. Results: We demonstrate how Danish cannabis policy is composed of different
co-existing framings of cannabis use; as respectively a social
problem, a problem of deviance, an organised crime problem, a
health- and risk problem and as a medical problem. Conclusion: While the international trend seems to be that law-and-order
approaches are increasingly being replaced by more liberal
approaches, Denmark, on an overall level, seems to be moving in
the opposite direction: Away from a lenient decriminalisation
policy and towards more repressive approaches. We conclude that
the prominence of discursive framings of cannabis use as a
“problem of deviance” and as “a driver of organised crime”, has
been key to this process.
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McCoy J, Nielsen S, Bruno R. A prospective cohort study evaluating the impact of upscheduling codeine in Australia among frequent users of codeine. Addiction 2022; 117:677-686. [PMID: 34490926 DOI: 10.1111/add.15683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate and document the impacts of re-scheduling codeine to a prescription-only medication in Australia in February 2018. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. Participants completed an on-line survey with a range of outcome measures at four time-points, once before codeine was re-scheduled (November 2017) and three times after the event: 1 month after (February 2018), 4 months after (June 2018) and 12 months after (February 2019). SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 260 Australians aged 18 years and above who reported regular over-the-counter (OTC) codeine use and, at the time of the study, were not engaged in treatment for codeine dependence. MEASUREMENTS Survey measures included estimates of daily average codeine use (mg) and overall daily average opioid use [calculated using an oral morphine equivalent daily dose (OMEDD, mg)], opioid use disorder with regard to codeine use (using a modified Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-IV), pain and pain self-efficacy, anxiety and depression and health service use. FINDINGS A reduction in total daily codeine use (mg) from 64.3 mg [95% confidence interval (CI) = 46.7-81.9] in November 2017 (baseline) to 27.6 mg (95% CI = 19.2-36.0) in February 2019 (final time-point) was observed. A decline in the proportion of participants who met criteria for an opioid use disorder was also evident, with 51.2% (n = 133) at baseline relative to 33.3% (n = 58) at the 12-month follow-up. This study had an overall participant retention rate of 67% at the final time-point. CONCLUSION Re-scheduling codeine in Australia has been accompanied by significant reductions in codeine use and prevalence rates of opioid use disorder in a cohort of individuals who regularly use the medication, without apparent adverse impacts on pain or measures of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Australia, 3199, Australia
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Gasol M, Paco N, Guarga L, Bosch JÀ, Pontes C, Obach M. Early Access to Medicines: Use of Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) as a Decision Tool in Catalonia (Spain). J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051353. [PMID: 35268443 PMCID: PMC8910942 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Early access to medicines allows the prescription of a medicine before it is available in the public formulary to patients with severe or rare diseases with high unmet needs who have no authorised therapeutic alternatives available. In this context, consistent decision making is difficult, and a systematic assessment procedure could be useful to tackle complex situations and guarantee the equity of medicines’ access. A multidisciplinary panel (MP) conducted four workshops to develop an early access framework based on a reflective multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA). A set of 12 criteria was agreed: eight quantitative (severity of disease, urgency, efficacy, safety, internal and external validity, therapeutic benefit and plausibility) and four qualitative (therapeutic alternative, existence of precedents, management impact and costs). Quantitative criteria were weighted using a five-point scale. The relative importance of quantitative criteria had mean weights from 4.7 to 3.6, showing its relevance in the decisions. The framework was tested using two case studies, and reliability was assessed by re-test. The re-test revealed no statistical differences, indicating the consistency and replicability of the framework developed. MCDA may help to structure discussions for heterogeneous treatment requests, providing predictability and robustness in decision making involving sensitive and complex situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Gasol
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
- Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (N.P.); (L.G.); (M.O.)
- Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System (DS3), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08006 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noelia Paco
- Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (N.P.); (L.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Laura Guarga
- Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (N.P.); (L.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Josep Àngel Bosch
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
| | - Caridad Pontes
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
- Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (N.P.); (L.G.); (M.O.)
- Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System (DS3), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08006 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Mercè Obach
- Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (N.P.); (L.G.); (M.O.)
