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Behrends CN, Leff JA, Lowry W, Li JM, Onuoha EN, Fardone E, Bayoumi AM, McCollister KE, Murphy SM, Schackman BR. Economic Evaluations of Establishing Opioid Overdose Prevention Centers in 12 North American cities: A Systematic Review. Value Health 2024:S1098-3015(24)00073-1. [PMID: 38401795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) provide a safe place where people can consume preobtained drugs under supervision so that a life-saving medical response can be provided quickly in the event of an overdose. OPCs are programs that are established in Canada and have recently become legally sanctioned in only a few United States jurisdictions. METHODS We conducted a systematic review that summarizes and identifies gaps of economic evidence on establishing OPCs in North America to guide future expansion of OPCs. RESULTS We included 16 final studies that were evaluated with the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and Drummond checklists. Eight studies reported cost-effectiveness results (eg, cost per overdose avoided or cost per quality-adjusted life-year), with 6 also including cost-benefit; 5 reported only cost-benefit results, and 3 cost offsets. Health outcomes primarily included overdose mortality outcomes or HIV/hepatitis C virus infections averted. Most studies used mathematical modeling and projected OPC outcomes using the experience of a single facility in Vancouver, BC. CONCLUSIONS OPCs were found to be cost-saving or to have favorable cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit ratios across all studies. Future studies should incorporate the experience of OPCs established in various settings and use a greater diversity of modeling designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jared A Leff
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Weston Lowry
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jazmine M Li
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erica N Onuoha
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erminia Fardone
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ahmed M Bayoumi
- Department of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathryn E McCollister
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Nolen S, Zang X, Chatterjee A, Behrends CN, Green TC, Linas BP, Morgan JR, Murphy SM, Walley AY, Schackman BR, Marshall BDL. Evaluating equity in community-based naloxone access among racial/ethnic groups in Massachusetts. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 241:109668. [PMID: 36309001 PMCID: PMC9833886 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial/ethnic minorities have experienced disproportionate opioid-related overdose death rates in recent years. In this context, we examined inequities in community-based naloxone access across racial/ethnic groups in Massachusetts. METHODS We used data from: the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs; the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on opioid-related overdose deaths, and; the United States Census American Community Survey for regional demographic/socioeconomic details to estimate community populations by race/ethnicity and racial segregation between African American/Black and white residents. Race/ethnicity groups included in the analysis were African American/Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, white (non-Hispanic), and "other" (non-Hispanic). We evaluated racial/ethnic differences in naloxone distribution across regions in Massachusetts and neighborhoods in Boston descriptively and spatially, plotting the race/ethnicity-specific number of kits per opioid-related overdose death per jurisdiction. Lastly, we constructed generalized estimating equations models with a negative binomial distribution to compare the race/ethnicity-specific naloxone distribution rate by OEND programs. RESULTS From 2016-2019, the median annual rate of naloxone kits received from OEND programs in Massachusetts per racial/ethnicity group ranged between 160 and 447 per 100,000. In a multivariable analysis, we found that the naloxone distribution rates for racial/ethnic minorities were lower than the rate for white residents. We also found naloxone was more likely to be distributed in racially segregated communities than non-segregated communities. CONCLUSION We identified racial/ethnic inequities in naloxone receipt by individuals in Massachusetts. Additional resources focused on designing and implementing OEND programs for racial/ethnic minorities are warranted to ensure equitable access to naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayla Nolen
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Box G-S-121-2, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Box G-S-121-2, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- Grayken Center for Addiction and Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 425 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Traci C Green
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA; The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA; Center of Biomedical Research Excellence on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, 8 Third Street, Second Floor, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 425 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction and Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 425 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Box G-S-121-2, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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Hayes BT, Favaro J, Behrends CN, Coello D, Jakubowski A, Fox AD. NEXT: description, rationale, and evaluation of a novel internet-based mail-delivered syringe service program. J Subst Use 2022; 29:129-135. [PMID: 38577252 PMCID: PMC10994146 DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2144500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite proven health benefits, harm reduction services provided through in-person syringe services programs (SSPs) and pharmacies are largely unavailable to most people who inject drugs (PWID). Internet-based mail-delivered harm reduction services could overcome barriers to in-person SSPs. This manuscript describes Needle Exchange Technology (NEXT) Harm Reduction, the first formal internet-based mail delivery SSP in the US. Methods We examined the trajectory of NEXT's growth between February 2018 and August 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize program participants. All analysis were run using STATA statistical software. Results Over the course of 42 months, 1,669 unique participants enrolled in NEXT. The program distributed 1,648,162 total syringes with a median of 79,449 syringes per month. Most participants ordered multiple times (61%); 31% had more 5 or more orders (upper range = 48 orders). The total number of syringes per month and total number of first-time syringe orders per month increased steadily over time, particularly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions The online platform and mail-delivery model appears successful in reaching PWID at high risk for harms from IDU. Changes to state laws and additional funding support are needed to make mail-delivery harm reduction more widely available throughout the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T. Hayes
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Jakubowski
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Aaron D. Fox
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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4
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Zang X, Bessey SE, Krieger MS, Hallowell BD, Koziol JA, Nolen S, Behrends CN, Murphy SM, Walley AY, Linas BP, Schackman BR, Marshall BDL. Comparing Projected Fatal Overdose Outcomes and Costs of Strategies to Expand Community-Based Distribution of Naloxone in Rhode Island. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2241174. [PMID: 36350649 PMCID: PMC9647481 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.41174] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In 2021, the state of Rhode Island distributed 10 000 additional naloxone kits compared with the prior year through partnerships with community-based organizations. OBJECTIVE To compare various strategies to increase naloxone distribution through community-based programs in Rhode Island to identify one most effective and efficient strategy in preventing opioid overdose deaths (OODs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this decision analytical model study conducted from January 2016 to December 2022, a spatial microsimulation model with an integrated decision tree was developed and calibrated to compare the outcomes of alternative strategies for distributing 10 000 additional naloxone kits annually among all individuals at risk for opioid overdose in Rhode Island. INTERVENTIONS Distribution of 10 000 additional naloxone kits annually, focusing on people who inject drugs, people who use illicit opioids and stimulants, individuals at various levels of risk for opioid overdose, or people who misuse prescription opioids vs no additional kits (status quo). Two expanded distribution implementation approaches were considered: one consistent with the current spatial distribution patterns for each distribution program type (supply-based approach) and one consistent with the current spatial distribution of individuals in each of the risk groups, assuming that programs could direct the additional kits to new geographic areas if required (demand-based approach). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Witnessed OODs, cost per OOD averted (efficiency), geospatial health inequality measured by the Theil index, and between-group variance for OOD rates. RESULTS A total of 63 131 simulated individuals were estimated to be at risk for opioid overdose in Rhode Island based on current population data. With the supply-based approach, prioritizing additional naloxone kits to people who use illicit drugs averted more witnessed OODs by an estimated mean of 18.9% (95% simulation interval [SI], 13.1%-30.7%) annually. Expanded naloxone distribution using the demand-based approach and focusing on people who inject drugs had the best outcomes across all scenarios, averting an estimated mean of 25.3% (95% SI, 13.1%-37.6%) of witnessed OODs annually, at the lowest mean incremental cost of $27 312 per OOD averted. Other strategies were associated with fewer OODs averted at higher costs but showed similar patterns of improved outcomes and lower unit costs if kits could be reallocated to areas with greater need. The demand-based approach reduced geospatial inequality in OOD rates in all scenarios compared with the supply-based approach and status quo. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this decision analytical model study, variations in the effectiveness, efficiency, and health inequality of the different naloxone distribution expansion strategies and approaches were identified. Future efforts should be prioritized for people at highest risk for overdose (those who inject drugs or use illicit drugs) and redirected toward areas with the greatest need. These findings may inform future naloxone distribution priority settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sam E. Bessey
