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McNamara C, Cook S, Brown LM, Palta M, Look KA, Westergaard RP, Burns ME. Prompt access to outpatient care post-incarceration among adults with a history of substance use: Predisposing, enabling, and need-based factors. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 160:209277. [PMID: 38142041 PMCID: PMC11060918 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As expanded Medicaid coverage reduces financial barriers to receiving health care among formerly incarcerated adults, more information is needed to understand the factors that predict prompt use of health care after release among insured adults with a history of substance use. This study's aim was to estimate the associations between characteristics suggested by the Andersen behavioral model of health service use and measures of health care use during the immediate reentry period and in the presence of Medicaid coverage. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we linked individual-level data from multiple Wisconsin agencies. The sample included individuals aged 18-64 released from a Wisconsin State Correctional Facility between April 2014 and June 2017 to a community in the state who enrolled in Medicaid within one month of release and had a history of substance use. We grouped predictors of outpatient care into variable domains within the Andersen model: predisposing- individual socio-demographic characteristics; enabling characteristics including area-level socio-economic resources, area-level health care supply, and characteristics of the incarceration and release; and need-based- pre-release health conditions. We used a model selection algorithm to select a subset of variable domains and estimated the association between the variables in these domains and two outcomes: any outpatient visit within 30 days of release from a state correctional facility, and receipt of medication for opioid use disorder within 30 days of release. RESULTS The size and sign of many of the estimated associations differed for our two outcomes. Race was associated with both outcomes, Black individuals being 12.1 p.p. (95 % CI, 8.7-15.4, P < .001) less likely than White individuals to have an outpatient visit within 30 days of release and 1.3 p.p. (95 % CI, 0.48-2.1, P = .002) less likely to receive MOUD within 30 days of release. Chronic pre-release health conditions were positively associated with the likelihood of post-release health care use. CONCLUSIONS Conditional on health insurance coverage, meaningful differences in post-incarceration outpatient care use still exist across adults leaving prison with a history of substance use. These findings can help guide the development of care transition interventions including the prioritization of subgroups that may warrant particular attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cici McNamara
- School of Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Steven Cook
- Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Lars M Brown
- Division of Medicaid Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Mari Palta
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Kevin A Look
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Ryan P Westergaard
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Marguerite E Burns
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Rosenfield MN, Beaudoin FL, Gaither R, Hallowell BD, Daly MM, Marshall BDL, Chambers LC. Association between comorbid chronic pain or prior hospitalization for mental illness and substance use treatment among a cohort at high risk of opioid overdose. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 159:209273. [PMID: 38113996 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pain and serious mental illness increase risk of opioid use, and opioid use can exacerbate both conditions. Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment can be lifesaving, but chronic pain and serious mental illness may make recovery challenging. We evaluated the association between current chronic pain and prior hospitalization for mental illness and 90-day SUD treatment engagement, among emergency department (ED) patients at high risk of opioid overdose. METHODS We conducted a cohort analysis of 648 ED patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial in Rhode Island. We linked baseline study data on chronic pain and prior hospitalization for mental illness to statewide administrative data on state-licensed treatment programs (including methadone) and buprenorphine treatment via prescription. We defined treatment engagement as initiation of a state-licensed treatment program, transfer between state-licensed programs/providers, or a buprenorphine prescription (re-)fill. We used modified Poisson models to estimate the association between each baseline comorbidity and treatment engagement within 90 days following the ED visit, adjusted for a priori potential confounders. In an exploratory analysis, models were stratified by baseline treatment status. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 37 years; 439 (68 %) were male, and 446 (69 %) had been recently unhoused. Overall, 278 participants (43 %) engaged in treatment within 90 days of the ED visit. Participants with prior hospitalization for mental illness were more likely to engage in treatment than those without (adjusted risk ratio [ARR] = 1.24, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.53), although this association was only among those already accessing treatment at baseline (ARR = 1.58, 95 % CI = 1.10-2.27). Chronic pain was not associated with 90-day treatment engagement overall (ARR = 1.12, 95 % CI = 0.91-1.38) or within baseline treatment subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Among ED patients at high risk of opioid overdose and accessing treatment at baseline, those with prior hospitalization for mental illness (but not chronic pain) were more likely to engage in treatment following the ED visit, which may reflect disproportionate initiation of additional treatment programs, transfer between programs/providers, or ongoing buprenorphine treatment. Touchpoints within the medical system should be leveraged to ensure that everyone, including those with serious mental illness, can access high-quality SUD treatment at the desired intensity level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan N Rosenfield
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Francesca L Beaudoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Rachel Gaither
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | | | - Mackenzie M Daly
- Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Laura C Chambers
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.