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Hard GA, Jones AA, Das A, Johnson JK. Medical Cannabis Laws and Adolescent Alcohol Use Initiation. Cannabis 2022; 5:1-10. [PMID: 36506781 PMCID: PMC9733836 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2022.03.001] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The effects of medical cannabis laws (MCLs) on adolescent alcohol use remains unclear. Previous literature investigates alcohol consumption rather than alcohol initiation among adolescents, and does not examine the effect by sociodemographic characteristics and state-level dispensary status. We used population representative, state-level data to examine the relationship between MCLs and adolescent alcohol initiation. Methods Data for this study were derived from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a nationally representative, cross-sectional school-based survey administered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in odd-numbered years from 1991 to 2015. We used a difference-in-difference model to assess pre and post effects of state MCL enactment on adolescent alcohol use initiation. Logistic regression analyses assessed associations between MCLs and varying ages of initiation. We further stratified our results by race/ethnicity, gender, and dispensary status. Results Results from adjusted logistic regression models showed higher odds of initiating alcohol among adolescents in states without MCLs when compared to adolescents in states with MCLs (OR 1.37, [95% CI = 1.29, 1.44]). This effect was consistent across age, race/ethnicity, and gender groups. Reductions in self-report of alcohol initiation were also consistently found in multiple age strata (9-10, 11-12, and 13-14), though this finding did not reach conventional levels of statistical detection in all race/ethnicities. Conclusions Our findings support a substitutive effect, suggesting that adolescents in states with MCLs, as opposed to states without MCLs, may substitute cannabis for alcohol. Considering the evolving landscape of medical cannabis laws and the proliferation of state-level legalization laws, further research into the effects of such policies, such as adult-use cannabis laws, is warranted to further elucidate their effects on adolescent substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Hard
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 First Avenue, Boston MA 02129,Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478
| | - Abenaa A. Jones
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, 105 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Abhery Das
- University of California, Irvine, 653 East Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92617
| | - Julie K. Johnson
- Cannabis Policy Research Center of Excellence, Research Department, Cannabis Control Commission, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 2 Washington Square, 2nd Floor, Worcester, MA 01604
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Martins D, Khuu W, Tadrous M, Greaves S, Sproule B, Bozinoff N, Juurlink DN, Mamdani MM, Paterson JM, Gomes T. Impact of changes in opioid funding and clinical policies on rapid tapering of opioids in Ontario, Canada. Pain 2022; 163:e129-e136. [PMID: 34326293 PMCID: PMC8675054 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Reports have emerged of abrupt tapering among recipients of long-term prescription opioids to conform new prescribing guidelines. We conducted a population-based, repeated cross-sectional time-series study among very high-dose (≥200 MME) opioid recipients in Ontario, Canada, to examine changes in the monthly prevalence of rapid tapering from 2014 to 2018, defined as recipients experiencing either a ≥50% reduction in daily doses or abrupt discontinuation sustained for 30 days. Interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models were used to test for significant changes following key guidelines and drug policies and programs. A sensitivity analysis examined rapid tapering sustained for 90 days. The monthly prevalence of rapid tapering events was stable from January 2014 to September 2016 (average monthly prevalence: 1.4%) but increased from 1.4% in October 2016 to 1.8% in April 2017 (P = 0.001), coincident with Ontario's Fentanyl Patch-for-Patch Return Program implementation. Transient spikes in the prevalence of rapid tapering also occurred 2 months after Ontario's delisting of publicly funded high-strength opioids and the release of updated Canadian Opioid Prescribing Guideline for Chronic Pain, reaching 2.3% in March 2017 and July 2017, respectively. However, this prevalence decreased to 1.2% in December 2018 (P < 0.0001). Although the prevalence of abrupt opioid discontinuation was lower, similar trends were observed. Our sensitivity analysis examining long-lasting rapid tapering found similar trends but lower prevalence, with no changes in complete discontinuation. These temporary increases in rapid tapering events highlight the need for improved communication and evidence-based resources for prescribers to minimize negative consequences of evolving policies and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Martins
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mina Tadrous
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women’s College Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Beth Sproule
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nikki Bozinoff
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David N. Juurlink
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad M. Mamdani
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J. Michael Paterson