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Maxwell S. Krieger
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | | | - Shayla Nolen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Czarina N. Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Sean M. Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin P. Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Brandon D. L. Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Des Jarlais DC, Behrends CN, Corcorran MA, Glick SN, Perlman DC, Kapadia SN, Lu X, Feelemyer J, LaKosky P, Prohaska SM, Schackman BR. Availability of and Obstacles to Providing COVID-19 Vaccinations at Syringe Services Programs in the United States, 2021. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:1066-1069. [PMID: 36113105 PMCID: PMC9574299 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221120241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many syringe services programs (SSPs) have established trusting, long-term relationships with their clients and are well situated to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. We examined characteristics and practices of SSPs in the United States that reported providing COVID-19 vaccinations to their clients and obstacles to vaccinating people who inject drugs (PWID). We surveyed SSPs in September 2021 to examine COVID-19 vaccination practices through a supplement to the 2020 Dave Purchase Memorial survey. Of 153 SSPs surveyed, 73 (47.7%) responded to the supplement; 24 of 73 (32.9%) reported providing on-site COVID-19 vaccinations. Having provided hepatitis and influenza vaccinations was significantly associated with providing COVID-19 vaccinations (70.8% had provided them vs 28.6% had not; P = .002). Obstacles to providing vaccination included lack of appropriate facilities, lack of funding, lack of trained staff, and vaccine hesitancy among PWID. SSPs are underused as vaccination providers. Many SSPs are well situated to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to PWID, and greater use of SSPs as vaccination providers is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Czarina N. Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria A. Corcorran
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara N. Glick
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David C. Perlman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shashi N. Kapadia
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xinlin Lu
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul LaKosky
- North American Syringe Exchange Network, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | | | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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6
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Adams JW, Savinkina A, Fox A, Behrends CN, Madushani RWMA, Wang J, Chatterjee A, Walley AY, Barocas JA, Linas BP. Modeling the cost-effectiveness and impact on fatal overdose and initiation of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment at syringe service programs. Addiction 2022; 117:2635-2648. [PMID: 35315148 PMCID: PMC9951221 DOI: 10.1111/add.15883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To estimate the number of treatment initiations, averted fatal opioid overdoses and the cost-effectiveness associated with offering buprenorphine-naloxone (buprenorphine) treatment on-site within existing syringe service programs (SSPs) in Massachusetts, USA. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This was a cohort-based mathematical model and cost-effectiveness analysis. We derived model inputs from state and national surveillance data, clinical trials and observational cohort studies. We compared an intervention scenario where 30% of SSP clients initiated buprenorphine treatment on-site at least once annually to a status quo scenario where no buprenorphine was available on-site among community treatment providers in Massachusetts, 2020-30. In individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) we assumed that 80% of SSP clients had recently injected drugs and that treatment within SSPs would have similar or improved retention compared with standard-of-care buprenorphine programs, but higher rates of active opioid use while in treatment. MEASUREMENTS Number of treatment initiations (i.e. individuals began treatment on a medication for opioid use disorder or entered medically managed withdrawal), averted fatal opioid overdoses, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and life-time discounted costs from a health sector and a limited societal perspective. FINDINGS The status quo scenario resulted in 23 051 fatal overdoses and 1 511 613 treatment initiations over a 10-year simulation period. An intervention scenario with on-site SSP buprenorphine treatment averted 4797 (-20.8%) fatal opioid overdoses and resulted in 129 359 (+8.6%) additional treatment initiations compared with the status quo. The intervention scenario was the dominating scenario: providing OUD treatment through Massachusetts SSPs cost less (-$3612 per person) with patients accumulating more QALYs (0.2 per person) compared with the status quo scenario. CONCLUSIONS Offering buprenorphine treatment on-site within syringe service programs has the potential to decrease fatal overdoses substantially, improve treatment engagement and save on costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlla W. Adams
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
- RTI International, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Savinkina
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Fox
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Czarina N. Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Jianing Wang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua A. Barocas
- Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Martel-Laferrière V, Feaster DJ, Metsch LR, Schackman BR, Loignon C, Nosyk B, Tookes H, Behrends CN, Arruda N, Adigun O, Goyer ME, Kolber MA, Mary JF, Rodriguez AE, Yanez IG, Pan Y, Khemiri R, Gooden L, Sako A, Bruneau J. Correction: M 2HepPrEP: study protocol for a multi-site multi-setting randomized controlled trial of integrated HIV prevention and HCV care for PWID. Trials 2022; 23:815. [PMID: 36167548 PMCID: PMC9513950 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | - Lisa R Metsch
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | | | | | - Hansel Tookes
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | - Nelson Arruda
- Direction régionale de la santé publique de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Eve Goyer
- Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Iveth G Yanez
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Yue Pan
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, USA
| | - Rania Khemiri
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lauren Gooden
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Aïssata Sako
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
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8
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Austin EJ, Corcorran MA, Briggs ES, Frost MC, Behrends CN, Juarez AM, Frank ND, Healy E, Prohaska SM, LaKosky PA, Kapadia SN, Perlman DC, Schackman BR, Jarlais DCD, Williams EC, Glick SN. Barriers to engaging people who use drugs in harm reduction services during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods study of syringe services program perspectives. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 109:103825. [PMID: 35977459 PMCID: PMC9364718 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Syringe services programs (SSPs) provide critical evidence-based public health services that decrease harms from drug use for people who use drugs (PWUD). Many SSPs have experienced significant and evolving COVID-19-related disruptions. We aimed to characterize the impacts of COVID-19 on SSP operations in the United States approximately one year into the pandemic. Methods Participating sites, selected from a national sample of SSPs, completed a semi-structured interview via teleconference and brief survey evaluating the impacts of COVID-19 on program operations. Data collection explored aspects of program financing, service delivery approaches, linkages to care, and perspectives on engaging PWUD in services one year into the pandemic. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively using Rapid Assessment Process. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and triangulated with qualitative findings. Results 27 SSPs completed study-related interviews and surveys between February 2021 – April 2021. One year into the pandemic, SSPs reported continuing to adapt approaches to syringe distribution in response to COVID-19, and identified multiple barriers that hindered their ability to engage program participants in services, including 1) isolation and decreased connectivity with participants, 2) resource restrictions that limit responsiveness to participant needs, 3) reduced capacity to provide on-site HIV/HCV testing and treatment linkages, and 4) changing OUD treatment modalities that were a “double-edged sword” for PWUD. Quantitative survey responses aligned with qualitative findings, highlighting increases in the number of syringes distributed, increases in mobile and home delivery services, and reductions in on-site HIV and HCV testing. Conclusion These data illuminate persistent and cascading risks of isolation, reduced access to services, and limited engagement with program participants that resulted from COVID-19 and continue to create barriers to the delivery of critical harm reduction services. Findings emphasize the need to ensure SSPs have the resources and capacity to adapt to changing public health needs, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Austin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Maria A Corcorran
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elsa S Briggs
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USA; Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexa M Juarez