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3
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Piret EM, Milloy MJ, Voon P, Choi J, DeBeck K, Hayashi K, Kerr T. Denial of prescription pain medication among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:72. [PMID: 38549113 PMCID: PMC10979632 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00956-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use drugs experience pain at two to three times the rate of the general population and yet continue to face substantial barriers to accessing appropriate and adequate treatment for pain. In light of the overdose crisis and revised opioid prescribing guidelines, we sought to identify factors associated with being denied pain medication and longitudinally investigate denial rates among people who use drugs. METHODS We used multivariable generalized estimating equations analyses to investigate factors associated with being denied pain medication among people who use drugs reporting pain in three prospective cohort studies in Vancouver, Canada. Analyses were restricted to study periods in which participants requested a prescription for pain from a healthcare provider. Descriptive statistics detail denial rates and actions taken by participants after being denied. RESULTS Among 1168 participants who requested a prescription for pain between December 2012 and March 2020, the median age was 47 years and 63.0% were male. Among 4,179 six-month observation periods, 907 (21.7%) included a report of being denied requested pain medication. In multivariable analyses, age was negatively associated with prescription denial (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.97-0.99), while self-managing pain (AOR = 2.48, 95%CI:2.04-3.00), experiencing a non-fatal overdose (AOR = 1.51, 95%CI:1.22-1.88), engagement in opioid agonist therapy (AOR = 1.32, 95%CI:1.09-1.61), and daily use of heroin or other unregulated opioids (AOR = 1.32, 95%CI:1.05-1.66) were positively associated with being denied. Common actions taken (n = 895) after denial were accessing the unregulated drug supply (53.5%), doing nothing (30.6%), and going to a different doctor/emergency room (6.1%). The period following the introduction of new prescribing guidelines was not associated with a change in denial rates. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of people who use drugs continue to be denied prescriptions for pain, with such denial associated with important substance use-related harms, including non-fatal overdose. Guidelines specific to the pharmaceutical management of pain among people who use drugs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Marie Piret
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Pauline Voon
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - JinCheol Choi
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 515 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre On Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
- Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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Samples H, Nowels MA, Williams AR, Olfson M, Crystal S. Buprenorphine After Nonfatal Opioid Overdose: Reduced Mortality Risk in Medicare Disability Beneficiaries. Am J Prev Med 2023; 65:19-29. [PMID: 36906496 PMCID: PMC10293066 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid-involved overdose mortality is a persistent public health challenge, yet limited evidence exists on the relationship between opioid use disorder treatment after a nonfatal overdose and subsequent overdose death. METHODS National Medicare data were used to identify adult (aged 18-64 years) disability beneficiaries who received inpatient or emergency treatment for nonfatal opioid-involved overdose in 2008-2016. Opioid use disorder treatment was defined as (1) buprenorphine, measured using medication days' supply, and (2) psychosocial services, measured as 30-day exposures from and including each service date. Opioid-involved overdose fatalities were identified in the year after nonfatal overdose using linked National Death Index data. Cox proportional hazards models estimated the associations between time-varying treatment exposures and overdose death. Analyses were conducted in 2022. RESULTS The sample (N=81,616) was mostly female (57.3%), aged ≥50 years (58.8%), and White (80.9%), with a significantly elevated overdose mortality rate, compared with the general U.S. population (standardized mortality ratio=132.4, 95% CI=129.9, 135.0). Only 6.5% of the sample (n=5,329) had opioid use disorder treatment after the index overdose. Buprenorphine (n=3,774, 4.6%) was associated with a significantly lower risk of opioid-involved overdose death (adjusted hazard ratio=0.38, 95% CI=0.23, 0.64), but opioid use disorder-related psychosocial treatment (n=2,405, 2.9%) was not associated with risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio=1.18, 95% CI=0.71, 1.95). CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine treatment after nonfatal opioid-involved overdose was associated with a 62% reduction in the risk of opioid-involved overdose death. However, fewer than 1 in 20 individuals received buprenorphine in the subsequent year, highlighting a need to strengthen care connections after critical opioid-related events, particularly for vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary Samples
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey.
