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Wheeler PB, Miller-Roenigk B, Jester J, Stevens-Watkins D. Knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of medications for opioid use disorder among Black Kentuckians. Ann Med 2024; 56:2322051. [PMID: 38442301 PMCID: PMC10916927 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2322051] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdoses have continued to increase at higher rates among Black Americans compared to people from other racial groups. Despite demonstrated effectiveness of MOUD in reducing risk of opioid overdose, Black Americans face decreased access to and uptake of MOUD. The current study aimed to examine the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences with MOUD among a sample of Black adults who use prescription opioids nonmedically in order to inform tailored efforts to improve MOUD uptake. METHODS Data were derived from a larger study assessing cultural and structural influences on drug use and drug treatment among people who use prescription opioids nonmedically. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 Black men and women across four generational cohorts: born 1955-1969; 1970-1979; 1980-1994; and 1995-2001. Participant responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Nearly half of participants (44.1%) reported no knowledge or experience with MOUD. Among participants who had any knowledge about MOUD, four major themes regarding their perceptions emerged: MOUD Helps with Recovery; Not Needed for Level of Drug Use; Side Effects and Withdrawal; Equivalence with Illicit Drug Use. The majority reported negative perceptions of MOUD (52.6%), and the youngest cohort (born 1995-2001) had a higher proportion of negative perceptions (80%) relative to other age cohorts (born 1980-1994: 50%; 1970-1979: 75%; 1955-1969: 16.6%). DISCUSSION Findings indicate a significant knowledge gap and clear points of intervention for improving MOUD uptake. Interventions to improve communication of health information in ways that are culturally relevant and tailored by age group can be used in conjunction with efforts to improve MOUD access among Black individuals who use opioids nonmedically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris B. Wheeler
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brittany Miller-Roenigk
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of KY, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jasmine Jester
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of KY, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Danelle Stevens-Watkins
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of KY, Lexington, KY, USA
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Patel N, O'Brien J, Cockerham C, Hawk G, Parilla B. Weaning buprenorphine in pregnant patients . J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2337711. [PMID: 38616176 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2337711] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes after buprenorphine wean compared to patients maintained on buprenorphine throughout pregnancy. METHODS Prospective cohort study of pregnant patients with opioid use disorder enrolled in a multidisciplinary treatment program between 2015 and 2022. All patients were offered Medications to treat Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) primarily with buprenorphine. Patients had at least 2 prenatal visits and negative urine drug tests (UDT) prior to weaning. The experimental group underwent a buprenorphine wean greater than 20% of their baseline dose. The control group was maintained on buprenorphine throughout the pregnancy. Relapse was defined as patient reported use or positive UDT during weekly assessments. Mass spectrophotometer was used for detection of drugs in samples. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare outcomes in weaned and control groups. RESULTS 334 of 456 (73%) patients were treated with buprenorphine during pregnancy, with 39 in the experimental group and 295 in the control group. The mean dose for buprenorphine was similar between the groups (wean: 10.6 mg ± 5.6 vs. control: 10.3 mg ± 4.6, p = 0.76) but was significantly lower at delivery (wean: 4.4 ± 4.6 mg vs. control: 13.0 ± 4.7, p < 0.0001). Mean gestational age at initiation of the buprenorphine wean was 22.7 weeks. 10 of 39 (26%) who weaned were able to completely discontinue buprenorphine prior to delivery. Demographic data was similar between the groups, including overdose history. Overdose history at time of enrollment had a higher trend in the non-weaning group. neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) treatment was significantly lower in the wean group (23 vs. 47%, p = 0.006), as was highest Finnegan score (9.6 ± 4.5 vs. 12.3 ± 4.0, p = 0.0003). Birthweight percentile was significantly higher in the wean group (44.3 ± 29.9 vs. 34.8 ± 24.4, p = 0.03). Gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, and complications (HTN, DM, preterm labor, or short cervix) at delivery did not significantly differ between the groups. CONCLUSION Despite counseling to stay on buprenorphine, there are patients who desire to wean. The NOWS rate in the weaned cohort was significantly lower than the controls with no observed increase in maternal or neonatal morbidity. There were no maternal overdoses or deaths during the pregnancy. Larger studies are needed to evaluate this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - John O'Brien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Cynthia Cockerham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Gregory Hawk
- Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Barbara Parilla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Schwieger L, Carpenter JE, Moran TP, Erowid F, Cornelison M, Evans D, Morgan B, Murray BP. Access to, Experience with, and Attitudes towards Take Home Naloxone: An Online Survey. J Community Health 2024; 49:526-534. [PMID: 38127295 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01321-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The opioid public health crisis continues to burden individuals, communities, and economies. Public health opinion has emphasized the need for increased access to harm reduction services, but there is a dearth of information on the views and experiences of people who use opioids. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of naloxone use, attitudes, and experiences with naloxone among an online community of people who use drugs. We performed a cross-sectional survey looking at experiences with and attitudes towards take-home naloxone. Data is presented descriptively, with analysis of the differences between people who do and do not use opioids using the χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. There were 1,143 respondents, of whom 70% were from the United States. Only 38% of participants who use opioids had received naloxone training, but 56% of these individuals said that they felt comfortable using a naloxone kit. Nearly all respondents (95%) said they would be willing to use naloxone on someone who had overdosed and approximately 90% would want naloxone used on them in case of an overdose. Regarding harm reduction, 24% of respondents said they had access to safe use programs, and 33% said they had access to clean needle exchange programs. A majority of the participants who use opioids were in favor of having naloxone with them when using drugs and believed naloxone should be freely available. This study demonstrates the receptiveness of take-home naloxone and highlights the need for better implementation of naloxone within communities that use opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tim P Moran
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Dabney Evans
- Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brent Morgan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Axson SA, Becker WC, Merlin JS, Lorenz KA, Midboe AM, C Black A. Long-term opioid therapy trajectories in veteran patients with and without substance use disorder. Addict Behav 2024; 153:107997. [PMID: 38442438 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.107997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney A Axson
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; The National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - William C Becker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA; Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jessica S Merlin
- CHAllenges in Managing and Preventing Pain (CHAMPP) Clinical Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Karl A Lorenz
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Amanda M Midboe
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Anne C Black
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA; Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
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Chambers A, Patton J, Wills BK. Precipitated opioid withdrawal in a patient started on olanzapine/samidorphan. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 79:230.e1-230.e2. [PMID: 38556414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.03.027] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olanzapine/Samidorphan (Lybalvi®) is a novel oral agent for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It was designed to reduce weight gain associated with olanzapine. Samidorphan is an analog of naltrexone, initially intended to treat substance use disorders by antagonizing mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 36-year-old who took their first dose of olanzapine/samidorphan shortly before calling for emergency services. The patient took diphenhydramine and an epinephrine autoinjector for what they thought was an allergic reaction but continued to have symptoms. EMS reported involuntary muscle movements thought to be due to dystonia from olanzapine. In the ED, they experienced generalized muscle spasms lasting for several seconds and diaphoresis. Initially, the staff treated for a presumed dystonic reaction to olanzapine and administered diphenhydramine 25 mg IV, diazepam 2 mg IV, midazolam 5 mg IV, and benztropine 1 mg IV without improvement. It was later determined that the patient took 16 mg of buprenorphine SL daily. With this information, precipitated opioid withdrawal was felt to be the likely cause of symptoms. The patient received 16 mg of buprenorphine for an initial Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) score of 11 with repeat COWS of 6. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? Initiating olanzapine/samidorphan in the setting of chronic opioid therapy may result in precipitated opioid withdrawal. Additional SL buprenorphine may be a reasonable treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chambers
- Virginia Poison Center, Division of Clinical Toxicology, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Jessica Patton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, United States of America.