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Noah D Frank
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elise Healy
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Prohaska
- Dave Purchase Project, North American Syringe Exchange Network, 535 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Paul A LaKosky
- Dave Purchase Project, North American Syringe Exchange Network, 535 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - David C Perlman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Don C Des Jarlais
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USA; Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific Street NE, Seattle, WA, USA
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9
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Frost MC, Austin EJ, Corcorran MA, Briggs ES, Behrends CN, Juarez AM, Frank ND, Healy E, Prohaska SM, LaKosky PA, Kapadia SN, Perlman DC, Schackman BR, Des Jarlais DC, Williams EC, Glick SN. Responding to a surge in overdose deaths: perspectives from US syringe services programs. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:79. [PMID: 35854351 PMCID: PMC9295104 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00664-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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background US overdose deaths have reached a record high. Syringe services programs (SSPs) play a critical role in addressing this crisis by providing multiple services to people who use drugs (PWUD) that help prevent overdose death. This study examined the perspectives of leadership and staff from a geographically diverse sample of US SSPs on factors contributing to the overdose surge, their organization’s response, and ongoing barriers to preventing overdose death. Methods From 2/11/2021 to 4/23/2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews with leadership and staff from 27 SSPs sampled from the North American Syringe Exchange Network directory. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process. Results Respondents reported that increased intentional and unintentional fentanyl use (both alone and combined with other substances) was a major driver of the overdose surge. They also described how the COVID-19 pandemic increased solitary drug use and led to abrupt increases in use due to life disruptions and worsened mental health among PWUD. In response to this surge, SSPs have increased naloxone distribution, including providing more doses per person and expanding distribution to people using non-opioid drugs. They are also adapting overdose prevention education to increase awareness of fentanyl risks, including for people using non-opioid drugs. Some are distributing fentanyl test strips, though a few respondents expressed doubts about strips’ effectiveness in reducing overdose harms. Some SSPs are expanding education and naloxone training/distribution in the broader community, beyond PWUD and their friends/family. Respondents described several ongoing barriers to preventing overdose death, including not reaching certain groups at risk of overdose (PWUD who do not inject, PWUD experiencing homelessness, and PWUD of color), an inconsistent naloxone supply and lack of access to intranasal naloxone in particular, inadequate funding, underestimates of overdoses, legal/policy barriers, and community stigma. Conclusions SSPs remain essential in preventing overdose deaths amid record numbers likely driven by increased fentanyl use and COVID-19-related impacts. These findings can inform efforts to support SSPs in this work. In the face of ongoing barriers, support for SSPs—including increased resources, political support, and community partnership—is urgently needed to address the worsening overdose crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. .,Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA.
| | - Elizabeth J Austin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Maria A Corcorran
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elsa S Briggs
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 418 E 71st St #21, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Alexa M Juarez
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Noah D Frank
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elise Healy
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Stephanie M Prohaska
- Dave Purchase Project, North American Syringe Exchange Network, 535 Dock Street Suite 113, Tacoma, WA, 98402, USA
| | - Paul A LaKosky
- Dave Purchase Project, North American Syringe Exchange Network, 535 Dock Street Suite 113, Tacoma, WA, 98402, USA
| | - Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 418 E 71st St #21, New York, NY, 10021, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medical College, 418 E 71st St #21, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - David C Perlman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, 708 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 418 E 71st St #21, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Don C Des Jarlais
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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10
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Nolen S, Zang X, Chatterjee A, Behrends CN, Green TC, Kumar A, Linas BP, Morgan JR, Murphy SM, Walley AY, Yan S, Schackman BR, Marshall BDL. Community-based naloxone coverage equity for the prevention of opioid overdose fatalities in racial/ethnic minority communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Addiction 2022; 117:1372-1381. [PMID: 34825427 PMCID: PMC8983544 DOI: 10.1111/add.15759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Opioid-related overdose death rates continue to rise in the United States, especially in racial/ethnic minority communities. Our objective was to determine if US municipalities with high percentages of non-white residents have equitable access to the overdose antidote naloxone distributed by community-based organizations. METHODS We used community-based naloxone data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Rhode Island non-pharmacy naloxone distribution program for 2016-18. We obtained publicly available opioid-related overdose death data from Massachusetts and the Office of the State Medical Examiners in Rhode Island. We defined the naloxone coverage ratio as the number of community-based naloxone kits received by a resident in a municipality divided by the number of opioid-related overdose deaths among residents, updated annually. We used a Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to analyze the relationship between the municipal racial/ethnic composition and naloxone coverage ratio. To account for the potential non-linear relationship between naloxone coverage ratio and race/ethnicity we created B-splines for the percentage of non-white residents; and for a secondary analysis examining the percentage of African American/black and Hispanic residents. The models were adjusted for the percentage of residents in poverty, urbanicity, state and population size. RESULTS Between 2016 and 2018, the annual naloxone coverage ratios range was 0-135. There was no difference in naloxone coverage ratios among municipalities with varying percentages of non-white residents in our multivariable analysis. In the secondary analysis, municipalities with higher percentages of African American/black residents had higher naloxone coverage ratios, independent of other factors. Naloxone coverage did not differ by percentage of Hispanic residents. CONCLUSIONS There appear to be no municipal-level racial/ethnic inequities in naloxone distribution in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayla Nolen
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- Grayken Center for Addiction and Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center/Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Traci C Green
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA.,Center of Biomedical Research Excellence on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Aranshi Kumar
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction and Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center/Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shapei Yan
- Grayken Center for Addiction and Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center/Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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11
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Martel-Laferrière V, Feaster DJ, Metsch LR, Shackman BR, Loignon C, Nosyk B, Tookes H, Behrends CN, Arruda N, Adigun O, Goyer ME, Kolber MA, Mary JF, Rodriguez AE, Yanez IG, Pan Y, Khemiri R, Gooden L, Sako A, Bruneau J. M 2HepPrEP: study protocol for a multi-site multi-setting randomized controlled trial of integrated HIV prevention and HCV care for PWID. Trials 2022; 23:341. [PMID: 35461260 PMCID: PMC9034074 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use is escalating in North America and comes with a multitude of health consequences, including HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreaks among persons who inject drugs (PWID). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HCV treatment regimens have transformative potential to address these co-occurring epidemics. Evaluation of innovative multi-modal approaches, integrating harm reduction, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), PrEP, and HCV treatment is required. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an on-site integrated care model where delivery of PrEP and HCV treatment for PWID takes places at syringe service programs (SSP) and OAT programs compared with referring PWID to clinical services in the community through a patient navigation model and to examine how structural factors interact with HIV prevention adherence and HCV treatment outcomes. Methods The Miami-Montreal Hepatitis C and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis trial (M2HepPrEP) is an open-label, multi-site, multi-center, randomized, controlled, superiority trial with two parallel treatment arms. A total of 500 persons who injected drugs in the prior 6 months and are eligible for PrEP will be recruited in OAT clinics and SSP in Miami, FL, and Montréal, Québec. Participants will be randomized to either on-site care, with adherence counseling, or referral to off-site clinics assisted by a patient navigator. PrEP will be offered to all participants and HCV treatment to those HCV-infected. Co-primary endpoints will be (1) adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis medication at 6 months post-randomization and (2) HCV sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks post-treatment completion among participants who were randomized within the HCV stratum. Up to 100 participants will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview regarding perceptions of adherence barriers and facilitators, after their 6-month assessment. A simulation model-based cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed to determine the comparative value of the strategies being evaluated. Discussion The results of this study have the potential to demonstrate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of offering PrEP and HCV treatment in healthcare venues frequently attended by PWID. Testing the intervention in two urban centers with high disease burden among PWID, but with different healthcare system dynamics, will increase generalizability of findings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03981445. Trial registry name: Integrated HIV Prevention and HCV Care for PWID (M2HepPrEP). Registration date: June 10, 201. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | - Lisa R Metsch