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Karavolis ZA, Su AB, Peckham AM. State-level response to gabapentin misuse in the United States: Implications and future direction. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 79:e143-e148. [PMID: 34951456 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DISCLAIMER In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE Gabapentin misuse is on the rise and has forced many US states to mobilize policies to address this public health concern. The purpose of this manuscript is to update state-level gabapentin misuse-related policies in the US through September 1, 2021, discuss the benefits and risks of current measures, and highlight gaps in national response. METHODS Identification of state and federal district policy changes and deliberations related to gabapentin were searched via internet for all 50 states and 1 federal district (n = 51). Only results from state regulatory bodies, such as the board of pharmacy, or state legislative bodies, such as the senate, were considered for inclusion. RESULTS Results showed that 22 states and federal districts (43.1%) tightened regulation, while another 2 (3.9%) are considering doing so. Of the 22 states and federal districts with policy changes, 15 (68.2%) enrolled gabapentin into their prescription drug monitoring program, while 7 (31.8%) reclassified gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance (C-V). CONCLUSION Absent of federal guidance surrounding gabapentin misuse, the onus has fallen on individual states; thus, approaches have ranged from no intervention to reclassification as a C-V. These measures aim to reduce medication supply but fall short of addressing patient outcomes and reducing harm. Therefore, harm reduction-informed public health policies must be implemented to positively impact patient outcomes and enhance safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe A Karavolis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, and School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew B Su
- School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa M Peckham
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Hill CL, Rowett D, Dartnell J. Improving the quality use of highly specialised drugs. Aust Prescr 2021; 44:144-145. [PMID: 34728877 PMCID: PMC8542488 DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2021.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L Hill
- Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide.,Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide.,University of Adelaide, Adelaide.,Discipline leader pharmacy, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide.,Drug and Therapeutics Information Service, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.,Programs and Clinical Services, NPS MedicineWise, Melbourne
| | - Debra Rowett
- Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide.,Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide.,University of Adelaide, Adelaide.,Discipline leader pharmacy, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide.,Drug and Therapeutics Information Service, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.,Programs and Clinical Services, NPS MedicineWise, Melbourne
| | - Jonathan Dartnell
- Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide.,Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide.,University of Adelaide, Adelaide.,Discipline leader pharmacy, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide.,Drug and Therapeutics Information Service, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.,Programs and Clinical Services, NPS MedicineWise, Melbourne
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Adams PJ, Rychert M, Wilkins C. How does the influence of the cannabis industry differ from that of alcohol and tobacco? Addiction 2021; 116:2951-2952. [PMID: 34327753 DOI: 10.1111/add.15637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Adams
- Centre for Addiction Research, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rychert
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), SHORE and Whaariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Wilkins
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), SHORE and Whaariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Deen AA, Claridge H, Treble RD, Hamnett HJ, Copeland CS. Deaths from novel psychoactive substances in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Evaluating the impact of the UK psychoactive substances act 2016. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1315-1323. [PMID: 34182812 PMCID: PMC8600590 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211026645] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Legal highs' began appearing in the UK in the mid-2000s. Whilst many of these substances were controlled under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, novel compounds and new variants of controlled compounds were continuously being introduced to the recreational drug market. The Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) was therefore implemented in 2016 as a blanket ban on all novel psychoactive substances (NPS). AIM To evaluate the impact of the PSA on deaths following NPS use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. METHODS Cases reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths where death had occurred 3 years pre- or post-implementation of the PSA were extracted. Cases with NPS detected at post-mortem were analysed and compared against cases non-NPS cases. RESULTS 293 deaths with NPS detected were identified; 91 occurring before the PSA and 202 afterwards, indicating an 222.0% post-PSA increase. Contrastingly, non-NPS drug-related death case reporting increased by only 8.0%. Synthetic cannabinoid, anxiolytic/sedative and stimulant NPS were detected in the largest proportions of deaths pre-PSA; post-PSA stimulant NPS detections reduced whilst synthetic cannabinoid and anxiolytic/sedative detections increased.Post-PSA, average decedent age increased significantly (mean age pre-PSA 34.4 ± 10.8 vs post-PSA 38.3 ± 9.4), and they were significantly more likely to have been living in deprived areas (pre-PSA 50.0% vs post-PSA 65.9%). CONCLUSIONS Reporting of deaths following NPS use has risen despite introduction of the PSA. Whilst deaths amongst younger individuals and those living in more affluent areas has reduced, additional approaches to prohibition are needed to curb their persistence in deprived demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian A Deen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hugh Claridge
- Population Health Research Institute,
St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hilary J Hamnett
- School of Chemistry, University of
Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline S Copeland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,Population Health Research Institute,
St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom,Caroline S Copeland, Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin Wilkins Building,
Stamford Street, London, SE1 9 NH, United Kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Madden