| | - Brandon K Wills
- Virginia Poison Center, Division of Clinical Toxicology, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, United States of America
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Sason A, Adelson M, Schreiber S, Peles E. Fentanyl abuse proportion in methadone maintenance treatment, and patients' knowledge about its risks. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:254-259. [PMID: 38554621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.047] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fentanyl is not yet routinely monitored among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients in Israel. We aimed 1. to evaluate urine fentanyl proportion changes over 3 years and characterize patients' characteristics 2. To study patients' self-report on fentanyl usage, and compare knowledge about fentanyl risk, before and following brief educational intervention. METHODS Fentanyl in the urine of all current MMT patients was tested every 3 months year between 2021 and 2023, and patients with positive urine fentanyl were characterized. Current patients were interviewed using a fentanyl knowledge questionnaire (effects, indications, and risks) before and following an explanation session. RESULTS Proportion of fentanyl ranged between 9.8 and 15.1%, and patients with urine positive for fentanyl (September 2023) were characterized as having positive urine for pregabalin, cocaine, and benzodiazepine (logistic regression). Of the current 260 patients (87% compliance), 78(30%) self-reported of fentanyl lifetime use ("Ever"), and 182 "never" use. The "Ever" group had higher Knowledge scores than the "Never", both groups improved following the explanatory session (repeated measure). The "Ever" group patients were found with urine positive for cannabis and benzodiazepine on admission to MMT, they were younger, did not manage to gain take-home dose privileges and had a higher fentanyl knowledge score (logistic regression). CONCLUSIONS In the absence of routine fentanyl tests, a high knowledge score, shorter duration in MMT, benzodiazepine usage on admission, and current cannabis usage, may hint of the possibility of fentanyl abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Sason
- Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse, Treatment & Research, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Miriam Adelson
- Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse, Treatment & Research, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shaul Schreiber
- Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse, Treatment & Research, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Tel Aviv University Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Einat Peles
- Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse, Treatment & Research, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Tel Aviv University Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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7
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Hubbell A, Aghenta E, Jones C, Specker S. Extended-release buprenorphine in pregnancy. Am J Addict 2024; 33:354-356. [PMID: 38264845 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The relative safety and efficacy of monthly extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) has not been fully evaluated in pregnant persons. METHODS Case report of two pregnant individuals receiving XR-BUP while pregnant. RESULTS Both patients had positive experiences and healthy infants. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Sparse data regarding the use of XR-BUP in pregnant patients limits shared decision-making. Additional evidence will support the growing population of pregnant patients exposed to XR-BUP. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Positive patient experiences using XR-BUP during pregnancy have been previously unreported. This report will contribute to discussions of risks and benefits for future patients using XR-BUP during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hubbell
- M Health Fairview Addiction Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ese Aghenta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cresta Jones
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sheila Specker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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8
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Olivares J, Tumilty E, Campo-Engelstein L, Cunningham KA. Confidence in Care Instead of Capacity: A Feminist Approach to Opioid Overdose. Am J Bioeth 2024; 24:51-53. [PMID: 38635431 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2327278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Tumilty
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
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Qian J, Khatiwada AP, Xue X. Did the 2021 federal change in the practice guidelines for the administration of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder increase buprenorphine prescription dispensing in Medicaid population? Am J Addict 2024; 33:335-338. [PMID: 38069608 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In April 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services released new federal practice guidelines and allowed physicians who wish to treat ≤30 patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to forego the X-waiver training requirement. METHODS This observational study compared annual number, dose, and spending of buprenorphine OUD treatments dispensed in the Medicaid population in 2021 versus 2020 using the CMS State Drug Utilization Data (n = 50 states plus D.C.). RESULTS Compared to 2020, there was a slight decrease (-3.1%) in the annual number of buprenorphine prescriptions dispensed but an increase in total doses (+3.2%) and payment (10.6%) for buprenorphine prescriptions in 2021. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Decrease in number of buprenorphine prescriptions in Medicaid population was observed in 2021. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Our findings support the hypothesis generation in which the removal of X-waiver training alone is not adequate to increase prescribing and access to OUD treatment buprenorphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qian
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Asmita P Khatiwada
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Xiangzhong Xue
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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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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A Marco C. Opioid Overdose and Capacity. Am J Bioeth 2024; 24:33-34. [PMID: 38635426 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2327298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
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Pough JL, Swanson S, Ranade R. Strengthening Protocols for Rapid Response to Disruptions in Access to Prescription Opioids: Considerations for State and Territorial Health Agencies. J Public Health Manag Pract 2024; 30:445-449. [PMID: 38603753 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Prescription opioid disruptions pose a danger and lead to adverse health outcomes for patients taking prescription opioids for pain or medication for opioid use disorder. State and territorial health agencies are uniquely positioned to respond to disruptions and potentially prevent risks associated with service disruptions. Responding to disruptions in access to prescription opioids necessitates a multifaceted, collaborative approach that prioritizes care continuity and patient well-being. State and territorial health agencies may benefit from developing and exercising a formal response protocol that outlines roles and activities during these types of events, strengthening capacity to rapidly respond and serve patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Pough
- Author Affiliation: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
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Cerdá M, Hamilton AD, Hyder A, Rutherford C, Bobashev G, Epstein JM, Hatna E, Krawczyk N, El-Bassel N, Feaster DJ, Keyes KM. Simulating the Simultaneous Impact of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder and Naloxone on Opioid Overdose Death in Eight New York Counties. Epidemiology 2024; 35:418-429. [PMID: 38372618 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic; 28.3 per 100,000 people died of opioid overdose in 2020. Simulation models can help understand and address this complex, dynamic, and nonlinear social phenomenon. Using the HEALing Communities Study, aimed at reducing opioid overdoses, and an agent-based model, Simulation of Community-Level Overdose Prevention Strategy, we simulated increases in buprenorphine initiation and retention and naloxone distribution aimed at reducing overdose deaths by 40% in New York Counties. METHODS Our simulations covered 2020-2022. The eight counties contrasted urban or rural and high and low baseline rates of opioid use disorder treatment. The model calibrated agent characteristics for opioid use and use disorder, treatments and treatment access, and fatal and nonfatal overdose. Modeled interventions included increased buprenorphine initiation and retention, and naloxone distribution. We predicted a decrease in the rate of fatal opioid overdose 1 year after intervention, given various modeled intervention scenarios. RESULTS Counties required unique combinations of modeled interventions to achieve a 40% reduction in overdose deaths. Assuming a 200% increase in naloxone from current levels, high baseline treatment counties achieved a 40% reduction in overdose deaths with a simultaneous 150% increase in buprenorphine initiation. In comparison, low baseline treatment counties required 250-300% increases in buprenorphine initiation coupled with 200-1000% increases in naloxone, depending on the county. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate the need for tailored county-level interventions to increase service utilization and reduce overdose deaths, as the modeled impact of interventions depended on the county's experience with past and current interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Cerdá
- From the Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Ava D Hamilton
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Ayaz Hyder
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Caroline Rutherford
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Georgiy Bobashev
- Center for Data Science, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Joshua M Epstein
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Erez Hatna
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- From the Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Sudan HK, Boyle Q, Kerr T, Sekhon M, Illes J. Revive and Survive: A Critical Lens on the Refusal of Care After Opioid Overdose. Am J Bioeth 2024; 24:30-33. [PMID: 38635425 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2327280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Kerr
- The University of British Columbia
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
| | - Mypinder Sekhon
- The University of British Columbia
- Vancouver General Hospital
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Rogan M, Nunes JC, Xie CZ, Sofuoglu M, Pittman B, De Aquino JP. Brief report: The influence of childhood trauma on the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in persons with opioid use disorder. Am J Addict 2024; 33:343-346. [PMID: 38059660 PMCID: PMC11032222 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Childhood trauma (CT) increases addiction vulnerability. We examined CT's impact on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) effects. METHODS This is a post-hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigating the effects of oral THC (10, 20 mg) among 25 persons receiving methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD). RESULTS Greater CT was associated with lower aversive effects from higher THC doses (20 mg) (p = .006). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS CT may reduce the subjective aversive effects of THC, potentially leading to greater cannabis use in individuals with OUD. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE These findings offer insights into THC's risks versus benefits in OUD subgroups and emphasize assessing CT in OUD treatment and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rogan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901 New Haven, CT, USA 06511
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Julio C. Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901 New Haven, CT, USA 06511
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Catherine Z. Xie
- Boston College, Department of Psychology, 2599 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
| | - Mehmet Sofuoglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901 New Haven, CT, USA 06511
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901 New Haven, CT, USA 06511
| | - Joao P. De Aquino
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901 New Haven, CT, USA 06511
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, 3 Floor, New Haven, CT, 06519
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Talal AH, Markatou M, Liu A, Perumalswami PV, Dinani AM, Tobin JN, Brown LS. Integrated Hepatitis C-Opioid Use Disorder Care Through Facilitated Telemedicine: A Randomized Trial. JAMA 2024; 331:1369-1378. [PMID: 38568601 PMCID: PMC10993166 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.2452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Importance Facilitated telemedicine may promote hepatitis C virus elimination by mitigating geographic and temporal barriers. Objective To compare sustained virologic responses for hepatitis C virus among persons with opioid use disorder treated through facilitated telemedicine integrated into opioid treatment programs compared with off-site hepatitis specialist referral. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective, cluster randomized clinical trial using a stepped wedge design. Twelve programs throughout New York State included hepatitis C-infected participants (n = 602) enrolled between March 1, 2017, and February 29, 2020. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2022, through September 1, 2023. Intervention Hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals through comanagement with a hepatitis specialist either through facilitated telemedicine integrated into opioid treatment programs (n = 290) or standard-of-care off-site referral (n = 312). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was hepatitis C virus cure. Twelve programs began with off-site referral, and every 9 months, 4 randomly selected sites transitioned to facilitated telemedicine during 3 steps without participant crossover. Participants completed 2-year follow-up for reinfection assessment. Inclusion criteria required 6-month enrollment in opioid treatment and insurance coverage of hepatitis C medications. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to test for the intervention effect, adjusted for time, clustering, and effect modification in individual-based intention-to-treat analysis. Results Among 602 participants, 369 were male (61.3%); 296 (49.2%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, multiracial, or other (ie, no race category was selected, with race data collected according to the 5 standard National Institutes of Health categories); and 306 (50.8%) were White. The mean (SD) age of the enrolled participants in the telemedicine group was 47.1 (13.1) years; that of the referral group was 48.9 (12.8) years. In telemedicine, 268 of 290 participants (92.4%) initiated treatment compared with 126 of 312 participants (40.4%) in referral. Intention-to-treat cure percentages were 90.3% (262 of 290) in telemedicine and 39.4% (123 of 312) in referral, with an estimated logarithmic odds ratio of the study group effect of 2.9 (95% CI, 2.0-3.5; P < .001) with no effect modification. Observed cure percentages were 246 of 290 participants (84.8%) in telemedicine vs 106 of 312 participants (34.0%) in referral. Subgroup effects were not significant, including fibrosis stage, urban or rural participant residence location, or mental health (anxiety or depression) comorbid conditions. Illicit drug use decreased significantly (referral: 95% CI, 1.2-4.8; P = .001; telemedicine: 95% CI, 0.3-1.0; P < .001) among cured participants. Minimal reinfections (n = 13) occurred, with hepatitis C virus reinfection incidence of 2.5 per 100 person-years. Participants in both groups rated health care delivery satisfaction as high or very high. Conclusions and Relevance Opioid treatment program-integrated facilitated telemedicine resulted in significantly higher hepatitis C virus cure rates compared with off-site referral, with high participant satisfaction. Illicit drug use declined significantly among cured participants with minimal reinfections. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02933970.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | | | - Anran Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ponni V. Perumalswami
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Amreen M. Dinani
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan N. Tobin
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc (CDN), New York, New York
- The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science, New York, New York
| | - Lawrence S. Brown
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Dempsey S, O' Grady MJ. Current management of neonatal abstinence syndrome: a survey of practice in the UK and Ireland. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2024; 109:261-264. [PMID: 37879885 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326204] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the current management practices of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) throughout the UK and Ireland and identify changes in practice from the most recent survey in 2008. DESIGN Postal questionnaire to a consultant paediatrician or neonatologist in all 215 neonatal units in the UK and Ireland in January 2020. RESULTS Response rate was 62%. An objective scoring tool was used in 97% of units and the Finnegan score was favoured by 70%. Morphine sulfate use as first line for the treatment of opiate withdrawal was almost universal and 70% used a dose of 40 µg/kg every 4 hours (240 µg/kg/day). Phenobarbitone administration as a second-line agent for opiate withdrawal increased to 61% of units with significant reductions in chloral hydrate and chlorpromazine use compared with the previous survey. Morphine sulfate and phenobarbitone remain the preferred first-line and second-line agents, respectively, for polysubstance withdrawal. There was a significant increase in chlorpromazine use as first line for polydrug withdrawal (1.5-14.2%). The practice of units discharging infants' home on medication increased to 46% from 29%. All units now permit breastfeeding in mothers taking methadone, compared with 81% previously. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Compared with the previous survey, improvements in evidence-based practices were noted, highlighting the benefits of this type of research. Nonetheless, significant variation still exists in some aspects of the management of NAS. Post-discharge follow-up varies widely, with particular deficits in ophthalmology follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Dempsey
- Department of Paediatrics, Regional Hospital Mullingar, Mullingar, Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Michael J O' Grady
- Department of Paediatrics, Regional Hospital Mullingar, Mullingar, Westmeath, Ireland
- Women's and Children's Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Bart G, Korthuis PT, Donohue JM, Hagedorn HJ, Gustafson DH, Bazzi AR, Enns E, McNeely J, Ghitza UE, Magane KM, Baukol P, Vena A, Harris J, Voronca D, Saitz R. Exemplar Hospital initiation trial to Enhance Treatment Engagement (EXHIT ENTRE): protocol for CTN-0098B a randomized implementation study to support hospitals in caring for patients with opioid use disorder. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:29. [PMID: 38600571 PMCID: PMC11007900 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalizations involving opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasing. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce mortality and acute care utilization. Hospitalization is a reachable moment for initiating MOUD and arranging for ongoing MOUD engagement following hospital discharge. Despite existing quality metrics for MOUD initiation and engagement, few hospitals provide hospital based opioid treatment (HBOT). This protocol describes a cluster-randomized hybrid type-2 implementation study comparing low-intensity and high-intensity implementation support strategies to help community hospitals implement HBOT. METHODS Four state implementation hubs with expertise in initiating HBOT programs will provide implementation support to 24 community hospitals (6 hospitals/hub) interested in starting HBOT. Community hospitals will be randomized to 24-months of either a low-intensity intervention (distribution of an HBOT best-practice manual, a lecture series based on the manual, referral to publicly available resources, and on-demand technical assistance) or a high-intensity intervention (the low-intensity intervention plus funding for a hospital HBOT champion and regular practice facilitation sessions with an expert hub). The primary efficacy outcome, adapted from the National Committee on Quality Assurance, is the proportion of patients engaged in MOUD 34-days following hospital discharge. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include acute care utilization, non-fatal overdose, death, MOUD engagement at various time points, hospital length of stay, and discharges against medical advice. Primary, secondary, and exploratory outcomes will be derived from state Medicaid data. Implementation outcomes, barriers, and facilitators are assessed via longitudinal surveys, qualitative interviews, practice facilitation contact logs, and HBOT sustainability metrics. We hypothesize that the proportion of patients receiving care at hospitals randomized to the high-intensity arm will have greater MOUD engagement following hospital discharge. DISCUSSION Initiation of MOUD during hospitalization improves MOUD engagement post hospitalization. Few studies, however, have tested different implementation strategies on HBOT uptake, outcome, and sustainability and only one to date has tested implementation of a specific type of HBOT (addiction consultation services). This cluster-randomized study comparing different intensities of HBOT implementation support will inform hospitals and policymakers in identifying effective strategies for promoting HBOT dissemination and adoption in community hospitals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04921787.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Bart
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare and University of Minnesota, 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA.