| | - Molly A Nowels
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey; Center for Health Services Research, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Arthur R Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Center for Health Services Research, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Rutgers School of Social Work, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Paul LA, Bayoumi AM, Chen C, Kocovska E, Smith BT, Raboud JM, Gomes T, Kendall C, Rosella LC, Bitonti-Bengert L, Rush B, Yu M, Spithoff S, Crichlow F, Wright A, Watford J, Besharah J, Munro C, Taha S, Nosyk B, Strike C, Manson H, Kahan M, Leece P. Evaluation of the gap in delivery of opioid agonist therapy among individuals with opioid-related health problems: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Addiction 2023; 118:686-697. [PMID: 36401610 DOI: 10.1111/add.16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although opioid-related harms have reached new heights across North America, the size of the gap in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) delivery for opioid-related health problems is unknown in most jurisdictions. This study sought to characterize the gap in OAT treatment using a cascade of care framework, and determine factors associated with engagement and retention in treatment. DESIGN A population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Individuals who sought medical care for opioid-related health problems or died from an opioid-related cause between 2005 and 2019. MEASUREMENTS Monthly treatment status for buprenorphine/naloxone or methadone OAT between 2013 and 2019 (i.e. 'off OAT', 'retained on OAT < 6 months', 'retained on OAT ≥ 6 months'). FINDINGS Of 122 811 individuals in the cohort, 97 516 (79.4%) received OAT at least once during the study period. There was decreasing 6-month treatment retention over time. Model results indicated that males had higher odds of being on OAT each month [odds ratio (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-1.28] but lower odds of OAT retention (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.88-0.92), while the reverse was observed for older individuals (monthly: OR = 0.76 per 10-year increase, 95% CI = 0.76-0.77; retention: OR = 1.36 per 10-year increase, 95% CI = 1.34-1.38) and individuals with higher neighbourhood income (e.g. highest income quintile, monthly: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.77-0.82; highest income quintile, retention: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11-1.20). Individuals residing in rural areas and with a history of mental health diagnoses had poorer outcomes overall, including lower odds of being on OAT each month (rural: OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.73-0.78; mental health: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.87-0.92) and OAT retention (rural: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.77-0.82; mental health: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.78-0.83), as well as higher risk of starting/stopping OAT [rural, starting OAT: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.05-1.10; mental health, starting OAT: HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18-1.23; rural, stopping OAT: HR = 1.24, 95% CI: = 1.22-1.26; mental health, stopping OAT: HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.09-1.13]. Individuals with a history of mental health diagnoses also had a higher risk of death, regardless of OAT status (off OAT death: HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.33-1.66; on OAT death: HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.09-1.31). CONCLUSIONS Factors influencing engagement and declining retention in treatment with opioid agonist therapy in Ontario's health system include age, sex and neighbourhood income, as well as mental health diagnoses or residing in rural regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Paul
- Health Protection, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed M Bayoumi
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Chen
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Knowledge Services, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elena Kocovska
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brendan T Smith
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janet M Raboud
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Laura C Rosella
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada.,Vector Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Brian Rush
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Yu
- St Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sheryl Spithoff
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Amy Wright
- Ryerson University (renaming in process), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jes Besharah
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, ON, Canada.,Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health, Brockville, ON, Canada
| | - Charlotte Munro
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Lived Experience Advisory Group, St Michael's Hospital, ON, Canada
| | - Sheena Taha
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Carol Strike
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Manson
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meldon Kahan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Substance Use Service, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela Leece