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Bruce R Shackman
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | | | | | - Hansel Tookes
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | - Nelson Arruda
- Direction régionale de la santé publique de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Eve Goyer
- Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Iveth G Yanez
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Yue Pan
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, USA
| | - Rania Khemiri
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lauren Gooden
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Aïssata Sako
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
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12
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Behrends CN, Lu X, Corry GJ, LaKosky P, Prohaska SM, Glick SN, Kapadia SN, Perlman DC, Schackman BR, Des Jarlais DC. Harm reduction and health services provided by syringe services programs in 2019 and subsequent impact of COVID-19 on services in 2020. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 232:109323. [PMID: 35124386 PMCID: PMC8772135 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study describes harm reduction and health services provided by U.S syringe services programs (SSPs) in 2019 and changes in provision of those services in 2020. METHODS SSPs were invited to participate in the Dave Purchase Memorial survey in August 2020. We collected programmatic data on services provided in 2019 and at the time of the survey in 2020. We conducted descriptive analyses using Chi-square and McNemar's tests. RESULTS At the time of the survey, > 60% of SSPs reported increased monthly syringe and naloxone distribution and expansion of home-based and mail-based naloxone delivery in Fall 2020 compared to 2019. Approximately three-quarters of SSPs decreased or stopped providing on-site HIV and HCV testing. Nearly half of SSPs offering on-site medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in 2019 increased provision of MOUD in 2020. The proportion of SSPs offering on-site mental health care services and primary care services statistically significantly decreased from 2019 to Fall 2020, but telehealth offerings of these services increased. CONCLUSIONS Many SSPs that offered health services in 2019 and remained operational in 2020 increased telehealth provision of mental health and primary care services, increased MOUD provision, and expanded harm reduction services, but most SSPs reduced or stopped on-site HIV and HCV testing. Sustaining SSP growth and innovation is paramount for preventing overdose deaths and HIV/HCV outbreaks after the deadliest year of the opioid epidemic in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Xinlin Lu
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grace J Corry
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul LaKosky
- North American Syringe Exchange Network, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | | | - Sara N Glick
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David C Perlman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Don C Des Jarlais
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Zang X, Mah C, Linh Quan AM, Min JE, Armstrong WS, Behrends CN, Del Rio C, Dombrowski JC, Feaster DJ, Kirk GD, Marshall BDL, Mehta SH, Metsch LR, Pandya A, Schackman BR, Shoptaw S, Strathdee SA, Krebs E, Nosyk B. Human Immunodeficiency Virus transmission by HIV Risk Group and Along the HIV Care Continuum: A Contrast of 6 US Cities. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:143-150. [PMID: 34723929 PMCID: PMC8752472 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the sources of HIV transmission provides a basis for prioritizing HIV prevention resources in specific geographic regions and populations. This study estimated the number, proportion, and rate of HIV transmissions attributable to individuals along the HIV care continuum within different HIV transmission risk groups in 6 US cities. METHODS We used a dynamic, compartmental HIV transmission model that draws on racial behavior-specific or ethnic behavior-specific and risk behavior-specific linkage to HIV care and use of HIV prevention services from local, state, and national surveillance sources. We estimated the rate and number of HIV transmissions attributable to individuals in the stage of acute undiagnosed HIV, nonacute undiagnosed HIV, HIV diagnosed but antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve, off ART, and on ART, stratified by HIV transmission group for the 2019 calendar year. RESULTS Individuals with undiagnosed nonacute HIV infection accounted for the highest proportion of total transmissions in every city, ranging from 36.8% (26.7%-44.9%) in New York City to 64.9% (47.0%-71.6%) in Baltimore. Individuals who had discontinued ART contributed to the second highest percentage of total infections in 4 of 6 cities. Individuals with acute HIV had the highest transmission rate per 100 person-years, ranging from 76.4 (58.9-135.9) in Miami to 160.2 (85.7-302.8) in Baltimore. CONCLUSION These findings underline the importance of both early diagnosis and improved ART retention for ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. Differences in the sources of transmission across cities indicate that localized priority setting to effectively address diverse microepidemics at different stages of epidemic control is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Cassandra Mah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda My Linh Quan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeong Eun Min
- Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy S Armstrong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julia C Dombrowski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Gregory D. Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Brandon DL Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Kapadia SN, Griffin JL, Waldman J, Ziebarth NR, Schackman BR, Behrends CN. The Experience of Implementing a Low-Threshold Buprenorphine Treatment Program in a Non-Urban Medical Practice. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:308-315. [PMID: 34889691 PMCID: PMC8862128 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2012484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To respond to the U.S. opioid crisis, new models of healthcare delivery for opioid use disorder treatment are essential. We used a qualitative approach to describe the implementation of a low-threshold buprenorphine treatment program in an independent, community-based medical practice in Ithaca, NY. METHODS We conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with program staff, leadership, and external stakeholders. Then we analyzed these data using content analysis. We used purposeful sampling aiming for variation in job title for program staff, and in organizational affiliation for external stakeholders. RESULTS We found that opening an independent medical practice allowed for low-threshold buprenorphine treatment with less regulatory oversight, but state-certification was ultimately required to ensure financial sustainability. Relying on health insurance reimbursement alone led to funding shortfalls and additional funding sources were also required. The practice's ability to build relationships with licensed substance use treatment programs, community organizations, the legal system, and government agencies in the region differed depending on how much these entities supported a harm reduction philosophy compared to abstinence-based treatment. Finally, expanding the practice to a second location in a different region, co-located with a syringe service program, required adapting to a new cultural and political environment. CONCLUSION The results from this study provide insight about the challenges that independent medical practices might face in delivering low-threshold buprenorphine treatment. They support policy efforts to address the financial burdens associated with providing low-threshold buprenorphine therapy and inform the external relationships that other providers would need to consider when delivering novel treatment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith L Griffin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,REACH Medical, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | - Nicolas R Ziebarth
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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15