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Section, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, 97239-3098, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Julie M Donohue
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Hildi J Hagedorn
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, University of Minnesota, 1 Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Dave H Gustafson
- Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, University of Wisconsin, 1513 University Ave., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego; La Jolla, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Suite 431, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Eva Enns
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, USA
| | - Jennifer McNeely
- Department of Population Health, Section on Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use, NYU School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, 17th floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation, NYU School of Medicine, 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Udi E Ghitza
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Center for the Clinical Trials Network (CCTN), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kara M Magane
- Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Suite 431, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Paulette Baukol
- Berman Center for Outcomes & Clinical Research, 701 Park Ave, Ste. PP7.700, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Ashley Vena
- The Emmes Company, LLC, 401 N. Washington St. #700, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Jacklyn Harris
- The Emmes Company, LLC, 401 N. Washington St. #700, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Delia Voronca
- The Emmes Company, LLC, 401 N. Washington St. #700, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- Currently: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 777 Old Saw Mill River Rd, Tarrytown, Deceased, NY, 10591-6707, USA
| | - Richard Saitz
- Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Suite 431, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Jones BLH, Geier M, Neuhaus J, Coffin PO, Snyder HR, Soran CS, Knight KR, Suen LW. Withdrawal during outpatient low dose buprenorphine initiation in people who use fentanyl: a retrospective cohort study. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:80. [PMID: 38594721 PMCID: PMC11005253 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD); however, buprenorphine initiation can be complicated by withdrawal symptoms including precipitated withdrawal. There has been increasing interest in using low dose initiation (LDI) strategies to reduce this withdrawal risk. As there are limited data on withdrawal symptoms during LDI, we characterize withdrawal symptoms in people with daily fentanyl use who underwent initiation using these strategies as outpatients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with OUD using daily fentanyl who were prescribed 7-day or 4-day LDI at 2 substance use disorder treatment clinics in San Francisco. Two addiction medicine experts assessed extracted chart documentation for withdrawal severity and precipitated withdrawal, defined as acute worsening of withdrawal symptoms immediately after taking buprenorphine. A third expert adjudicated disagreements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS There were 175 initiations in 126 patients. The mean age was 37 (SD 10 years). 71% were men, 26% women, and 2% non-binary. 21% identified as Black, 16% Latine, and 52% white. 60% were unstably housed and 75% had Medicaid insurance. Substance co-use included 74% who used amphetamines, 29% cocaine, 22% benzodiazepines, and 19% alcohol. Follow up was available for 118 (67%) initiations. There was deviation from protocol instructions in 22% of these initiations with follow up. 31% had any withdrawal, including 21% with mild symptoms, 8% moderate and 2% severe. Precipitated withdrawal occurred in 10 cases, or 8% of initiations with follow up. Of these, 7 had deviation from protocol instructions; thus, there were 3 cases with follow up (3%) in which precipitated withdrawal occurred without protocol deviation. CONCLUSIONS Withdrawal was relatively common in our cohort but was mostly mild, and precipitated withdrawal was rare. Deviation from instructions, structural barriers, and varying fentanyl use characteristics may contribute to withdrawal. Clinicians should counsel patients who use fentanyl that mild withdrawal symptoms are likely during LDI, and there is still a low risk for precipitated withdrawal. Future studies should compare withdrawal across initiation types, seek ways to support patients in initiating buprenorphine, and qualitatively elicit patients' withdrawal experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L H Jones
- Medical Student Center, UCSF School of Medicine, 533 Parnassus Avenue, S-245, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Michelle Geier
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
| | - John Neuhaus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Phillip O Coffin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Hannah R Snyder
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Christine S Soran
- Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
- Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Kelly R Knight
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Leslie W Suen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
- Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
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Rao D, Ford JH, Shiyanbola OO. Patient and pharmacist perspectives on opioid misuse screening and brief interventions in community pharmacies. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:27. [PMID: 38589965 PMCID: PMC11003152 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00460-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacy-based screening and brief interventions (SBI) offer opportunities to identify opioid misuse and opioid safety risks and provide brief interventions that do not overly burden pharmacists. Currently, such interventions are being developed without patient input and in-depth contextual data and insufficient translation into practice. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore and compare patient and pharmacist perceptions and needs regarding a pharmacy-based opioid misuse SBI and to identify relevant SBI features and future implementation strategies. METHODS Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 8 patients and 11 pharmacists, to explore needs and barriers to participating in a pharmacy-based SBI. We recruited a purposive sample of English-speaking patients prescribed opioids for chronic or acute pain and pharmacists practicing in varied pharmacies (small independent, large-chain, specialty retail) settings. We used an inductive content analysis approach to analyze patient interview data. Then through a template analysis approach involving comparison of pharmacist and patient themes, we developed strategies for SBI implementation. RESULTS Most patient participants were white, older, described living in suburban areas, and were long-term opioid users. We identified template themes related to individual, interpersonal, intervention, and implementation factors and inferred applications for SBI design or potential SBI implementation strategies. We found that patients needed education on opioid safety and general opioid use, regardless of opioid use behaviors. Pharmacists described needing patient-centered training, protocols, and scripts to provide SBI. A short-self-reported screening and brief interventions including counseling, naloxone, and involving prescribers were discussed by both groups. CONCLUSIONS Through this implementation-focused qualitative study, we identified patient needs such as opioid safety education delivered in a private and convenient format and pharmacist needs including training, workflow integration, protocols, and a time-efficient intervention for effective pharmacy-based SBI. Alternate formats of SBI using digital health technologies may be needed for effective implementation. Our findings can be used to develop patient-centered pharmacy-based SBI that can be implemented within actual pharmacy practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Rao
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - James H Ford
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Olayinka O Shiyanbola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
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Jennings LK, Lander L, Lawdahl T, McClure EA, Moreland A, McCauley JL, Haynes L, Matheson T, Jones R, Robey TE, Kawasaki S, Moschella P, Raheemullah A, Miller S, Gregovich G, Waltman D, Brady KT, Barth KS. Characterization of peer support services for substance use disorders in 11 US emergency departments in 2020: findings from a NIDA clinical trials network site selection process. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:26. [PMID: 38589934 PMCID: PMC11003047 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00453-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergency departments (ED) are incorporating Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) to help with patient care for substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite rapid growth in this area, little is published regarding workflow, expectations of the peer role, and core components of the PSS intervention. This study describes these elements in a national sample of ED-based peer support intervention programs. METHODS A survey was conducted to assess PSS site characteristics as part of site selection process for a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) evaluating PSS effectiveness, Surveys were distributed to clinical sites affiliated with the 16 CTN nodes. Surveys were completed by a representative(s) of the site and collected data on the PSS role in the ED including details regarding funding and certification, services rendered, role in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and naloxone distribution, and factors impacting implementation and maintenance of ED PSS programs. Quantitative data was summarized with descriptive statistics. Free-text fields were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS A total of 11 surveys were completed, collected from 9 different states. ED PSS funding was from grants (55%), hospital funds (46%), peer recovery organizations (27%) or other (18%). Funding was anticipated to continue for a mean of 16 months (range 12 to 36 months). The majority of programs provided "general recovery support (81%) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services (55%), and assisted with naloxone distribution to ED patients (64%). A minority assisted with ED-initiated buprenorphine (EDIB) programs (27%). Most (91%) provided services to patients after they were discharged from the ED. Barriers to implementation included lack of outpatient referral sources, barriers to initiating MOUD, stigma at the clinician and system level, and lack of ongoing PSS availability due to short-term grant funding. CONCLUSIONS The majority of ED-based PSSs were funded through time-limited grants, and short-term grant funding was identified as a barrier for ED PSS programs. There was consistency among sites in the involvement of PSSs in facilitation of transitions of SUD care, coordination of follow-up after ED discharge, and PSS involvement in naloxone distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey K Jennings
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 169 Ashley Avenue, MSC 300, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Laura Lander
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Tricia Lawdahl
- Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Upstate, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Erin A McClure
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Angela Moreland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jenna L McCauley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Louise Haynes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Timothy Matheson
- Center On Substance Use and Health, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Thomas E Robey
- Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Washington State University, Everett, WA, USA
| | - Sarah Kawasaki
- Departments of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Phillip Moschella
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Amer Raheemullah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Suzette Miller
- Mercy Health - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Youngstown, OH, USA
| | - Gina Gregovich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Deborah Waltman
- Deaconess Hospital, MultiCare Health System, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen T Brady