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Substance Use Service, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Palis H, Gan W, Xavier C, Desai R, Scow M, Sedgemore KO, Greiner L, Nicholls T, Slaunwhite A. Association of Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Diagnoses With Fatal and Nonfatal Overdose Among People With a History of Incarceration. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2243653. [PMID: 36416821 PMCID: PMC9685494 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.43653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Studies have suggested a rise in opioid- and stimulant-involved overdoses in recent years in North America. This risk may be acute for individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system, who are particularly vulnerable to overdose risk. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of opioid and/or stimulant use disorder diagnoses with overdose (fatal and nonfatal) among people with histories of incarceration. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, population-based health and corrections data were retrieved from the British Columbia Provincial Overdose Cohort, which contains a 20% random sample of residents of British Columbia. The analysis included all people in the 20% random sample who had a history of incarceration between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014. Outcomes were derived from 5-years of follow-up data (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019). Statistical analysis took place from January 2022 to June 2022. EXPOSURES Substance use disorder diagnosis type (ie, opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, both, or neither), sociodemographic, health, and incarceration characteristics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hazard ratios (HRs) are reported from an Andersen-Gill model for recurrent nonfatal overdose events and from a Fine and Gray competing risk model for fatal overdose events. RESULTS The study identified 6816 people (5980 male [87.7%]; 2820 aged <30 years [41.4%]) with histories of incarceration. Of these, 293 (4.3%) had opioid use disorder only, 395 (6.8%) had stimulant use disorder only, and 281 (4.1%) had both diagnoses. During follow-up, 1655 people experienced 4026 overdoses including 3781 (93.9%) nonfatal overdoses, and 245 (6.1%) fatal overdoses. In adjusted analyses, the hazard of both fatal (HR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.48-3.86) and nonfatal (HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.94-3.11) overdose was highest in the group with both opioid and stimulant use disorder diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study of people with a history of incarceration found an elevated hazard of fatal and nonfatal overdose among people with both opioid and stimulant use disorder diagnoses. This study suggests an urgent need to address the service needs of individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system and who co-use opioids and stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Palis
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wenqi Gan
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington
| | - Chloe Xavier
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Roshni Desai
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marnie Scow
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kali-olt Sedgemore
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug War, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tonia Nicholls
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda Slaunwhite
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Mumba MN, Jaiswal J, Bui C, Evans T, Mainzinger L, Davis L, Mugoya GT. Substance use treatment services for older adults in five states in the Southern United States: a state-by-state comparison of available treatment services. Aging Ment Health 2022; 27:1028-1036. [PMID: 35848207 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2098911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Substance use disorders (SUD) among older adults have become a serious public health concern. The purpose of this study was to assess which states in the Southern U.S. are more responsive to SUD treatment needs of older adults.Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of the N-SSATS-2019 dataset.Results: There were 1,215 substance treatment facilities in the five states. Kentucky had the highest number of substance use treatment facilities (n = 449, 37%), followed by Georgia (357, 29%), Alabama (153, 13%), Louisiana (146, 12%) and then Mississippi (110, 9%). Out of the 1,215 facilities, only 20% (n = 244) indicated that they had programs specifically tailored for older adults. Kentucky had the largest number of facilities per 1 million older adults while Mississippi had the highest number of facilities per 1 million older adults offering detoxification services. Alabama had the lowest number of services per 1 million adults in all categories examined.Conclusion: Across the U.S., most adults with SUD do not have access to substance use treatment; in the southeastern region of the country, higher rates of poverty, rural geography and stigma, and lack of treatment availability may further complicate individuals' ability to access substance use-related medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Ngosa Mumba
- Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions, Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.,Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Jessica Jaiswal
- College of Human and Environmental Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Chuong Bui
- Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | | | | | - Lori Davis
- Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - George T Mugoya
- Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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8
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Lynch JJ, Hughes AA, Burnett SJ, Payne ER, Clemency BM. Population characteristics and follow-up rates of a novel emergency buprenorphine initiation and referral program. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 61:222-223. [PMID: 35915000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Lynch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York; 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York; 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Ariana A Hughes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York; 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Susan J Burnett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York; 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Emily R Payne
- AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health; Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower, Albany, NY 12237, USA
| | - Brian M Clemency
