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Walden J, Brown L, Seiguer S, Munshaw K, Rausch J, Badawy S, McGann P, Winkler S, Gonzalez L, Creary S. Study protocol for ADHERE (Applying Directly observed therapy to HydroxyurEa to Realize Effectiveness): Using small business partnerships to deliver a scalable and novel hydroxyurea adherence solution to youth with sickle cell disease. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304644. [PMID: 38917111 PMCID: PMC11198815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans, primarily from underrepresented racial minority populations, and results in costly, multi-organ complications. Hydroxyurea, the primary disease-modifying therapy for SCD, is effective at reducing most complications; however, adherence to hydroxyurea remains suboptimal and is the primary barrier to clinical effectiveness. Video directly observed therapy (VDOT) has shown promise as an adherence-promoting intervention for hydroxyurea, yet previous VDOT trials were limited by high attrition from gaps in technology access, use of unvalidated adherence measures, and healthcare system limitations of delivering VDOT to patients. As such, we fostered a small business partnership to compare VDOT for hydroxyurea to attention control to address previous shortcomings, promote equitable trial participation, and maximize scalability. VDOT will be administered by Scene Health (formerly emocha Health) and adherence monitoring will be performed using a novel electronic adherence monitor developed to meet the unique needs of the target population. Adolescent and young adult patients as well as caregivers of younger patients (<11 years of age) will be recruited. In addition to visit incentives, all participants will be offered a smartphone with a data plan to ensure all participants have equal opportunity to complete study activities. The primary objectives of this pilot, multi-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) are to assess retention and sustained engagement and to explore needs and preferences for longer-term adherence monitoring and interventions. This RCT is registered with the National Institutes of Health (NCT06264700). Findings will inform a future efficacy RCT applying VDOT to hydroxyurea to address adherence gaps and improve outcomes within this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Walden
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Lauren Brown
- emocha Mobile Health Inc. Doing Business as Scene and Scene Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sebastian Seiguer
- emocha Mobile Health Inc. Doing Business as Scene and Scene Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Katie Munshaw
- emocha Mobile Health Inc. Doing Business as Scene and Scene Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Joseph Rausch
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Sherif Badawy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Patrick McGann
- Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Providence, RI, United States of America
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Savannah Winkler
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisbel Gonzalez
- Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Susan Creary
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
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Sklar M, Doyle S, Kidorf M. Pilot investigation of an electronic pillbox at a community opioid treatment program. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024; 50:328-333. [PMID: 38557232 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2316598] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background: Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) permit patients to ingest daily methadone doses unsupervised and away from the clinic, a strategy that enhances treatment access and convenience but has the potential for mismanagement.Objective: This retrospective review, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic (5/2020-1/2022), evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of a commercially available electronic pillbox to safely administer methadone take-home tablets in a large community-based OTP (census >500 people).Methods: Study participants (n = 24; 54% male, 46% female; M age = 63 years) had recently received more take-homes per visit to support national social distancing directives, and were instructed that they could maintain these privileges by agreeing to use the pillbox.Results: Results demonstrate good demand feasibility as most participants (71%) agreed to use the pillbox. Good implementation feasibility was observed through safe and reliable delivery of most take-home tablets, with a staff support line to resolve technical issues. Acceptability was modest as six participants (25%) requested to return the pillbox despite losing some take-home privileges.Conclusion: Results support continued use and study of the electronic pillbox to safely deliver and increase access to methadone take-home doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sklar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan Doyle
- Man Alive Treatment Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Kidorf
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Qian G, Humphreys K, Goldhaber-Fiebert JD, Brandeau ML. Estimated effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of opioid use disorder treatment under proposed U.S. regulatory relaxations: A model-based analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 256:111112. [PMID: 38335797 PMCID: PMC10940194 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of buprenorphine and methadone treatment in the U.S. if exemptions expanding coverage for substance use disorder services via telehealth and allowing opioid treatment programs to supply a greater number of take-home doses of medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) continue (Notice of Proposed Rule Making, NPRM). DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Model-based analysis of buprenorphine and methadone treatment for a cohort of 100,000 individuals with OUD, varying treatment retention and overdose risk among individuals receiving and not receiving methadone treatment compared to the status quo (no NPRM). INTERVENTION Buprenorphine and methadone treatment under NPRM. MEASUREMENTS Fatal and nonfatal overdoses and deaths over five years, discounted lifetime per person QALYs and costs. FINDINGS For buprenorphine treatment under the status quo, 1.21 QALYs are gained at a cost of $19,200/QALY gained compared to no treatment; with 20% higher treatment retention, 1.28 QALYs are gained at a cost of $17,900/QALY gained compared to no treatment, and the strategy dominates the status quo. For methadone treatment under the status quo, 1.11 QALYs are gained at a cost of $17,900/QALY gained compared to no treatment. In all scenarios, methadone provision cost less than $20,000/QALY gained compared to no treatment, and less than $50,000/QALY gained compared to status quo methadone treatment. CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine and methadone OUD treatment under NPRM are likely to be effective and cost-effective. Increases in overdose risk with take-home methadone would reduce health benefits. Clinical and technological strategies could mitigate this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Qian
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Margaret L Brandeau
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Liu P, Korthuis PT, Buchheit BM. Novel Therapeutic and Program-Based Approaches to Opioid Use Disorders. Annu Rev Med 2024; 75:83-97. [PMID: 37827194 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-050522-033924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder continues to drive overdose deaths in many countries, including the United States. Illicit fentanyl and its analogues have emerged as key contributors to the complications and mortality associated with opioid use disorder. Medications for opioid use disorder treatment, such as methadone and buprenorphine, are safe and substantially reduce opioid use, infectious complications, and mortality risk, but remain underutilized. Polysubstance use and emerging substances such as xylazine and designer benzodiazepines create additional treatment challenges. Recent clinical and policy innovations in treatment delivery, including telemedicine, bridge clinics, and expanded models for accessing methadone have the potential to increase access to life-saving care for people living with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Liu