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kelly S Barth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Pierlorenzi C, Nunzi M, Cirulli S, Direnzo GFM, Curatella L, Liberatori S, Pascucci A, Petrone E, Ventre G, Varango C, Pulito ML, Varango A, Dandolo C, Occupati B, Marenzi R, Leonardi C. Patients' perspectives on buprenorphine subcutaneous implant: a case series. J Med Case Rep 2024; 18:202. [PMID: 38581074 PMCID: PMC10998295 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04483-6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the enormous burden represented by the opioid use disorder (OUD), it is important to always consider, when implementing opioid agonist therapy (OAT), the potential impact on patient's adherence, quality of life, and detoxification. Thus, the purpose of the study is to evaluate how the introduction of a novel OAT approach influences these key factors in the management of OUD. CASE PRESENTATION This article marks the pioneering use of OAT through buprenorphine implant in Europe and delves into the experience of six patients diagnosed with OUD at a relatively young age. The patients, comprising both males and a female, are of Caucasian Italian and African Italian ancestry (case 4) and exhibit an age range from 23 to 63, with an average drug abuse history of 19 ± 12 years. All patients were on stable traditional OAT before transitioning to buprenorphine implants. Despite the heterogeneity in social and educational backgrounds, health status, and drug abuse initiation histories, the case series reveals consistent positive treatment outcomes such as detoxification, absence of withdrawal symptoms and of side effects. Notably, all patients reported experiencing a newfound sense of freedom and improved quality of life. CONCLUSIONS These results emphasise the promising impact of OAT via buprenorphine implants in enhancing the well-being and quality of life in the context of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Nunzi
- UOS Patologie da Dipendenza D9 ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edoardo Petrone
- UOS Terapia del Dolore ASL Roma 2 Ospedale S. Eugenio, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Cosimo Dandolo
- Servizio Dipendenze Casalpusterlengo, ASST Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Brunella Occupati
- Tossicologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Marenzi
- ASST Papa Giovanni XXII, Ospedale Di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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Nordgren J, Monwell B, Johnson B, Gunnarsson NV, Capusan AJ. Healthcare staff's perspectives on long-acting injectable buprenorphine treatment: a qualitative interview study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:25. [PMID: 38581022 PMCID: PMC10996245 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) formulations are a novel treatment approach in opioid agonist treatment (OAT), which provide patients with a steady dose administered weekly or monthly and thus reduce the need for frequent clinic visits. Several studies have analyzed patient experiences of LAIB but the perspective of OAT staff is unknown. This study aimed to explore how healthcare staff working in OAT clinics in Sweden perceive and manage treatment with LAIB. METHODS Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with OAT physicians (n = 10) in tandem with nine focus group sessions with OAT nurses and other staff categories (n = 41). The data was analyzed with thematic text analysis. RESULTS Five central themes were identified in the data: (1) advantages and disadvantages of LAIB, (2) patient categories that may or may not need LAIB, (3) patients' degrees of medication choice, (4) keeping tabs, control and treatment alliance, and (5) LAIB's impact on risk and enabling environments in OAT. Overall staff found more advantages than disadvantages with LAIB and considered that patients with ongoing substance use and low adherence were most likely to benefit from LAIB. However, less frequent visits were viewed as problematic in terms of developing a treatment alliance and being able to keep tabs on patients' clinical status. Clinics differed regarding patients' degrees of choice in medication, which varied from limited to extensive. LAIB affected both risk and enabling environments in OAT. CONCLUSIONS LAIB may strengthen the enabling environment in OAT for some patients by reducing clinic visits, exposure to risk environments, and the pressure to divert medication. A continued discussion about the prerequisites and rationale for LAIB implementation is needed in policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Nordgren
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 211 19, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Bodil Monwell
- Department of Social Work, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Psychiatric clinic, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Björn Johnson
- School of Social Work, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Andrea Johansson Capusan
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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24
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Rizk JG, Saini J, Kim K, Pathan U, Qato DM. County-level factors associated with a mismatch between opioid overdose mortality and availability of opioid treatment facilities. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301863. [PMID: 38578818 PMCID: PMC10997118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose deaths in the United States remain a major public health crisis. Little is known about counties with high rates of opioid overdose mortality but low availability of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment facilities. We sought to identify characteristics of United States (US) counties with high rates of opioid overdose mortality and low rates of opioid treatment facilities. METHODS Rates of overdose mortality from 3,130 US counties were compared with availability of opioid treatment facilities that prescribed or allowed medications for OUD (MOUD), from 2018-2019. The outcome variable, "risk-availability mismatch" county, was a binary indicator of a high rate (above national average) of opioid overdose mortality with a low (below national average) rate of opioid treatment facilities. Covariates of interest included county-level sociodemographics and rates of insurance, unemployment, educational attainment, poverty, urbanicity, opioid prescribing, depression, heart disease, Gini index, and Theil index. Multilevel logistic regression, accounting for the clustering of counties within states, was used to determine associations with being a "risk-availability mismatch" county. RESULTS Of 3,130 counties, 1,203 (38.4%) had high rates of opioid overdose mortality. A total of 1,098 counties (35.1%) lacked a publicly-available opioid treatment facility in 2019. In the adjusted model, counties with an additional 1% of: white residents (odds ratio, OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03), unemployment (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.19), and residents without insurance (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08) had increased odds of being a mismatch county. Counties that were metropolitan (versus non-metropolitan) had an increased odds of being a mismatch county (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.45-2.38). CONCLUSION Assessing mismatch between treatment availability and need provides useful information to characterize counties that require greater public health investment. Interventions to reduce overdose mortality are unlikely to be effective if they do not take into account diverse upstream factors, including sociodemographics, disease burden, and geographic context of communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G. Rizk
- Department of Practice, Sciences and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jannat Saini
- Department of Practice, Sciences and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kyungha Kim
- Department of Practice, Sciences and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Uzma Pathan
- Department of Practice, Sciences and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Danya M. Qato
- Department of Practice, Sciences and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Lai B, Oesterle T, Kelpin S, Morrison E, Elegbede A, Warner N. Chronic pain and opioid use disorder workshop for medical students: a biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary approach. Pain Med 2024; 25:306-309. [PMID: 37951592 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lai
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905-0002, United States
| | - Tyler Oesterle
- Division of Addiction Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Sydney Kelpin
- Corewell Health Bariatrics, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, United States
| | - Eleshia Morrison
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Audrey Elegbede
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Nafisseh Warner
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
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26
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Short NA, Patidar S, Margolies S, Goetzinger A, Chidgey B, Austin AE. Identifying patterns of pain, depression, anxiety, interpersonal trauma exposure, and nonmedical prescription opioid use: Latent class analysis among patients with chronic pain. Pain Med 2024; 25:275-282. [PMID: 38092363 PMCID: PMC10988286 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain in the context of certain factors may be associated with potential for nonmedical prescription opioid use; however, identifying this risk can be challenging and complex. Several variables alone have been associated with non-prescribed opioid use, including depression, anxiety, pain interference, and trauma exposure. Prior research has often failed to integrate these assessments together, which is important as these factors may cluster together in important and complex ways. The current study aimed to identify classes of patients with chronic pain who have differential risk for use of nonmedical prescription opioid use, depression and anxiety, and pain severity, interference, and catastrophizing, and interpersonal violence exposure. METHODS Self-report and medical record data from patients (N = 211; Mage = 48, 69.0% women, 69.0% white) at a pain management center were collected. RESULTS Latent class analysis revealed 3 classes with (1) low probability of clinically significant depression, anxiety, pain, and nonmedical prescription opioid use (44.7%), (2) high probability of clinically significant depression, anxiety, pain, pain catastrophizing, trauma, and nonmedical prescription opioid use (41.3%), and (3) high probability of severe pain and nonmedical prescription opioid use (14.0%). CONCLUSIONS High-risk classes had either high levels of depression and anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and interpersonal violence exposure, or pain severity and interference. Future research should continue to explore these classes in large, diverse samples, and prospective study designs. Finally, results underscore that opioid use is complex, not easily identified by a single factor, and may be motivated by complex unmet clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Short
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, NV 89154, United States
| | - Seema Patidar
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Skye Margolies
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Amy Goetzinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Brooke Chidgey
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Anna E Austin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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27
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Rizvi A, Nolte CL, Chumber P, Yadava D, Wallace I, Jagtiani A. Emerging Trends in Opioid Use Disorder Management: A 6-Year Analysis of Emergency Department Visits, Buprenorphine Prescriptions, and Naloxone Distribution (2016-2021). Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2024; 26:23br03659. [PMID: 38579268 DOI: 10.4088/pcc.23br03659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Rizvi
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Corresponding Author: Abid Rizvi, MD, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, 936 Sharpe Hospital Rd, Weston, WV 26452
| | - Christina L Nolte
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Paramjit Chumber
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Deep Yadava
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Issaiah Wallace
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Hardin J, Seltzer J, Galust H, Deguzman A, Campbell I, Friedman N, Wardi G, Clark RF, Lasoff D. Emergency Department Take-Home Naloxone Improves Access Compared with Pharmacy-Dispensed Naloxone. J Emerg Med 2024; 66:e457-e462. [PMID: 38461132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.11.020] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose is a major cause of mortality in the United States. In spite of efforts to increase naloxone availability, distribution to high-risk populations remains a challenge. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of multiple different naloxone distribution methods on patient obtainment of naloxone in the emergency department (ED) setting. METHODS Naloxone was provided to patients in three 12-month phases between February 2020 and February 2023. In Phase 1, physicians could offer patients electronic prescriptions, which were filled in a nearby in-hospital discharge pharmacy. In Phase 2, physicians directly provided patients with take-home naloxone at discharge. In Phase 3, distribution was expanded to allow ED staff to hand patients take-home naloxone at time of discharge. The total number of prescriptions, rate of prescription filling, and amount of take-home naloxone kits provided to patients were then statistically analyzed using 95% confidence intervals (CI) and chi-squared testing. RESULTS In Phase 1, 348 naloxone prescriptions were written, with 133 (95% CI 112.5-153.5) filled. In Phase 2, 327 (95% CI 245.5-408.5) take-home naloxone kits were given to patients by physicians. In Phase 3, 677 (95% CI 509.5-844.5) take-home naloxone kits were provided to patients by ED staff. There were statistically significant increases in naloxone distribution from Phase 1 to Phase 2, and Phase 2 to Phase 3. CONCLUSIONS Take-home naloxone increases access when compared with naloxone prescriptions in the ED setting. A multidisciplinary approach combined with the removal of regulatory and administrative barriers allowed for further increased distribution of no-cost naloxone to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hardin