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York; 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York; 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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Crystal S, Nowels M, Samples H, Olfson M, Williams AR, Treitler P. Opioid overdose survivors: Medications for opioid use disorder and risk of repeat overdose in Medicaid patients. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 232:109269. [PMID: 35038609 PMCID: PMC8943804 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with medically-treated opioid overdose are at high risk for subsequent adverse outcomes, including repeat overdose. Understanding factors associated with repeat overdose can aid in optimizing post-overdose interventions. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, retrospective cohort study using NJ Medicaid data from 2014 to 2019. Medicaid beneficiaries aged 12-64 with an index opioid overdose from 2015 to 2018 were followed for one year for subsequent overdose. Exposures included patient demographics; co-occurring medical, mental health, and substance use disorders; service and medication use in the 180 days preceding the index overdose; and MOUD following index overdose. RESULTS Of 4898 individuals meeting inclusion criteria, 19.6% had repeat opioid overdoses within one year. Index overdoses involving heroin/synthetic opioids were associated with higher repeat overdose risk than those involving prescription/other opioids only (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.22-1.71). Risk was higher for males and those with baseline opioid use disorder diagnosis or ED visits. Only 21.7% received MOUD at any point in the year following overdose. MOUD was associated with a large decrease in repeat overdose risk among those with index overdose involving heroin/synthetic opioids (HR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.20-0.46). Among those receiving MOUD at any point in follow-up, 10.5% (112/1065) experienced repeat overdose versus 22.1% (848/3833) for those without MOUD. CONCLUSIONS Repeat overdose was common among individuals with medically-treated opioid overdose. Risk factors for repeat overdose varied by type of opioid involved in index overdose, with differential implications for intervention. MOUD following index opioid overdose involving heroin/synthetic opioids was associated with reduced repeat overdose risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Crystal
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 536 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Molly Nowels
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Hillary Samples
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Mark Olfson
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA; Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Arthur Robin Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Peter Treitler
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 536 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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10
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Nordeck CD, Welsh C, Schwartz RP, Mitchell SG, O'Grady KE, Gryczynski J. Opioid agonist treatment initiation and linkage for hospitalized patients seen by a substance use disorder consultation service. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 2:100031. [PMID: 36845893 PMCID: PMC9948812 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Facilitating opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) is an important role of hospital substance use disorder (SUD) consultation services. In the NavSTAR trial, hospital patients receiving SUD consultation who were randomly assigned to patient navigation services for 3 months post-discharge had fewer readmissions compared to usual care. Methods This secondary analysis examined hospital-based OAT initiation (pre-randomization) and community-based OAT linkage (post-discharge) among NavSTAR trial participants with OUD (N=314). Associations between OAT initiation and linkage, and patient demographics, housing status, comorbid SUD diagnoses, recent substance use, and study condition were examined using multinomial and dichotomous logistic regression. Results Overall, 57.6% initiated OAT during hospitalization (36.3% methadone, 21.3% buprenorphine). Compared to participants not initiating OAT, participants who received methadone were more likely to be female (Relative Risk Ratio [RRR]=2.05, 95% CI=1.11, 3.82, p=0.02), while participants who received buprenorphine were more likely to report homelessness (RRR=2.57, 95% CI=1.24, 5.32, p=0.01). Compared to participants initiating methadone, participants initiating buprenorphine were more likely to be non-White (RRR=3.89; 95% CI=1.55, 9.70; p=0.004) and to report prior buprenorphine treatment (RRR=2.57; 95% CI=1.27, 5.20; p=0.009). OAT linkage within 30-days post-discharge was associated with hospital-based buprenorphine initiation (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=3.86, 95% CI=1.73, 8.61, p=0.001) and patient navigation intervention (AOR=2.97, 95% CI=1.60, 5.52, p=0.001). Conclusions OAT initiation differed by sex, race, and housing status. Hospital-based OAT initiation and patient navigation were independently associated with linkage to community-based OAT. Hospitalization is a reachable moment to begin OAT to alleviate withdrawal and facilitate treatment continuity post-discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney D. Nordeck
- Friends Research Institute, Inc., Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher Welsh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Kevin E. O'Grady
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Jan Gryczynski
- Friends Research Institute, Inc., Baltimore, MD, United States
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11