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Behrends CN, Gutkind S, Winkelstein E, Wright M, Dolatshahi J, Welch A, Paone D, Kunins HV, Schackman BR. Costs of opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution in New York City. Subst Abus 2022; 43:692-698. [PMID: 34666633 PMCID: PMC9048167 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1986877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that can be administered by lay people or medical professionals to reverse opioid overdoses and reduce overdose mortality. Cost was identified as a potential barrier to providing expanded overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) in New York City (NYC) in 2017. We estimated the cost of delivering OEND for different types of opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs) in NYC. Methods: We interviewed naloxone coordinators at 11 syringe service programs (SSPs) and 10 purposively sampled non-SSPs in NYC from December 2017 to September 2019. The samples included diverse non-SSP program types, program sizes, and OEND funding sources. We calculated one-time start up costs and ongoing operating costs using micro-costing methods to estimate the cost of personnel time and materials for OEND activities from the program perspective, but excluding naloxone kit costs. Results: Implementing an OEND program required a one-time median startup cost of $874 for SSPs and $2,548 for other programs excluding overhead, with 80% of those costs attributed to time and travel for training staff. SSPs spent a median of $90 per staff member trained and non-SSPs spent $150 per staff member. The median monthly cost of OEND program activities excluding overhead was $1,579 for SSPs and $2,529 for non-SSPs. The costs for non-SSPs varied by size, with larger, multi-site programs having higher median costs compared to single-site programs. The estimated median cost per kit dispensed excluding and including overhead was $19 versus $25 per kit for SSPs, and $36 versus $43 per kit for non-SSPs, respectively. Conclusions: OEND operating costs vary by program type and number of sites. Funders should consider that providing free naloxone to OEND programs does not cover full operating costs. Further exploration of cost-effectiveness and program efficiency should be considered across different types of OEND settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Czarina N. Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Sarah Gutkind
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Emily Winkelstein
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York
| | - Monique Wright
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York
| | - Jennifer Dolatshahi
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York
| | - Alice Welch
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York
| | - Denise Paone
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York
| | - Hillary V. Kunins
- Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care and Treatment, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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16
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Hayes BT, Favaro J, Coello D, Behrends CN, Jakubowski A, Fox AD. Participants of a mail delivery syringe services program are underserved by other safe sources for sterile injection supplies. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 99:103474. [PMID: 34619446 PMCID: PMC8755579 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, accessing sterile injection supplies remains challenging for many people who inject drugs (PWID). Although women are less likely to inject drugs than men, women who do inject are disproportionately affected by IDU-related complications. Needle Exchange Technology (NEXT), the first formal online accessed mail delivery syringe services program (SSP) in the US, may overcome access barriers. We evaluated whether NEXT was reaching women participants and people without access to other safe sources of sterile injection supplies. METHODS This cross-sectional study examined NEXT participants who enrolled in the mail-delivery SSP from February 2018 through March 2021. All NEXT participants completed an online questionnaire during enrollment, which included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and injection-related risk factors (including prior sources of sterile injection supplies). Multivariable logistic regression (MVR) was used to examine associations between gender and prior use of safe sources of injection supplies (i.e., SSPs or pharmacies). RESULTS 1,032 participants received injection supplies. Median age was 34 and participants were mostly cis-gendered women (55%) and white (93%). 34% reported infection with HCV; women were more likely to report HCV infection than men (38% vs 28%; p < 0.01). 68% of participants acquired injection supplies from less safe sources. Few participants exclusively used safe sources for injection supplies (26%). In adjusted MVR analysis, women participants had significantly lower odds than men of having exclusively used safe sources for injection supplies (adjusted OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52, 0.98). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that NEXT services are utilized by women and people without prior access to sterile injection supplies. Women participants were less likely than men to have exclusively used safe sources for sterile injection supplies. Future research should explore women's preference for mail-delivery over in-person SSPs and determine whether online accessed mail delivery services can reach other underserved populations of PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Hayes
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical
Center, Bronx, NY, USA,Corresponding author at: Montefiore Medical
Center, 3300 Kossuth Ave., Bronx, NY, 10467 United States. Tel.: +1
718-920-7102; fax: +1 718-561-5165.
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Jakubowski
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical
Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Aaron D. Fox
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical
Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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17
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Zang X, Macmadu A, Krieger MS, Behrends CN, Green TC, Morgan JR, Murphy SM, Nolen S, Walley AY, Schackman BR, Marshall BDL. Targeting community-based naloxone distribution using opioid overdose death rates: A descriptive analysis of naloxone rescue kits and opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 98:103435. [PMID: 34482264 PMCID: PMC8671216 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of fatal opioid overdose in Massachusetts (MA) and Rhode Island (RI) far exceed the national average. Community-based opioid education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs are effective public health interventions to prevent overdose deaths. We compared naloxone distribution and opioid overdose death rates in MA and RI to identify priority communities for expanded OEND. METHODS We compared spatial patterns of opioid overdose fatalities and naloxone distribution through OEND programs in MA and RI during 2016 to 2019 using public health department data. The county-level ratio of naloxone kits distributed through OEND programs per opioid overdose death was estimated and mapped to identify potential gaps in naloxone availability across geographic regions and over time. RESULTS From 2016 to 2019, the statewide community-based naloxone distribution to opioid overdose death ratio improved in both states, although more rapidly in RI (from 11.8 in 2016 to 35.6 in 2019) than in MA (from 12.3 to 17.2), driven primarily by elevated and increasing rates of naloxone distribution in RI. We identified some urban/non-urban differences, with higher naloxone distribution relative to opioid overdose deaths in more urban counties, and we observed some counties with high rates of overdose deaths but low rates of naloxone kits distributed through OEND programs. CONCLUSIONS We identified variations in spatial patterns of opioid overdose fatalities and naloxone availability, and these disparities appeared to be widening in some areas over time. Data on the spatial distribution of naloxone distribution and opioid overdose deaths can inform targeted, community-based naloxone distribution strategies that optimize resources to prevent opioid overdose fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Alexandria Macmadu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Maxwell S Krieger
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Traci C Green
- Institute for Behavioral Health, School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Shayla Nolen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Brandon DL Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
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18
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Krebs E, Enns E, Zang X, Mah CS, Quan AM, Behrends CN, Coljin C, Goedel W, Golden M, Marshall BDL, Metsch LR, Pandya A, Shoptaw S, Sullivan P, Tookes HE, Duarte HA, Min JE, Nosyk B. Attributing health benefits to preventing HIV infections versus improving health outcomes among people living with HIV: an analysis in six US cities. AIDS 2021; 35:2169-2179. [PMID: 34148987 PMCID: PMC8490299 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002993] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Combination strategies generate health benefits through improved health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and prevention of new infections. We aimed to determine health benefits attributable to improved health among PLHIV versus HIV prevention for a set of combination strategies in six US cities. DESIGN A dynamic HIV transmission model. METHODS Using a model calibrated for Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City (NYC) and Seattle, we assessed the health benefits of city-specific optimal combinations of evidence-based interventions implemented at publicly documented levels and at ideal (90% coverage) scale-up (2020-2030 implementation, 20-year study period). We calculated the proportion of health benefit gains (measured as quality-adjusted life-years) resulting from averted and delayed HIV infections; improved health outcomes among PLHIV; and improved health outcomes due to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). RESULTS The HIV-specific proportion of total benefits ranged from 68.3% (95% credible interval: 55.3-80.0) in Seattle to 98.5% (97.5-99.3) in Miami, with the rest attributable to MOUD. The majority of HIV-specific health benefits in five of six cities were attributable HIV prevention, and ranged from 33.1% (26.1-41.1) in NYC to 83.1% (79.6-86.6) in Atlanta. Scaling up to ideal service levels resulted in three to seven-fold increases in additional health benefits, mostly from MOUD, with HIV-specific health gains primarily driven by HIV prevention. CONCLUSION Optimal combination strategies generated a larger proportion of health benefits attributable to HIV prevention in five of six cities, underlining the substantial benefits of antiretroviral therapy engagement for the prevention of HIV transmission through viral suppression. Understanding to whom benefits accrue may be important in assessing the equity and impact of HIV investments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Krebs
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
- Health Economic Research Unit at the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eva Enns
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Cassandra S Mah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