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; San Diego Division, California Poison Control System, San Diego, California
| | - Justin Seltzer
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; San Diego Division, California Poison Control System, San Diego, California
| | - Henrik Galust
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; San Diego Division, California Poison Control System, San Diego, California
| | | | | | - Nathan Friedman
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; San Diego Division, California Poison Control System, San Diego, California
| | - Gabriel Wardi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California
| | - Richard F Clark
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California; San Diego Division, California Poison Control System, San Diego, California
| | - Daniel Lasoff
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; San Diego Division, California Poison Control System, San Diego, California
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29
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Martinez NG, Truong AQ, Nordeck CD, Agus D, Genberg BL, Buresh ME. "I want to stay here": Patient and staff perspectives on transitioning from a low-threshold buprenorphine program to clinic-based care. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111130. [PMID: 38452408 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111130] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Project Connections At Re-Entry (PCARE) Van is a low-threshold buprenorphine program operating outside the Baltimore City Detention Center. Like other low-threshold programs, PCARE seeks to engage a vulnerable population in care, stabilize patients, then transition patients to longer-term care; however, <10% of patients transition to clinic-based buprenorphine treatment. Our goal was to better understand these low transition rates and center patient perspectives in discussion of broader low-threshold program design. METHODS From December 2022 to June 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 former and current PCARE patients and 6 staff members. We used deductive and inductive coding followed by thematic content analysis to identify themes around treatment experiences and care preferences. RESULTS There were strong preferences among current and former patients for continuing buprenorphine treatment at the PCARE Van. Several themes emerged from the data that explained patient preferences, including both advantages to continuing care at the van (preference for continuity, feeling respected by the program's structure and philosophy) and disadvantages to transitioning to a clinic (perceived harms associated with rigid or punitive care models). Staff noted limited program capacity, and patients expressed that if needed, they would transition to a clinic for altruistic reasons. Staff expressed varied perspectives on low-threshold care, emphasizing both larger systems factors, as well as beliefs about individual patient responsibility. CONCLUSIONS While many low-threshold care settings are designed as transitional bridge models, this research highlights patient preference for long-term care at low-threshold programs and supports efforts to adapt low-threshold models to be sustainable as longitudinal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle G Martinez
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Mason F. Lord Building East Tower 2nd Floor, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Ashley Q Truong
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Courtney D Nordeck
- Friends Research Institute, 1040 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Deborah Agus
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Behavioral Health Leadership Institute, 2601N. Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Megan E Buresh
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Mason F. Lord Building East Tower 2nd Floor, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Ram Munnangi S, Narala N, Lakkala P, Kumar Vemula S, Repka M. Assessing Abuse-Deterrent formulations utilizing Ion-Exchange resin complexation processed via Twin-Screw granulation for improved safety and effectiveness. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114230. [PMID: 38373555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114230] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Opioid misuse is a public health crisis in the United States. In response, the FDA has approved drug products with abuse-deterrent features to reduce the risk of prescription opioid abuse. Abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) typically employ physical or chemical barriers or incorporate agonist-antagonist combinations as mechanisms to deter misuse. This study aims to assess the impact of abuse-deterrent properties, specifically ion-exchange resin complexation as a chemical barrier, on a model drug, promethazine hydrochloride (PMZ) tablets. Various formulations were developed through twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG) followed by twin-screw melt granulation (TSMG). In the TSWG process, the drug interacts with the resin through an exchange reaction, forming a drug-resin complex. Additionally, the study explored factors influencing the complex formation between the drug and resin, using the drug loading status as an indicator. DSC and ATR studies were carried out to confirm the formation of the drug-resin complex. Subsequently, hot melt granulation was employed to create a matrix tablet incorporating Kollidon® SR and Kollicoat® MAE 100P, thereby enabling sustained release properties. The drug-resin complex embedded in the matrix effectively deters abuse through methods like smoking, snorting, or parenteral injection, unless the drug can be extracted. In order to assess this, solvent extraction studies were conducted using an FDA-recommended solvents, determining the potential for abuse. Further investigations involved dissolution tests in change-over media, confirming the extended-release properties of the formulation. Results from dissolution studies comparing the ground and intact tablets provided positive evidence of the formulation's effectiveness in deterring abuse. Finally, alcohol-induced dose-dumping studies were conducted in compliance with FDA guidelines, concluding that the formulation successfully mitigates dose dumping in the presence of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Ram Munnangi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677; Pii Center for Pharmaceutical Technology, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Nagarjuna Narala
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677
| | - Preethi Lakkala
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677
| | - Sateesh Kumar Vemula
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677
| | - Michael Repka
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677; Pii Center for Pharmaceutical Technology, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
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Bakouni H, Sharafi H, Drouin S, Fortin R, Marsan S, Brissette S, Socias ME, Le Foll B, Lim R, Jutras-Aswad D. Associations Between Buprenorphine\Naloxone and Methadone Treatment and non-Opioid Substance Use in Prescription-Type Opioid Use Disorder: Secondary Analyses From the OPTIMA Study: Associations entre le traitement avec la buprénorphine/naloxone et avec la méthadone et l'utilisation de substances non opioïdes dans le trouble lié à l'usage d'opioïdes de type sur ordonnance : analyses secondaires de l'étude OPTIMA. Can J Psychiatry 2024; 69:252-263. [PMID: 37899716 PMCID: PMC10924583 DOI: 10.1177/07067437231210796] [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] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is limited evidence on how opioid agonist treatment (OAT) may affect psychoactive non-opioid substance use in prescription-type opioid use disorder (POUD) and whether this effect might explain OAT outcomes. We aimed to assess the effect of methadone on non-opioid substance use compared to buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NX), to explore whether non-opioid substance use is associated with opioid use and retention in treatment, and to test non-opioid use as a moderator of associations between methadone with retention in OAT and opioid use compared to BUP/NX. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of data from the OPTIMA trial, an open-label, pragmatic, parallel, two-arm, pan-Canadian, multicentre, randomized-controlled trial to compare standard methadone model of care and flexible take-home dosing BUP/NX for POUD treatment. We studied the effect of methadone and BUP/NX on non-opioid substance use evaluated by urine drug screen (UDS) and by classes of non-opioid substances (i.e., tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], benzodiazepines, stimulants) (weeks 2-24) using adjusted generalized estimation equation (GEE). We studied the association between non-opioid substance-positive UDS and opioid-positive UDS and retention in treatment, using adjusted GEE and logistic regressions. RESULTS Overall, methadone was not associated with non-opioid substance-positive UDS compared to BUP/NX (OR: 0.78; 95%CI, 0.41 to 1.48). When non-opioid substances were studied separately, methadone was associated with lower odds of benzodiazepine-positive UDS (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.98) and THC-positive UDS (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.77), but not with different odds of stimulant-positive UDS (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.16) compared to BUP/NX. Substance-positive UDS, overall and separate classes, were not associated with opioid-positive UDS or retention in treatment. CONCLUSION Methadone did not show a significant effect on overall non-opioid substance use in POUD compared to BUP/NX treatment but was associated with lower odds of benzodiazepine and THC use in particular. Non-opioid substance use did not predict OAT outcomes. Further research is needed to ascertain whether specific patterns of polysubstance use (quantity and frequency) may affect treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzah Bakouni
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Heidar Sharafi
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah Drouin
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Raphaelle Fortin
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Marsan
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Suzanne Brissette
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maria Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ron Lim
- Department of Family Medicine and Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Zhao W, Alshogran OY, Zhang H, Joshi A, Krans EE, Caritis S, Shaik IH, Venkataramanan R. Simplified processing and rapid quantification of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, and their conjugated metabolites in human plasma using UPLC-MS/MS: Assessment of buprenorphine exposure during opioid use disorder treatment. J Mass Spectrom 2024; 59:e5015. [PMID: 38501738 DOI: 10.1002/jms.5015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic neurobehavioral ailment and is prevalent in pregnancy. OUD is commonly treated with methadone or buprenorphine (BUP). Pregnancy is known to alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs and may lead to changes in drug exposure and response. A simple, specific, and sensitive analytical method for measuring the parent drug and its metabolites is valuable for assessing the impact of pregnancy on drug exposure. A new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method that utilized a simple protein precipitation procedure for sample preparation and four deuterated internal standards for quantification was developed and validated for BUP and its major metabolites (norbuprenorphine [NBUP], buprenorphine-glucuronide [BUP-G], and norbuprenorphine-glucuronide [NBUP-G]) in human plasma. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.05-100 ng/mL for BUP and NBUP, and 0.1-200 ng/mL for BUP-G and NBUP-G. Intra- and inter-day bias and precision were within ±15% of nominal values for all the analytes. Quality controls assessed at four levels showed high recovery consistently for all the analytes with minimal matrix effect. Adequate analyte stability was observed at various laboratory conditions tested. Overall, the developed method is simple, sensitive, accurate and reproducible, and was successfully applied for the quantification of BUP and its metabolites in plasma samples collected from pregnant women in a clinical study assessing BUP exposure during OUD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchen Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Osama Y Alshogran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hongfei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anand Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Krans