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Burns ME, Cook S, Brown LM, Dague L, Tyska S, Hernandez Romero K, McNamara C, Westergaard RP. Association Between Assistance With Medicaid Enrollment and Use of Health Care After Incarceration Among Adults With a History of Substance Use. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2142688. [PMID: 34994791 PMCID: PMC8742194 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.42688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The transition from prison to community is characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality, particularly owing to drug overdose. However, most formerly incarcerated adults with substance use disorders do not use any health care, including treatment for substance use disorders, during the initial months after incarceration. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether a prerelease Medicaid enrollment assistance program is associated with increased health care use within 30 days after release from prison. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study included 16 307 adults aged 19 to 64 years with a history of substance use who were released from state prison between April 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections implemented prerelease Medicaid enrollment assistance in January 2015. Statistical analysis was performed from January 1 to August 31, 2021. EXPOSURE A statewide Medicaid prerelease enrollment assistance program. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was Medicaid-reimbursed health care, associated with substance use disorders and for any cause, within 30 days of prison release, including outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient care. Mean outcomes were compared for those released before and after implementation of prerelease Medicaid enrollment assistance using an intention-to-treat analysis and person-level data from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and Medicaid. RESULTS The sample included 16 307 individuals with 18 265 eligible releases (men accounted for 16 320 of 18 265 total releases, and 6213 of 18 265 releases were among Black individuals; mean [SD] age at release, 35.5 [10.7] years). The likelihood of outpatient care use within 30 days of release increased after implementation of enrollment assistance relative to baseline by 7.7 percentage points for any visit (95% CI, 6.4-8.9 percentage points; P < .001), by 0.7 percentage points for an opioid use disorder visit (95% CI, 0.4-1.0 percentage points; P < .001), by 1.0 percentage point for any substance use disorder visit (95% CI, 0.5-1.6 percentage points; P < .001), and by 0.4 percentage points for receipt of medication for opioid use disorder (95% CI, 0.2-0.6 percentage points; P < .001). There was no significant change in use of the emergency department (0.7 percentage points [95% CI, -0.15 to 1.4 percentage points]). The probability of an inpatient stay increased by 0.4 percentage points (95% CI, 0.03-0.7 percentage points; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results of this cohort study suggest that prerelease Medicaid enrollment assistance was associated with increased use of outpatient health care after incarceration and highlights the value of making this assistance universally available within correctional settings. More tailored interventions may be needed to increase the receipt of treatment for substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite E. Burns
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
| | - Steven Cook
- Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison
| | | | - Laura Dague
- The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Steve Tyska
- Division of Medicaid Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison
| | | | - Cici McNamara
- Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison
| | - Ryan P. Westergaard
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
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Macmadu A, Batthala S, Correia Gabel AM, Rosenberg M, Ganguly R, Yedinak JL, Hallowell BD, Scagos RP, Samuels EA, Cerdá M, Paull K, Marshall BDL. Comparison of Characteristics of Deaths From Drug Overdose Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rhode Island. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2125538. [PMID: 34533569 PMCID: PMC8449276 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.25538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance The rate of deaths from overdose has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent US overdose mortality rates have been markedly high. However, scant data are available on the causes of this increase or subpopulations at elevated risk. Objective To evaluate the rates and characteristics of deaths from drug overdose before vs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective, population-based cohort study used data from 4 statewide databases linked at the person level via the Rhode Island Data Ecosystem on adults with deaths due to overdose in Rhode Island from January 1 to August 31, 2019, and January 1 to August 31, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures The rates of unintentional deaths from drug-related overdose during the 2019 and 2020 observation periods overall and by sociodemographic characteristics, drugs contributing to the cause of death, location of death, and socioeconomic factors were evaluated. In subgroup analyses restricted to Medicaid beneficiaries (n = 271), the proportions of deaths from overdose by behavioral health treatment and diagnosis claims in the year before death were also examined. Results A total of 470 adults who died of drug overdose were included in the analysis (353 men [75%]; mean [SD] age, 43.5 [12.1] years). The rate of deaths from overdose in Rhode Island increased 28.1%, from 29.2 per 100 000 person-years in 2019 to 37.4 per 100 000 person-years in 2020 (P = .009). Compared with 2019, rates of deaths due to overdose during 2020 were higher among men (43.2 vs 59.2 per 100 000 person-years; P = .003), non-Hispanic White individuals (31.0 vs 42.0 per 100 000 person-years; P = .005), single individuals (54.8 vs 70.4 per 100 000 person-years; P = .04), deaths involving synthetic opioids (20.8 vs 28.3 per 100 000 person-years; P = .005), and deaths occurring in a personal residence (13.2 vs 19.7 per 100 000 person-years; P = .003). A decrease in the proportion of deaths from overdose involving heroin (11 of 206 [5%] vs <2% [exact value suppressed]; P = .02) and an increase among persons experiencing job loss (16 of 206 [8%] vs 41 of 264 [16%]; P = .01) from 2019 to 2020 were observed. Among individuals who died of overdose and were Medicaid beneficiaries, the proportions of those aged 50 to 59 years with anxiety (11 of 121 [9%] vs 29 of 150 [19%]; P = .03), men with depression (27 of 121 [22%] vs 57 of 150 [38%]; P = .008), and men with anxiety (28 of 121 [23%] vs 55 of 150 [37%]; P = .02) increased during 2020 compared with 2019. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, during the first 8 months of 2020, the rate of deaths from overdose increased in Rhode Island compared with the same period in 2019, and several emerging characteristics of deaths from drug overdose during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified. These findings may inform interventions that address macroenvironmental changes associated with the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Macmadu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sivakumar Batthala