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkYorkUK
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Adams PJ, Rychert M, Wilkins C. Policy influence and the legalized cannabis industry: learnings from other addictive consumption industries. Addiction 2021; 116:2939-2946. [PMID: 33739486 DOI: 10.1111/add.15483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM New Zealand has recently legalized medicinal cannabis and has explored the possibility of legalizing large-scale recreational cannabis supply. In the process, concerns have emerged regarding whether corporations involved in the large-scale production and sale of legalized cannabis will invest in tactics of influence with policymakers and the public. This paper aimed to examine the various ways a legalized cannabis industry could seek to influence governments and the public in the New Zealand reform context. METHOD Based on the study of industry tactics with alcohol, tobacco and gambling, we applied a three-chain model of industry influence that breaks tactics into the 'public good', 'knowledge' and 'political' chains. RESULTS Exploratory analysis of the nascent cannabis industry's activity in New Zealand provided signs of industry influence strategies related to all three chains. The medicinal cannabis industry has associated the establishment of a legal cannabis sector with regional economic development and employment, supported lobbying for recreational law reform, funded NGOs involved in lobbying for law reform, established research partnerships with universities, invited ex-politicians on advisory boards, and participated in government public sector partnerships. CONCLUSION There is emerging evidence that the legal cannabis industry is using strategies to influence the regulatory environment in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Adams
- Centre for Addiction Research, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rychert
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), SHORE and Whaariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, P.O. Box 6137, Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Wilkins
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), SHORE and Whaariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, P.O. Box 6137, Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand
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Whiteside B, Dunn M. The print media's construction of the 'drug problem' in Victorian newspapers: The case of North Richmond Community Health's medically supervised injecting room. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:818-829. [PMID: 34674323 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The media's influence on policy has been widely documented. This study sought to investigate how Melbourne's medically supervised injecting room (MSIR) was represented in the print media. METHODS A qualitative discourse analysis of Victorian print media (n = 441 items) representation of MSIR was conducted. Constructivist Grounded Theory guided the sampling strategy and coding while the discourse analysis was informed by Bacchi's approach to policy analysis, 'What's the problem represented to be?'. Print news media was gathered from Factiva and Newsbank databases from January 2016 to June 2020. RESULTS The media's representation of the 'drug problem' of overdose was identified by a range of actors in support and opposition of the facility. In attributing the concept of 'drug use' to the 'drug problem' items most frequently suggest it is the 'choice' of the individual to inject illicit drugs. The voices of people who inject drugs (PWID) were largely silenced in the print news media and to re-conceptualise the 'drug problem' to be a 'health problem' would aid in the support for the harm reduction strategy. The research highlighted 'dividing practices' (residents vs. PWID) and the portrayal of PWID that translate to the lived effects of PWID. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The print news media did not directly influence the establishment of the Melbourne MSIR. However, the representation of PWID in the print media must be further investigated for the successful establishment of future harm reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Whiteside
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunn
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Green B, Rhubart DC, Filteau MR. Barriers for Implementing the Hub and Spoke Model to Expand Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: A Case Study of Montana. Subst Abuse 2021; 15:11782218211039781. [PMID: 34483660 PMCID: PMC8411614 DOI: 10.1177/11782218211039781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) varies across the rural-urban continuum. The Hub & Spoke Model (H&S) emerged to address these gaps in service whereby hubs with staff expertise in MOUD support delivery of specialized care to a network of spoke locations, often located in rural communities with workforce shortages. This paper presents a case study of efforts to implement the hub and spoke model in a frontier and rural (FAR) state: Montana. Methods The primary data are structured interviews with 65 MOUD program staff in hub and spoke locations within Montana. Both inductive and deductive coding were used to analyze the transcripts. Findings Using the H&S structure to expand access to MOUD in Montana led to mixed results. There were consistent themes identified in the interviews about the reasons why hubs struggled to successfully recruit spokes, including (1) geographic barriers, (2) a lack of interest among medical providers, (3) fears about excessive demand, (4) concerns about the financial viability of the model, and (5) a preference for informal technical assistance rather than a formal H&S relationship. In addition to these 5 themes, efforts to implement H&S across different medical systems were unsuccessful, whereas the H&S model worked more effectively when H&S locations were within the same organization. Conclusion This case study identified limits to the H&S model utility in supporting states' abilities to expand access to MOUD treatment and offers suggestions for adapting it to accommodate variation across divergent rural contexts. We conclude with recommendations for strategies that may assist in expansion of MOUD in rural communities that are like those found in Montana.
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