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, UPMC Magee-Women's Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steve Caritis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, UPMC Magee-Women's Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Imam H Shaik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Raman Venkataramanan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Aksu S, Soyata AZ, Şeker S, Akkaya G, Yılmaz Y, Kafalı T, Evren C, Umut G. Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training improves decision making and executive functions in opioid use disorder: a triple-blind sham-controlled pilot study. J Addict Dis 2024; 42:154-165. [PMID: 36861945 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2168991] [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: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic disorder with a considerable amount of morbidity and mortality. Despite remarkable improvement achieved by maintenance programs, an array of treatment goals were still unmet. Mounting evidence suggests that transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) improves decision making and cognitive functions in addictive disorders. tDCS paired with a decision making task was depicted to diminish impulsivity as well. The present study aimed to assess the effect of tDCS combined with cognitive training (CT) in OUD for the first time. In this triple-blind randomized sham-controlled pilot study, 38 individuals with OUD from the Buprenorphine-Naloxone Maintenance Therapy program were administered 20-minutes of 2 mA active/sham tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with concomitant cognitive training. A selected test battery evaluating decision making under risk and ambiguity as well as executive functions, verbal fluency and working memory was utilized before and after the intervention. Greater improvements were observed in decision making under ambiguity (p = 0.016), set shifting ability and alternating fluency while no improvements were observed in decision making under risk in the active group, compared to sham. Deficits of decision making and executive functions have a pivotal role in the perpetuation and the relapse of the OUD. Alleviation of these impairments brought tDCS/CT forth as an expedient neuroscientifically-grounded treatment option that merits further exploration in OUD, Trial registration: NCT05568251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Aksu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Zihni Soyata
- Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, Başakşehir State Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sercan Şeker
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gözde Akkaya
- Department of Child Development, Istanbul Topkapı University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Yılmaz
- Department of Psychology, İstanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Kafalı
- Department of Psychology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Cüneyt Evren
- Department of Psychology, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Umut
- Research, Treatment and Training Center for Alcohol and Substance Dependence (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry Neurology and Neurosurgery, Turkey, Istanbul
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Nguyen T, Bareham J, Halpape K. Barriers and facilitators for family physicians prescribing opioid agonist therapy in Saskatchewan. Can Fam Physician 2024; 70:e52-e60. [PMID: 38626996 DOI: 10.46747/cfp.7004e52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore barriers and facilitators for family physicians in Saskatchewan prescribing opioid agonist therapy (OAT). DESIGN Self-administered postal survey. SETTING Family medicine practices in Saskatchewan. PARTICIPANTS A total of 218 Saskatchewan family physicians who were not authorized to prescribe OAT as of June 2022. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Descriptive and inferential statistics of physicians' self-reported barriers to and facilitators of prescribing OAT for opioid use disorder (OUD). RESULTS Most respondents (84.8%) had some comfort with diagnosing OUD. However, more than half (58.3%) did not feel confident or knowledgeable about prescribing OAT. Barriers to OAT prescribing included lack of time, incomplete training requirements, lack of interest, insufficient funding or support, feeling overwhelmed, and perceiving that OAT does not work and thus is not necessary. Physicians working in core neighbourhoods and those receiving fee-for-service compensation reported the least available time to prescribe OAT. Conversely, physicians working in interdisciplinary team settings had increased time for OAT prescribing compared with physicians in other settings. Having a close personal relationship with someone with OUD was correlated with increased comfort in diagnosing OUD as well as with knowledge about and confidence in prescribing OAT. Themes identified as facilitators to increasing OAT prescribing included the addition of resources and supports, increased training, more awareness about OUD and OAT, enhanced compensation, and altered prescribing regulations. CONCLUSION Despite the presence of several real and perceived barriers limiting OAT prescribing by Saskatchewan family physicians, there are family physicians interested in providing this therapy. Increased clinical resources and support, including increased interdisciplinary practice, are actionable steps that should be considered by policy decision makers to address this issue. Additionally, increased OUD and OAT education, which includes the perspectives of those with lived experience of OUD, would help address physician confidence, knowledge, and awareness in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Bareham
- Pharmacist with the RxFiles Academic Detailing Program at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon
| | - Katelyn Halpape
- Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan
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Cooperman NA, Lu SE, Hanley AW, Puvananayagam T, Dooley-Budsock P, Kline A, Garland EL. Telehealth Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement vs Usual Care in Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder and Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:338-346. [PMID: 38061786 PMCID: PMC10704342 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.5138] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Importance Methadone treatment (MT) fails to address the emotion dysregulation, pain, and reward processing deficits that often drive opioid use disorder (OUD). New interventions are needed to address these factors. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of MT as usual (usual care) vs telehealth Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) plus usual care among people with an OUD and pain. Design, Setting, and Participants This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted from August 2020 to June 2022. Participants receiving MT for OUD and experiencing chronic pain were recruited at 5 clinics in New Jersey. Interventions In usual care, participants received MT, including medication and counseling. Participants receiving MORE plus usual care attended 8 weekly, 2-hour telehealth groups that provided training in mindfulness, reappraisal, and savoring in addition to usual care. Main Outcomes and Measure Primary outcomes were return to drug use and MT dropout over 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes were days of drug use, methadone adherence, pain, depression, and anxiety. Analyses were based on an intention-to-treat approach. Results A total of 154 participants (mean [SD] age, 48.5 [11.8] years; 88 female [57%]) were included in the study. Participants receiving MORE plus usual care had significantly less return to drug use (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.90; P = .02) and MT dropout (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.96; P = .04) than those receiving usual care only after adjusting for a priori-specified covariates (eg, methadone dose and recent drug use, at baseline). A total of 44 participants (57.1%) in usual care and 39 participants (50.6%) in MORE plus usual care returned to drug use. A total of 17 participants (22.1%) in usual care and 10 participants (13.0%) in MORE plus usual care dropped out of MT. In zero-inflated models, participants receiving MORE plus usual care had significantly fewer days of any drug use (ratio of means = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.53-0.63; P < .001) than those receiving usual care only through 16 weeks. A significantly greater percentage of participants receiving MORE plus usual care maintained methadone adherence (64 of 67 [95.5%]) at the 16-week follow-up than those receiving usual care only (56 of 67 [83.6%]; χ2 = 4.49; P = .04). MORE reduced depression scores and ecological momentary assessments of pain through the 16-week follow-up to a significantly greater extent than usual care (group × time F2,272 = 3.13; P = .05 and group × time F16,13000 = 6.44; P < .001, respectively). Within the MORE plus usual care group, EMA pain ratings decreased from a mean (SD) of 5.79 (0.29) at baseline to 5.17 (0.30) at week 16; for usual care only, pain decreased from 5.19 (0.28) at baseline to 4.96 (0.29) at week 16. Within the MORE plus usual care group, mean (SD) depression scores were 22.52 (1.32) at baseline and 18.98 (1.38) at 16 weeks. In the usual care-only group, mean (SD) depression scores were 22.65 (1.25) at baseline and 20.03 (1.27) at 16 weeks. Although anxiety scores increased in the usual care-only group and decreased in the MORE group, this difference between groups did not reach significance (group × time unadjusted F2,272 = 2.10; P= .12; Cohen d = .44; adjusted F2,268 = 2.33; P = .09). Within the MORE plus usual care group, mean (SD) anxiety scores were 25.5 (1.60) at baseline and 23.45 (1.73) at 16 weeks. In the usual care-only group, mean (SD) anxiety scores were 23.27 (1.75) at baseline and 24.07 (1.73) at 16 weeks. Conclusions and Relevance This randomized clinical trial demonstrated that telehealth MORE was a feasible adjunct to MT with significant effects on drug use, pain, depression, treatment retention, and adherence. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04491968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina A Cooperman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Shou-En Lu
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Adam W Hanley
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Thanusha Puvananayagam
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Patricia Dooley-Budsock
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Anna Kline
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Eric L Garland
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
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Haddad M, Coman E, Bifulco L. Nine-year substance use treatment outcomes with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in a federally qualified health center. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111252. [PMID: 38484404 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111252] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescribing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in primary care helps meet treatment demand, but few studies examine long-term treatment retention among medically-underserved primary care patients. METHODS This 9-year retrospective study assessed overall retention at 6 months, and yearly up to 9 years, among 1451 patients with at least 6 months of buprenorphine prescription data from a federally-qualified health center (FQHC). We also examined whether patients who had gaps in treatment (>14 days without medication) later returned to care. Associations with treatment retention over total time in care were assessed. RESULTS On average, patients received buprenorphine treatment for 2.26 years. Among patients who experienced gaps in treatment but returned to care within 90 days, 64% were still receiving buprenorphine at six months (n=930 of 1451), and 70% (n =118 of 169) at 9 years, with an average yearly interval retention of 69% (range: 58-74%). Patients were on MOUD treatment and not in a gap about 81% of the time, and averaged 1.0 gap per patient per year (SD: 1.09; range 0-7.87). The mean gap length over the treatment period was 33.16 days. Older age, higher percentages of negative opioid tests, negative cocaine tests, and positive buprenorphine tests, and having diabetes were associated with longer treatment retention. CONCLUSIONS Opioid use disorder (OUD) can be treated successfully in primary care FQHCs. Treatment gaps are common and reflect the chronic relapsing nature of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Haddad
- Center for Key Populations, Community Health Center, Inc., 631 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457, USA; Weitzman Institute, Moses-Weitzman Health System, 19 Grand Street, Middletown, CT 06457, USA.