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Bradley M Buchheit
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Locke T, Salisbury-Afshar E, Coyle DT. Treatment Updates for Pain Management and Opioid Use Disorder. Med Clin North Am 2023; 107:1035-1046. [PMID: 37806723 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The medical community has proposed several clinical recommendations to promote patient safety and health amid the opioid overdose public health crisis. For a frontline practicing physician, distilling the evidence and implementing the latest guidelines may prove challenging. This article aims to highlight pertinent updates and clinical care pearls as they relate to primary care management of chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Locke
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 610 North Whitney Way, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David Tyler Coyle
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Idrisov B, Hallgren KA, Michaels A, Soth S, Darnton J, Grekin P, Woolworth S, Saxon AJ, Tsui JI. Workload, Usability, and Engagement with a Mobile App Supporting Video Observation of Methadone Take-Home Dosing: Usability Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e42654. [PMID: 37440298 PMCID: PMC10375394 DOI: 10.2196/42654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone, a cornerstone of opioid use disorder treatments for many decades, is an essential tool for combatting the opioid epidemic. However, requirements for observing methadone dosing in person through direct observed therapy (DOT) impose significant barriers for many patients. Digital technology can facilitate remote DOT, which could reduce barriers to methadone treatment. Currently, there are limited data on the usability of such technology among patients and counselors in methadone treatment settings. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to assess the workload, usability, and engagement of a video-based DOT mobile app for patients with opioid use disorder receiving methadone treatment. The secondary objective was to assess the workload, usability, and engagement of the provider-facing app portal used by counselors. METHODS Patients (n=12) and counselors (n=3) who previously tried video DOT for methadone through a smartphone app in an opioid treatment program participated in usability testing sessions. Participants completed essential tasks for video DOT, then provided ratings of workload (NASA Task Load Index), usability (modified System Usability Scale), and engagement (modified Engagement Scale) with the core features of the video DOT program. RESULTS Patients and counselors reported low mental, physical, and temporal demands, successful performance, low effort, and low frustration associated with activities. Patients reported high usability (mean 85, SD 9.5) and engagement (mean 3.8, SD 1.1); counselors reported moderate usability (mean 43.3, SD 17.7) and engagement (mean 2.81, SD 0.63). CONCLUSIONS A mobile health app that facilitates video-based DOT for methadone required a low workload for patients and counselors and was highly usable for patients in an opioid treatment program; however, there are opportunities to improve usability and engagement for the counselor-facing portal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulat Idrisov
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kevin A Hallgren
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alyssa Michaels
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sean Soth
- Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James Darnton
- Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Grekin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Andrew J Saxon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Darnton JB, Bhatraju EP, Beima-Sofie K, Michaels A, Hallgren KA, Soth S, Grekin P, Woolworth S, Tsui JI. "Sign Me Up": a qualitative study of video observed therapy (VOT) for patients receiving expedited methadone take-homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:21. [PMID: 36991506 PMCID: PMC10052285 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00372-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Federal and state regulations require frequent direct observation of methadone ingestion at an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)-a requirement that creates barriers to patient access. Video observed therapy (VOT) may help to address public health and safety concerns of providing take-home medications while simultaneously reducing barriers to treatment access and long-term retention. Evaluating user experiences with VOT is important for understanding the acceptability of this strategy. METHODS We conducted a qualitative evaluation of a clinical pilot program of VOT via smartphone that was rapidly implemented between April and August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic within three opioid treatment programs. In the program, selected patients submitted video recordings of themselves ingesting methadone take-home doses, which were asynchronously reviewed by their counselor. We recruited participating patients and counselors for semi-structured, individual interviews to explore their VOT experiences after program completion. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key factors influencing acceptability and the effect of VOT on the treatment experience. RESULTS We interviewed 12 of the 60 patients who participated in the clinical pilot and 3 of the 5 counselors. Overall, patients were enthusiastic about VOT, noting multiple benefits over traditional treatment experiences, including avoiding frequent travel to the clinic. Some noted how this allowed them to better meet recovery goals by avoiding a potentially triggering environment. Most appreciated having increased time to devote to other life priorities, including maintaining consistent employment. Participants described how VOT increased their autonomy, allowed them to keep treatment private, and normalized treatment to align with other medications that do not require in-person dosing. Participants did not describe major usability issues or privacy concerns with submitting videos. Some participants reported feeling disconnected from counselors while others felt more connected. Counselors felt some discomfort in their new role confirming medication ingestion but saw VOT as a useful tool for select patients. CONCLUSIONS VOT may be an acceptable tool to achieve equipoise between lowering barriers to treatment with methadone and protecting the health and safety of patients and their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Darnton
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, 359780, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle, WA, 98134, USA
| | - Elenore P Bhatraju
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, 359780, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kristin Beima-Sofie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Alyssa Michaels
- Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Kevin A Hallgren
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Sean Soth
- Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle, WA, 98134, USA
| | - Paul Grekin
- Evergreen Treatment Services, Seattle, WA, 98134, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Judith I Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, 359780, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Noroozi A, Rahimi-Movaghar A. Commentary on Nikoo et al.: Challenges in protocol development to optimize outcomes of opium tincture maintenance treatment. Addiction 2023; 118:295-296. [PMID: 36593085 DOI: 10.1111/add.16106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Noroozi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afarin Rahimi-Movaghar
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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