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island, Cranston
| | | | - Marti Rosenberg
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island, Cranston
| | - Rik Ganguly
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island, Cranston
| | - Jesse L. Yedinak
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Rachel P. Scagos
- Center for Health Data and Analysis, Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence
| | - Elizabeth A. Samuels
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health, Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, School of Medicine, New York University, New York
| | - Kimberly Paull
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island, Cranston
| | - Brandon D. L. Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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Holtyn AF, Toegel F, Novak MD, Leoutsakos JM, Fingerhood M, Silverman K. Remotely delivered incentives to promote buprenorphine treatment engagement in out-of-treatment adults with opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 225:108786. [PMID: 34087746 PMCID: PMC8282759 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose remains a leading cause of death. Office-based buprenorphine could expand access to treatment to the many opioid users who are not in treatment and who are at risk for opioid overdose. However, many people in need of buprenorphine treatment do not enroll in treatment. This randomized pilot trial evaluated efficacy of a remotely delivered incentive intervention in promoting engagement in buprenorphine treatment in out-of-treatment adults with opioid use disorder. METHODS Participants (N = 41) were offered referrals to buprenorphine treatment and randomly assigned to Control or Incentive groups for 6 months. Incentive participants were offered incentives for enrolling in buprenorphine treatment, verified by providing documentation showing that they received a buprenorphine prescription, and providing videos taking daily buprenorphine doses. Participants used a smartphone application to record and submit a video of their buprenorphine prescription and daily buprenorphine administration. Incentive earnings were added remotely to reloadable credit cards. RESULTS Incentive participants were significantly more likely to enroll in treatment compared to control participants (71.4 % versus 30.0 % of participants; OR [95 % CI]: 6.24 [1.46-26.72], p = .014). Few participants in either group adhered to buprenorphine treatment, and the two groups continued to use opioids, including fentanyl at high and comparable rates. The two groups did not differ in the percentage of urine samples that were positive for buprenorphine, opiates, fentanyl, or methadone at monthly assessments conducted during the 6-month intervention. CONCLUSIONS Remotely delivered incentives can connect out-of-treatment adults with opioid use disorder to treatment, but additional supports are needed to promote buprenorphine adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- August F Holtyn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Forrest Toegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew D Novak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeannie-Marie Leoutsakos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Fingerhood
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Refusal to accept emergency medical transport following opioid overdose, and conditions that may promote connections to care. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 97:103296. [PMID: 34062289 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose is a leading cause of death in the United States. Emergency medical services (EMS) encounters following overdose may serve as a critical linkage to care for people who use drugs (PWUD). However, many overdose survivors refuse EMS transport to hospitals, where they would presumably receive appropriate follow-up services and referrals. This study aims to (1) identify reasons for refusal of EMS transport after opioid overdose reversal; (2) identify conditions under which overdose survivors might be more likely to accept these services; and (3) describe solutions proposed by both PWUD and EMS providers to improve post-overdose care. METHODS The study comprised 20 semi-structured, qualitative in-depth interviews with PWUD, followed by two semi-structured focus groups with eight EMS providers. RESULTS PWUD cited intolerable withdrawal symptoms; anticipation of inadequate care upon arrival at the hospital; and stigmatizing treatment by EMS and hospital providers as main reasons for refusal to accept EMS transport. EMS providers corroborated these descriptions and offered solutions such as titration of naloxone to avoid harsh withdrawal symptoms; peer outreach or community paramedicine; and addressing provider burnout. PWUD stated they might accept EMS transport after overdose reversal if they were offered ease for withdrawal symptoms, at either a hospital or non-hospital facility, and treated with respect and empathy. CONCLUSION Standard of care by EMS and hospital providers following overdose reversal should include treatment for withdrawal symptoms, including buprenorphine induction; patient-centered communication; and effective linkage to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services.
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