| | - Emil Coman
- Health Disparities Institute, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Lauren Bifulco
- Weitzman Institute, Moses-Weitzman Health System, 19 Grand Street, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
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Trammel CJ, Whitley J, Kelly JC. Pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder in pregnancy. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:74-80. [PMID: 38193300 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy has significantly increased in the last decade, impacting 8.2 per 1000 deliveries. OUD carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality for both the birthing person and neonate, but outcomes for both are improved with opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Here, we describe the recommended forms of OAT in pregnancy, updates to the literature, and alternate OAT strategies, and share practical peripartum considerations for patients on OAT. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies comparing buprenorphine and methadone have reaffirmed previous findings that buprenorphine is associated with superior outcomes for the neonate, without clear differences in morbidity or mortality for the birthing person. Optimal initiation and dosing of OAT remains unclear, with several recent studies evaluating methods of initiation, as well as a potential role for higher and more rapid dosing in the fentanyl era. Alternative products such as buprenorphine-naloxone and extended-release buprenorphine are of significant research interest, though randomized prospective data are not yet available. SUMMARY Buprenorphine and methadone are standard of care for treatment of OUD during pregnancy, and multiple patient factors impact the optimal choice. Insufficient data exist to recommend alternative agents as a primary strategy currently. All patients with OUD in pregnancy should be counseled regarding OAT. VIDEO http://links.lww.com/COOG/A94.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Trammel
- Washington University in Saint Louis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Secrest S, Miller-Matero LR, Chrusciel T, Salas J, Sullivan MD, Zabel C, Lustman P, Ahmedani B, Carpenter RW, Scherrer JF. Baseline Characteristics From a New Longitudinal Cohort of Patients With Noncancer Pain and Chronic Opioid Use in the United States. J Pain 2024; 25:984-999. [PMID: 37907114 PMCID: PMC10960712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Retrospective cohort studies have consistently observed that long-term prescription opioid use is a risk factor for new major depressive episodes. However, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish evidence for causation. The Prescription Opioids and Depression Pathways cohort study is designed for this purpose. The present report describes the baseline sample and associations between participant characteristics and odds of daily versus nondaily opioid use. Second, we report associations between participant characteristics and odds of depression, dysthymia, anhedonia, and vital exhaustion. Patients with noncancer pain were eligible if they started a new period of prescription opioid use lasting 30 to 90 days. Participants were 54.8 (standard deviation ± 11.3) years of age, 57.3% female and 73% White race. Less than college education was more common among daily versus nondaily opioid users (32.4% vs 27.3%; P = .0008), as was back pain (64.2% vs 51.3%; P < .0001), any nonopioid substance use disorder (12.8% vs 4.8%; P < .0001), and current smoking (30.7% vs 18.4% P < .0001). High pain interference (50.9% vs 28.4%; P < .0001) was significantly associated with depression, as was having more pain sites (6.9 ± 3.6 vs 5.7 ± 3.6; P < .0001), and benzodiazepine comedication (38.2% vs 23.4%; P < .0001). High pain interference was significantly more common among those with anhedonia (46.8% vs 27.4%; P < .0001), and more pain sites (7.0 ± 3.7 vs 5.6 ± 3.6; P < .0001) were associated with anhedonia. Having more pain sites (7.9 ± 3.6 vs 5.5 ± 3.50; P < .0001) was associated with vital exhaustion, as was back pain (71.9% vs 56.8%; P = .0001) and benzodiazepine comedication (42.8% vs 22.8%; P < .0001). Patients using prescription opioids for noncancer pain have complex pain, psychiatric, and substance use disorder comorbidities. Longitudinal data will reveal whether long-term opioid therapy leads to depression or other mood disturbances such as anhedonia and vital exhaustion. PERSPECTIVE: This study reports baseline characteristics of a new prospective, noncancer pain cohort study. Risk factors for adverse opioid outcomes were most common in those with depression and vital exhaustion and less common in dysthymia and anhedonia. Baseline data highlight the complexity of patients receiving long-term opioid therapy for noncancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Secrest
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1008 S. Spring, St. Louis, MO. 63110 U.S.A
| | - Lisa R. Miller-Matero
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research and Behavioral Health Services, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI. 48202
| | - Timothy Chrusciel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1008 S. Spring, St. Louis, MO. 63110 U.S.A
- Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Research Institute, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3545 Lafayette Ave, 4 Floor, St. Louis, MO. 63104 U.S.A
- Department of Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3545 Lafayette Ave, 4th Floor, St. Louis, MO. 63104 U.S.A
| | - Joanne Salas
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1008 S. Spring, St. Louis, MO. 63110 U.S.A
- Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Research Institute, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3545 Lafayette Ave, 4 Floor, St. Louis, MO. 63104 U.S.A
| | - Mark D. Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle WA. 98195
| | - Celeste Zabel
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research and Behavioral Health Services, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI. 48202
| | - Patrick Lustman
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 4320 Forest Park Blvd, Suite 301, St. Louis, MO. 63108
| | - Brian Ahmedani
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research and Behavioral Health Services, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI. 48202
| | - Ryan W. Carpenter
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO. 63121
| | - Jeffrey F. Scherrer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1008 S. Spring, St. Louis, MO. 63110 U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1438 South Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63104 U.S.A
- Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Research Institute, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3545 Lafayette Ave, 4 Floor, St. Louis, MO. 63104 U.S.A
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Rigg KK. Attitudes toward extended-release naltrexone treatment for opioid use disorder among African Americans. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111260. [PMID: 38492256 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX; Vivitrol®) is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone, which is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). In 2010, XR-NTX received Food and Drug Administration approval to treat OUD, becoming the first non-addictive and non-psychoactive medication for this condition. Because uptake of XR-NTX has been relatively low, less is known regarding how persons with OUD view this form of treatment. And because previous studies tend to rely on samples that lack racial diversity or are conducted outside the United States, we know very little about how African Americans view XR-NTX. The objective of this study, therefore, was to identify/explain the most salient attitudes toward XR-NTX as a form of OUD treatment among African Americans. METHODS In-depth interviews (n = 30) were conducted with a sample of African American adults who used opioids in Southwest Florida between August 2021 and February 2022. Audiotapes of interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS Analyses revealed that participants' attitudes toward XR-NTX were generally positive. Specifically, participants found XR-NTX's monthly injection administration, non-addictive and non-intoxicating properties, and perceived effectiveness (compared to other medications for OUD) most appealing. CONCLUSIONS Study findings suggest that African Americans who use opioids may have more favorable attitudes toward XR-NTX than other medications for OUD (e.g., methadone), which tend to be highly stigmatized. These data uniquely contribute to the literature by capturing the voices of African Americans who use opioids, a group with high rates of opioid-related deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khary K Rigg
- Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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McCann NC, LaRochelle MR, Morgan JR. Out-of-pocket spending and health care utilization associated with initiation of different medications for opioid use disorder: Findings from a national commercially insured cohort. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2024; 159:209281. [PMID: 38122988 PMCID: PMC10947919 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Buprenorphine and naltrexone are effective medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Naltrexone requires complete detoxification from opioids before initiation while buprenorphine does not, which leads to a differential clinical induction challenge. Few studies have evaluated economic costs associated with MOUD initiation. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the 2014-2019 Merative MarketScan database. We included individuals diagnosed with opioid use, abuse, or dependence from 2014 to 2019 who initiated one of three MOUD types: 1) buprenorphine, 2) extended-release naltrexone, or 3) oral naltrexone. We calculated total and monthly out-of-pocket spending, for overall and MOUD-specific claims, for the three months prior through three months after MOUD initiation. We also calculated utilization of detoxification, inpatient, and outpatient services monthly over this period. RESULTS Our cohort included 27,133 individuals; 19,536, 1886, and 5711 initiated buprenorphine, extended-release naltrexone, and oral naltrexone, respectively. Individuals who initiated naltrexone had the highest out-of-pocket spending over the study period. MOUD-specific spending did not contribute substantially to total out-of-pocket spending. Difference in overall spending by MOUD type was driven by a subset of individuals who initiated naltrexone and had very high out-of-pocket spending in the month prior to MOUD initiation. In this month, mean monthly out-of-pocket spending for high-spenders (above 90th percentile within MOUD type category) was $5734 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: $5181-$6286) and $4622 (95 % CI: $4161-$5082) for those who initiated oral and extended-release naltrexone, respectively, compared with $1852 (95 % CI: $1754-$1950) for those who initiated buprenorphine. In the month prior to MOUD initiation, those who initiated naltrexone also had higher detoxification, inpatient, and outpatient episode/visit frequency. In the month prior to initiation, 28.8 % (95 % CI: 27.7 %-30.0 %) and 25.5 % (95 % CI: 23.6 %-27.5 %) of individuals who initiated oral and extended-release naltrexone had detoxification episodes, compared with 9.7 % (95 % CI: 9.3 %-10.1 %) of those who initiated buprenorphine. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that individuals who initiated naltrexone utilized more intensive health services, including detoxification, in the period prior to MOUD initiation, resulting in significantly higher out-of-pocket spending. Out-of-pocket spending is a patient-centered outcome reflecting potential patient burden. Our results should be considered as part of the shared decision-making process between patients and providers when choosing treatment for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C McCann
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, United States of America.
| | - Marc R LaRochelle
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, United States of America
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41
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Snyder AB, Zhou M, Attell BK, Cohen LL, Carter S, Bock F, Dampier C. Opioid Use After First Opioid Prescription in Children With Sickle Cell Disease. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:408-410. [PMID: 38372994 PMCID: PMC10877502 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
This cohort study assesses the level of opioid use, number of vaso-occlusive crises, and days’ supply of opioids among opioid-naive pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mei Zhou
- Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | | | | | - Sierra Carter
- Psychology Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Fiona Bock
- Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Carlton Dampier
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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42
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Chatterjee A, Baker T, Rudorf M, Walt G, Stotz C, Martin A, Kinnard EN, McAlearney AS, Bosak J, Medley B, Pinkhover A, Taylor JL, Samet JH, Lunze K. Mobile treatment for opioid use disorder: Implementation of community-based, same-day medication access interventions. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2024; 159:209272. [PMID: 38128649 PMCID: PMC10947870 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are lifesaving, but <20 % of individuals in the US who could benefit receive them. As part of the NIH-supported HEALing Communities Study (HCS), coalitions in several communities in Massachusetts and Ohio implemented mobile MOUD programs to overcome barriers to MOUD receipt. We defined mobile MOUD programs as units that provide same-day access to MOUD at remote sites. We aimed to (1) document the design and organizational structure of mobile programs providing same-day or next-day MOUD, and (2) explore the barriers and facilitators to implementation as well as the successes and challenges of ongoing operation. METHODS Program staff from five programs in two states (n = 11) participated in semi-structured interviews. Two authors conducted thematic analysis of the transcripts based on the domains of the social-ecological model and the semi-structured interview guide. RESULTS Mobile MOUD units sought to improve immediate access to MOUD ("Our answer is pretty much always, 'Yes, we'll get you started right here, right now,'"), advance equity ("making sure that we have staff who speak other languages, who are on the unit and have some resources that are in different languages,"), and decrease opioid overdose deaths. Salient program characteristics included diverse staff, including staff with lived experience of substance use ("She just had that personal knowledge of where we should be going"). Mobile units offered harm reduction services, broad medical services (in particular, wound care), and connection to transportation programs and incorporated consistency in service provision and telemedicine access. Implementation facilitators included trusting relationships with partner organizations (particularly pharmacies and correctional facilities), nuanced understanding of local politics, advertising, protocol flexibility, and on-unit prescriber hours. Barriers included unclear licensing requirements, staffing shortages and competing priorities for staff, funding challenges due to inconsistency in grant funding and low reimbursement ("It's not really possible that billing in and of itself is going to be able to sustain it"), and community stigma toward addiction services generally. CONCLUSIONS Despite organizational, community, and policy barriers, participants described mobile MOUD units as an innovative way to expand access to life-saving medications, promote equity in MOUD treatment, and overcome stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Chatterjee
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - Trevor Baker
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Maria Rudorf
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Galya Walt
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Caroline Stotz
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Anna Martin
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Julie Bosak
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Bethany Medley
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Allyson Pinkhover
- Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Brockton, MA, United States of America; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
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43
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Garland EL, Jinpa T. Mindfulness-induced self-transcendence promotes universal love with consequent effects on opioid misuse. Behav Res Ther 2024; 175:104494. [PMID: 38395015 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104494] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In addition to its health benefits, mindfulness has been theorized in classical contemplative frameworks to elicit self-transcendent experiences as a means of promoting universal love and compassion. Increasing feelings of love may be especially clinically relevant for the treatment of opioid misuse, in that addictive use of opioids dysregulates neurobiological processes implicated in the experience of love. Here we tested these hypotheses in a secondary analysis (n = 187) of data from a randomized clinical trial of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) versus supportive psychotherapy for comorbid opioid misuse and chronic pain. At pre- and post-treatment, participants completed a measure of state self-transcendence immediately following a laboratory-based mindfulness task. Through 9-month follow-up, we assessed changes in universal love and opioid misuse. Participants also completed ecological momentary assessments of opioid craving during the 8-week study interventions and for the following month. Compared to supportive psychotherapy, participants in MORE reported significantly greater increases in mindfulness-induced self-transcendence, which mediated the effect of MORE on increased feelings of universal love. In turn, increases in universal love significantly predicted decreased opioid craving and lower odds opioid misuse through 1- and 9-month follow-ups, respectively. Findings suggest mindfulness-induced self-transcendence may promote feelings of universal love, with possible downstream benefits on reducing addictive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Garland
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development, University of Utah, USA.