| | - Amanda M Quan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Caroline Coljin
- Department of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - William Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Matthew Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy & Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, City, New York
| | - Ankur Pandya
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Centre for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services, School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hansel E Tookes
- Department of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Horacio A Duarte
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeong E Min
- Health Economic Research Unit at the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
- Health Economic Research Unit at the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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Behrends CN, Gutkind S, Deming R, Fluegge KR, Bresnahan MP, Schackman BR. Impact of Removing Medicaid Fee-for-Service Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Treatment Restrictions on HCV Provider Experience with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations in New York City. J Urban Health 2021; 98:563-569. [PMID: 32016914 PMCID: PMC8382819 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00422-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Immediately after the approval of direct-acting antiviral medications for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2013, state Medicaid programs limited access to these expensive treatments based on liver disease stage, absence of active alcohol or substance use, and prescriber limitations. New York State fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid eliminated these requirements in May 2016, but the effect on providers and patients obtaining prior authorization (PA) from Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) was unknown. We used a mixed methods approach to assess whether the removal of HCV treatment restrictions was associated with changes in Medicaid MCOs' PA approval processes and length of time to treatment initiation at two large urban New York City provider organizations participating in Project INSPIRE, an HCV care coordination demonstration project. At baseline, the top criteria for clinic care coordinators ranking MCOs as being "most difficult" were liver staging criteria, delayed treatment, and requiring a urine toxicology test. At follow-up, liver staging criteria were replaced by medication formulary limitations. Univariate analysis of the Project INSPIRE participant data suggests a decrease in the percentage of participants with insurance/PA-related treatment delays pre- versus post-policy change (23% versus 15%, p value = 0.02). Interrupted time series analysis found a 2 percentage point decrease (p value = 0.02) in the proportion of PAs each month with insurance-related treatment delays that was attributable to policy change. These results from two urban clinics indicate New York State FFS Medicaid's policy change for HCV treatment may have been associated with some changes in Medicaid MCO PA decisions, but MCO PA denials and treatment delays were still observed "on the ground" by clinic staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, 425 East 61st St, Suite #301, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Sarah Gutkind
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, 425 East 61st St, Suite #301, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Regan Deming
- Bureau of Communicable Disease, Viral Hepatitis Program, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 42-09 28th Street, WS 6-15 Queens, New York, NY, 11101, USA
| | - Kyle R Fluegge
- Bureau of Equitable Health Systems, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 42-09 28th Street, WS 8-42 Queens, New York, NY, 11101, USA
| | - Marie P Bresnahan
- Policy and Administration, Bureau of Communicable Disease, Viral Hepatitis Program, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 42-09 28th Street, WS 8-42 Queens, New York, NY, 11101, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, 425 East 61st St, Suite #301, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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20
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Kapadia SN, Griffin JL, Waldman J, Ziebarth NR, Schackman BR, Behrends CN. A Harm Reduction Approach to Treating Opioid Use Disorder in an Independent Primary Care Practice: a Qualitative Study. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:1898-1905. [PMID: 33469774 PMCID: PMC7815286 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma is a barrier to the uptake of buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. Harm reduction treatment models intend to minimize this stigma by organizing care around non-judgmental interactions with people who use drugs. There are few examples of implementing buprenorphine treatment using a harm reduction approach in a primary care setting in the USA. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study by interviewing leadership, staff, and external stakeholders at Respectful, Equitable Access to Compassionate Healthcare (REACH) Medical in Ithaca, NY. REACH is a freestanding medical practice that provides buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder since 2018. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 participants with the objective of describing REACH's model of care. We selected participants based on their position at REACH or in the community. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes using content analysis, guided by the CDC Evaluation Framework. RESULTS REACH provided buprenorphine, primary care, and mental health services in a low-threshold model. We identified three themes related to delivery of buprenorphine treatment. First, an organizational mission to provide equitable and low-stigma healthcare, which was a key to organizational identity. Second, a low-threshold buprenorphine treatment approach that was critical, but caused concern about over-prescribing and presented logistical challenges. Third, creation and retention of a harm reduction-oriented workforce by offering value-based work and by removing administrative barriers providers may face elsewhere to providing buprenorphine treatment. CONCLUSIONS A harm reduction primary care model can help reduce stigma for people who use drugs and engage in buprenorphine treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate whether this model leads to improved patient outcomes, can overcome community stakeholder concerns, and is sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi N Kapadia
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Judith L Griffin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,REACH Medical, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Nicolas R Ziebarth
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Behrends CN, Kapadia SN, Schackman BR, Frimpong JA. Addressing Barriers to On-site HIV and HCV Testing Services in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programs in the United States: Findings From a National Multisite Qualitative Study. J Public Health Manag Pract 2021; 27:393-402. [PMID: 33346582 PMCID: PMC8137509 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Few substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs provide on-site human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing, despite evidence that these tests are cost-effective. OBJECTIVE To understand how methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs that offer on-site HIV/HCV testing have integrated testing services, and the challenges related to offering on-site HIV/HCV testing. DESIGN We used the 2014 National Drug Abuse Treatment System Survey to identify outpatient SUD treatment programs that reported offering on-site HIV/HCV testing to 75% or more of their clients. We stratified the sample to identify programs based on combinations of funding source, type of drug treatment offered, and Medicaid-managed care arrangements. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with leadership and staff in 2017-2018 using a directed content analysis approach to identify dominant themes. SETTING Seven MMT programs located in 6 states in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen leadership and staff from 7 MMT programs with on-site HIV/HCV testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Themes related to integration of on-site HIV/HCV testing. RESULTS Methadone maintenance treatment programs identified 3 domains related to the integration of HIV/HCV testing on-site at MMT programs: (1) payment and billing, (2) internal and external stakeholders, and (3) medical and SUD treatment coordination. Programs identified the absence of state policies that facilitate medical billing and inconsistent grant funding as major barriers. Testing availability was limited by the frequency at which external organizations could provide services on-site, the reliability of those external relationships, and MMT staffing. Poor electronic health record systems and privacy policies that prevent medical information sharing between medical and SUD treatment providers also limited effective care coordination. CONCLUSION Effective and sustainable integration of on-site HIV/HCV testing by MMT programs in the United States will require more consistent funding, improved billing options, technical assistance, electronic health record system enhancement and coordination, and policy changes related to privacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Czarina N Behrends
- Departments of Population Health Sciences (Drs Behrends, Schackman, and Kapadia) and Medicine (Dr Kapadia), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; and Carey Business School, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Frimpong)
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22