| | - Thupten Jinpa
- School of Religious Studies, McGill University, Canada
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44
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Spear SE, Salcedo P, Graves SM, Xie H. Is that a treatment program? Examining the physical landscape of opioid treatment programs in Los Angeles. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2024; 159:209256. [PMID: 38072382 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209256] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little attention has been paid to the built environment of outpatient opioid treatment programs, despite the need to increase access to medications for opioid use disorder, particularly among people of color. The aims of this study were to rate the attractiveness of publicly-funded opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in Los Angeles County and explore whether less attractive OTPs are found in disadvantaged neighborhoods. METHODS We conducted observations of the exteriors of all OTPs located in specialty substance use disorder treatment clinics in Los Angeles County in 2021 (N = 44). We created an attractiveness index based on attractiveness of the building exteriors and the surrounding grounds, the presence of disorder such as garbage and graffiti, and the presence of bars on the windows. We tested whether less attractive facilities were more likely to be situated in disadvantaged neighborhoods with high concentrations of racial/ethnic minorities. RESULTS Most building exteriors were found to have an ordinary level of attractiveness or rated as unattractive. The grounds were largely unattractive. We found a significant negative association between attractiveness and neighborhood disadvantage. CONCLUSION This project was a preliminary study of the physical conditions of OTPs in Los Angeles. We found was that the physical conditions of OTPs in LA County were generally poor. Research has identified many individual and structural barriers to treatment for people with opioid use disorders. Future research should empirically test the association between the built environment of treatment clinics and access to treatment, particularly in communities of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E Spear
- Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, United States of America.
| | - Priscilla Salcedo
- Environmental Health and Safety Department, University of California Santa Barbara, United States of America
| | - Steven M Graves
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, California State University, Northridge, United States of America
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Recreation and Tourism Management, California State University, Northridge, United States of America
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45
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Pattullo GG. Naloxone for Opioid Overdose: Comment. Anesthesiology 2024; 140:856. [PMID: 38335034 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin G Pattullo
- North Shore Private Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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46
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Milas BL, Varon AJ. Naloxone for Opioid Overdose: Comment. Anesthesiology 2024; 140:857. [PMID: 38335038 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie L Milas
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.L.M.).
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47
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Liu R, Milas B, Grothusen J. Non-scheduled short-acting opioid to taper off opioids? CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14705. [PMID: 38584343 PMCID: PMC10999548 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14705] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This commentary discusses the issues related to the current pharmacotherapy using super long-acting opioids (for the potential convenience for both patients and medical providers) for opioid addiction and argues for the potential to use a non-scheduled short-acting opioid to taper off opioids to reduce total number of patients on opioids and ultimately reduce opioid-related death. This article also proposes to develop short-acting opioids for addiction management instead of the current long-acting regimen. The authors further suggest that dezocine, a previously FDA approved medication for perioperative pain management and a non-scheduled opioid, be brought back to clinical practice in the US as a potential alternative addiction management medication, especially for those who are highly motivated to quit opioids completely using a taper off strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renyu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical CarePerelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of NeurologyPerelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Bonnie Milas
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical CarePerelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - John Grothusen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical CarePerelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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48
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Liu C, Li Y. Psychosocial combined with methadone maintenance treatments versus methadone maintenance treatments alone for treatment of opioid use disorder: A meta-analysis. J Addict Dis 2024; 42:126-135. [PMID: 36607171 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2158664] [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: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial combined with methadone maintenance treatment aimed at opioid use disorder is effective, but the efficacy of the psychosocial intervention in such treatment is questionable. OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial plus methadone maintenance treatment versus methadone maintenance treatment alone for opioid use disorder in improving treatment retention and reducing drug use. METHODS An exhaustive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, "the Wan Fang database, the VIP database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database", and randomized controlled trials were identified from their inception to February 2021. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included. The results of this meta-analysis showed that adding any psychosocial treatment to standard methadone maintenance treatment significantly improved the illicit drug use during the treatment relative risk (RR) 0.62 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.79), and retention in treatment RR 1.18 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.25). No statistically significant additional benefit was detected in terms of retention at follow-up RR 1.08 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.22). CONCLUSIONS The present evidence suggests that adding psychosocial intervention to methadone maintenance treatment significantly improves the nonuse of opioids and retention in treatment. It should be noted that psychosocial treatment is only beneficial for methadone treatment when methadone is provided in subtherapeutic doses. Additionally, the finding about the improvement effect of retention at follow-up did not achieve statistical significance. Due to the diversity of outcome indicators in relevant original studies, the included studies are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengbin Liu
- School of Sociology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- School of Sociology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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49
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Hauser CD, Bell CM, Zamora RA, Mazur J, Neyens RR. Characterization of Opioid Use in the Intensive Care Unit and Its Impact Across Care Transitions: A Prospective Study. J Pharm Pract 2024; 37:343-350. [PMID: 36259532 DOI: 10.1177/08971900221134553] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study is to characterize opioid intensity in the intensive care unit (ICU) and its association with opioid utilization across care transitions. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. Medically ill ICU patients with complete medication histories who survived to discharge were included. Opioid intensity was characterized based on IV morphine milligram equivalents (IV MME). Primary outcomes were opioid prescribing upon ICU and hospital discharge. Results: Opioids were prescribed to 34.1% and 31.1% of patients upon ICU and hospital discharge. Within the ≥50 mean IV MME/ICU day cohort, 64.7% of patients received opioids after ICU discharge compared to 45.8% and 13.6% in the 1-49 mean IV MME/ICU day and no opioid groups (P < .05). Within the ≥50 mean IV MME/ICU day cohort, 70.6% of patients were prescribed opioids after hospitalization compared to 37.3% and 13.6% of patients who received less or no opioids. (P < .05). Within the ≥50 mean IV MME/ICU day cohort, 29.4% of patients were opioid naïve and discharged with an opioid, which is over double compared to patients with lower opioid requirements (P < .05). Conclusion: Patients with higher mean daily ICU opioid requirements had increased opioid prescribing across care transitions despite preadmission opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian D Hauser
- Critical Care and Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Department of Pharmacy, Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Carolyn M Bell
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | - Joseph Mazur
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Ron R Neyens
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina
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50
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Chai G, Xu J, Goyal S, Woods C, Ho A, Song J, Dal Pan G. Trends in Incident Prescriptions for Behavioral Health Medications in the US, 2018-2022. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:396-405. [PMID: 38198145 PMCID: PMC10782382 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Importance The COVID-19 pandemic reportedly increased behavioral health needs and impacted treatment access. Objective To assess changes in incident prescriptions dispensed for medications commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and opioid use disorder (OUD), before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a cross-sectional study using comprehensive, population-level, nationally projected data from IQVIA National Prescription Audit on incident prescriptions (prescriptions dispensed to patients with no prior dispensing from the same drug class in the previous 12 months) dispensed for antidepressants, benzodiazepines, Schedule II (C-II) stimulants, nonstimulant medications for ADHD, and buprenorphine-containing medication for OUD (MOUD), from US outpatient pharmacies. Data were analyzed from April 2018 to March 2022. Exposure Incident prescriptions by drug class (by prescriber specialty, patient age, and sex) and drug. Main Outcomes and Measures Interrupted time-series analysis to compare changes in trends in the monthly incident prescriptions dispensed by drug class and percentage changes in aggregate incident prescriptions dispensed between April 2018 and March 2022. Results Incident prescriptions dispensed for the 5 drug classes changed from 51 500 321 before the COVID-19 pandemic to 54 000 169 during the pandemic. The largest unadjusted percentage increase in incident prescriptions by prescriber specialty was among nurse practitioners across all drug classes ranging from 7% (from 1 811 376 to 1 944 852; benzodiazepines) to 78% (from 157 578 to 280 925; buprenorphine MOUD), whereas for patient age and sex, the largest increases were within C-II stimulants and nonstimulant ADHD drugs among patients aged 20 to 39 years (30% [from 1 887 017 to 2 455 706] and 81% [from 255 053 to 461 017], respectively) and female patients (25% [from 2 352 095 to 2 942 604] and 59% [from 395 678 to 630 678], respectively). Trends for C-II stimulants and nonstimulant ADHD drugs (slope change: 4007 prescriptions per month; 95% CI, 1592-6422 and 1120 prescriptions per month; 95% CI, 706-1533, respectively) significantly changed during the pandemic, exceeding prepandemic trends after an initial drop at the onset of the pandemic (level changes: -50 044 prescriptions; 95% CI, -80 202 to -19 886 and -12 876 prescriptions; 95% CI, -17 756 to -7996, respectively). Although buprenorphine MOUD dropped significantly (level change: -2915 prescriptions; 95% CI, -5513 to -318), trends did not significantly change for buprenorphine MOUD, antidepressants, or benzodiazepines. Conclusions and Relevance Incident use of many behavioral health medications remained relatively stable during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, whereas ADHD medications, notably C-II stimulants, sharply increased. Additional research is needed to differentiate increases due to unmet need vs overprescribing, highlighting the need for further ADHD guideline development to define treatment appropriateness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Chai
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Jing Xu
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Sonal Goyal
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Corinne Woods
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Amy Ho
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Jaejoon Song
- Office of Biostatistics, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Gerald Dal Pan
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
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