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Zang X, Krebs E, Chen S, Piske M, Armstrong WS, Behrends CN, Del Rio C, Feaster DJ, Marshall BDL, Mehta SH, Mermin J, Metsch LR, Schackman BR, Strathdee SA, Nosyk B. The Potential Epidemiological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Epidemic and the Cost-effectiveness of Linked, Opt-out HIV Testing: A Modeling Study in 6 US Cities. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e828-e834. [PMID: 33045723 PMCID: PMC7665350 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Widespread viral and serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 may present a unique opportunity to also test for HIV infection. We estimated the potential impact of adding linked, opt-out HIV testing alongside SARS-CoV-2 testing on HIV incidence and the cost-effectiveness of this strategy in six US cities. Methods Using a previously-calibrated dynamic HIV transmission model, we constructed three sets of scenarios for each city: (1) sustained current levels of HIV-related treatment and prevention services (status quo); (2) temporary disruptions in health services and changes in sexual and injection risk behaviours at discrete levels between 0%-50%; and (3) linked HIV and SARS-CoV-2 testing offered to 10%-90% of the adult population in addition to scenario (2). We estimated cumulative HIV infections between 2020-2025 and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of linked HIV testing over 20 years. Results In the absence of linked, opt-out HIV testing, we estimated a total of 16.5% decrease in HIV infections between 2020-2025 in the best-case scenario (50% reduction in risk behaviours and no service disruptions), and 9.0% increase in the worst-case scenario (no behavioural change and 50% reduction in service access). We estimated that HIV testing (offered at 10%-90% levels) could avert a total of 576-7,225 (1.6%-17.2%) new infections. The intervention would require an initial investment of $20.6M-$220.7M across cities; however, the intervention would ultimately result in savings in health care costs in each city. Conclusions A campaign in which HIV testing is linked with SARS-CoV-2 testing could substantially reduce HIV incidence and reduce direct and indirect health care costs attributable to HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Micah Piske
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy S Armstrong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan Mermin
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Bohdan Nosyk
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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23
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Nosyk B, Krebs E, Zang X, Piske M, Enns B, Min JE, Behrends CN, Del Rio C, Feaster DJ, Golden M, Marshall BDL, Mehta SH, Meisel ZF, Metsch LR, Pandya A, Schackman BR, Shoptaw S, Strathdee SA. "Ending the Epidemic" Will Not Happen Without Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the United States Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:2968-2971. [PMID: 32424416 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We estimated human immunodeficiency virus incidence and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for black and Hispanic vs white populations in 6 cities in the United States (2020-2030). Large reductions in incidence are possible, but without elimination of disparities in healthcare access, we found that wide disparities persisted for black compared with white populations in particular (lowest IRR, 1.69 [95% credible interval, 1.19-2.30]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiao Zang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Micah Piske
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Enns
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeong E Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Rollins School of Public Health and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zachary F Meisel
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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24
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Krebs E, Zang X, Enns B, Min JE, Behrends CN, Del Rio C, Dombrowski JC, Feaster DJ, Gebo KA, Marshall BDL, Mehta SH, Metsch LR, Pandya A, Schackman BR, Strathdee SA, Nosyk B. Ending the HIV Epidemic Among Persons Who Inject Drugs: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Six US Cities. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S301-S311. [PMID: 32877548 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at a disproportionately high risk of HIV infection. We aimed to determine the highest-valued combination implementation strategies to reduce the burden of HIV among PWID in 6 US cities. METHODS Using a dynamic HIV transmission model calibrated for Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, and Seattle, we assessed the value of implementing combinations of evidence-based interventions at optimistic (drawn from best available evidence) or ideal (90% coverage) scale-up. We estimated reduction in HIV incidence among PWID, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for each city (10-year implementation; 20-year horizon; 2018 $ US). RESULTS Combinations that maximized health benefits contained between 6 (Atlanta and Seattle) and 12 (Miami) interventions with ICER values ranging from $94 069/QALY in Los Angeles to $146 256/QALY in Miami. These strategies reduced HIV incidence by 8.1% (credible interval [CI], 2.8%-13.2%) in Seattle and 54.4% (CI, 37.6%-73.9%) in Miami. Incidence reduction reached 16.1%-75.5% at ideal scale. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based interventions targeted to PWID can deliver considerable value; however, ending the HIV epidemic among PWID will require innovative implementation strategies and supporting programs to reduce social and structural barriers to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Krebs
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiao Zang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Enns
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeong E Min
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julia C Dombrowski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kelly A Gebo
- School of Medicine, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Bohdan Nosyk
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Nosyk B, Weiner J, Krebs E, Zang X, Enns B, Behrends CN, Feaster DJ, Jalal H, Marshall BDL, Pandya A, Schackman BR, Meisel ZF. Dissemination Science to Advance the Use of Simulation Modeling: Our Obligation Moving Forward. Med Decis Making 2020; 40:718-721. [PMID: 32755285 PMCID: PMC7484337 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x20945308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Nosyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Janet Weiner
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Xiao Zang
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Benjamin Enns
- BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hawre Jalal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, USA
| | - Zachary F Meisel
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Bartholomew TS, Tookes HE, Serota DP, Behrends CN, Forrest DW, Feaster DJ. Impact of routine opt-out HIV/HCV screening on testing uptake at a syringe services program: An interrupted time series analysis. Int J Drug Policy 2020; 84:102875. [PMID: 32731112 PMCID: PMC8814936 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common infectious disease among people who inject drugs (PWID). Engaging PWID in harm reduction services, such as syringe service programs (SSPs), is critical to reduce HCV and HIV transmission. Additionally, testing for HIV and HCV among PWID is important to improve diagnosis and linkage to care. On March 1, 2018, Florida’s only legal SSP implemented bundled opt-out HIV/HCV testing at enrollment. We aimed to examine the differences in HIV/HCV testing uptake before and after the implementation of the opt-out testing policy. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess predictors of accepting HIV/HCV tests, controlling for opt-in and opt-out policy. Monthly estimates of the percent of participants accepting an HIV test, HCV test, or both were generated. Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis evaluated the immediate policy impact on level of uptake and trend in uptake over time for bundled HIV/HCV testing before and after the opt-out testing policy. Results: The total study period was 37 months between December 2016–January 2020 with 512 SSP participants 15 months prior and 547 SSP participants 22 months after implementation of bundled HIV/HCV opt-out testing. Significant predictors of accepting both HIV/HCV tests were cocaine injection (aOR = 2.36), self-reported HIV positive status (aOR = 0.39) and self-reported HCV positive status (aOR = 0.27). Based on the ITS results, there was a significant increase in uptake of HIV/HCV testing by 42.4% (95% CI: 26.2%–58.5%, p < 0.001) immediately after the policy change to opt-out testing. Conclusion: Bundled opt-out HIV/HCV testing substantially increased the percentage of SSP clients who received HIV and HCV rapid tests at enrollment into the program, and the effect remained stable across the 22 months post opt-out testing policy. Future investigation must assess PWID-level perspective of testing preferences and examine whether this testing approach improves HIV/HCV detection among PWID previously unaware of their status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S Bartholomew
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Hansel E Tookes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David P Serota
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - David W Forrest
- Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Nosyk B, Zang X, Krebs E, Enns B, Min JE, Behrends CN, Del Rio C, Dombrowski JC, Feaster DJ, Golden M, Marshall BDL, Mehta SH, Metsch LR, Pandya A, Schackman BR, Shoptaw S, Strathdee SA. Ending the HIV epidemic in the USA: an economic modelling study in six cities. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e491-e503. [PMID: 32145760 PMCID: PMC7338235 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30033-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic in the USA is a collection of diverse local microepidemics. We aimed to identify optimal combination implementation strategies of evidence-based interventions to reach 90% reduction of incidence in 10 years, in six US cities that comprise 24·1% of people living with HIV in the USA. METHODS In this economic modelling study, we used a dynamic HIV transmission model calibrated with the best available evidence on epidemiological and structural conditions for six US cities: Atlanta (GA), Baltimore (MD), Los Angeles (CA), Miami (FL), New York City (NY), and Seattle (WA). We assessed 23 040 combinations of 16 evidence-based interventions (ie, HIV prevention, testing, treatment, engagement, and re-engagement) to identify combination strategies providing the greatest health benefit while remaining cost-effective. Main outcomes included averted HIV infections, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), total cost (in 2018 US$), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER; from the health-care sector perspective, 3% annual discount rate). Interventions were implemented at previously documented and ideal (90% coverage or adoption) scale-up, and sustained from 2020 to 2030, with outcomes evaluated until 2040. FINDINGS Optimal combination strategies providing health benefit and cost-effectiveness contained between nine (Seattle) and 13 (Miami) individual interventions. If implemented at previously documented scale-up, these strategies could reduce incidence by between 30·7% (95% credible interval 19·1-43·7; Seattle) and 50·1% (41·5-58·0; New York City) by 2030, at ICERs ranging from cost-saving in Atlanta, Baltimore, and Miami, to $95 416 per QALY in Seattle. Incidence reductions reached between 39·5% (26·3-53·8) in Seattle and 83·6% (70·8-87·0) in Baltimore at ideal implementation. Total costs of implementing strategies across the cities at previously documented scale-up reached $559 million per year in 2024; however, costs were offset by long-term reductions in new infections and delayed disease progression, with Atlanta, Baltimore, and Miami projecting cost savings over the 20 year study period. INTERPRETATION Evidence-based interventions can deliver substantial public health and economic value; however, complementary strategies to overcome social and structural barriers to HIV care will be required to reach national targets of the ending the HIV epidemic initiative by 2030. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Nosyk
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
| | - Xiao Zang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Benjamin Enns
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeong E Min
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Rollins School of Public Health and Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julia C Dombrowski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matthew Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Zang X, Krebs E, Min JE, Pandya A, Marshall BDL, Schackman BR, Behrends CN, Feaster DJ, Nosyk B. Development and Calibration of a Dynamic HIV Transmission Model for 6 US Cities. Med Decis Making 2019; 40:3-16. [PMID: 31865849 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x19889356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Heterogeneity in HIV microepidemics across US cities necessitates locally oriented, combination implementation strategies to prioritize resources. We calibrated and validated a dynamic, compartmental HIV transmission model to establish a status quo treatment scenario, holding constant current levels of care for 6 US cities. Methods. Built off a comprehensive evidence synthesis, we adapted and extended a previously published model to replicate the transmission, progression, and clinical care for each microepidemic. We identified a common set of 17 calibration targets between 2012 and 2015 and used the Morris method to select the most influential parameters for calibration. We then applied the Nelder-Mead algorithm to iteratively calibrate the model to generate 2000 best-fitting parameter sets. Finally, model projections were internally validated with a series of robustness checks and externally validated against published estimates of HIV incidence, while the face validity of 25-year projections was assessed by a Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). Results. We documented our process for model development, calibration, and validation to maximize its transparency and reproducibility. The projected outcomes demonstrated a good fit to calibration targets, with a mean goodness-of-fit ranging from 0.0174 (New York City [NYC]) to 0.0861 (Atlanta). Most of the incidence predictions were within the uncertainty range for 5 of the 6 cities (ranging from 21% [Miami] to 100% [NYC]), demonstrating good external validity. The face validity of the long-term projections was confirmed by our SAC, showing that the incidence would decrease or remain stable in Atlanta, Los Angeles, NYC, and Seattle while increasing in Baltimore and Miami. Discussion. This exercise provides a basis for assessing the incremental value of further investments in HIV combination implementation strategies tailored to urban HIV microepidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeong E Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Nosyk B, Zang X, Krebs E, Min JE, Behrends CN, Del Rio C, Dombrowski JC, Feaster DJ, Golden M, Marshall BDL, Mehta SH, Metsch LR, Schackman BR, Shoptaw S, Strathdee SA. Ending the Epidemic in America Will Not Happen if the Status Quo Continues: Modeled Projections for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Incidence in 6 US Cities. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 69:2195-2198. [PMID: 31609446 PMCID: PMC7348133 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We estimated 10-year (2020-2030) trajectories for human immunodeficiency virus incidence in 6 US cities. Estimated incidence will only decrease in 2 of 6 cities, with the overall population-weighted incidence decreasing 3.1% (95% credible interval [CrI], -1.0% to 8.5%) by 2025, and 4.3% (95% CrI, -2.6% to 12.7%) by 2030 across cities. Targeted, context-specific combination implementation strategies will be necessary to meet the newly established national targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiao Zang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeong Eun Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Rollins School of Public Health and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julia C Dombrowski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Behrends CN, Paone D, Nolan ML, Tuazon E, Murphy SM, Kapadia SN, Jeng PJ, Bayoumi AM, Kunins HV, Schackman BR. Estimated impact of supervised injection facilities on overdose fatalities and healthcare costs in New York City. J Subst Abuse Treat 2019; 106:79-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Hood JE, Behrends CN, Irwin A, Schackman BR, Chan D, Hartfield K, Hess J, Banta-Green C, Whiteside L, Finegood B, Duchin J. The projected costs and benefits of a supervised injection facility in Seattle, WA, USA. Int J Drug Policy 2019; 67:9-18. [PMID: 30802842 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one strategy to improve the health and survival of people who inject drugs, the King County Heroin & Opioid Addiction Task Force recommended the establishment of supervised injection facilities (SIF) where people can inject drugs in a safe and hygienic environment with clinical supervision. Analyses for other sites have found them to be cost-effective, but it is not clear whether these findings are transferable to other settings. METHODS We utilized local estimates and other data sources deemed appropriate for our setting to implement a mathematical model that assesses the impact of a hypothetical SIF on overdose deaths, non-fatal overdose health service utilization, skin and soft tissue infections, bacterial infections, viral infections, and enrollment in medication assisted treatment (MAT). We estimated the costs and savings that would occur on an annual basis for a small-scale pilot site given current overdose rates, as well as three other scenarios of varying scale and underlying overdose rates. RESULTS Assuming current overdose rates, a hypothetical Seattle SIF in a pilot phase is projected to annually reverse 167 overdoses and prevent 6 overdose deaths, 45 hospitalizations, 90 emergency department visits, and 92 emergency medical service deployments. Additionally, the site would facilitate the enrollment of 41 SIF clients in medication assisted treatment programs. These health benefits correspond to a monetary value of $5,156,019. The annual estimated cost of running the SIF is $1,222,332. The corresponding cost-benefit ratio suggests that the pilot SIF would generate $4.22 for every dollar spent on SIF operational costs. The pilot SIF is projected to save the healthcare system $534,453. If Seattle experienced elevated overdose rates and Seattle SIF program were scaled up, the health benefits and financial value would be considerably greater. CONCLUSION This analysis suggests that a SIF program in Seattle would save lives and result in considerable health benefits and cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Hood
- Public Health - Seattle & King County, 401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1250, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - C N Behrends
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave. Box 65, New York, NY, 10065, United States
| | - A Irwin
- Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - B R Schackman
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave. Box 65, New York, NY, 10065, United States
| | - D Chan
- King County Department of Community and Health Services, 401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, United States; University of Washington, School of Public Health, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - K Hartfield
- Public Health - Seattle & King County, 401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1250, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - J Hess
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - C Banta-Green
- University of Washington, School of Public Health, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - L Whiteside
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - B Finegood
- King County Department of Community and Health Services, 401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - J Duchin
- Public Health - Seattle & King County, 401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1250, Seattle, WA, United States; University of Washington, School of Public Health, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States; University of Washington, School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
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Schackman BR, Gutkind S, Morgan JR, Leff JA, Behrends CN, Delucchi KL, McKnight C, Perlman DC, Masson CL, Linas BP. Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C screening and treatment linkage intervention in US methadone maintenance treatment programs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 185:411-420. [PMID: 29477574 PMCID: PMC5889754 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a hepatitis C (HCV) screening and active linkage to care intervention in US methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients using data from a randomized trial conducted in New York City and San Francisco. METHODS We used a decision analytic model to compare 1) no intervention; 2) HCV screening and education (control); and 3) HCV screening, education, and care coordination (active linkage intervention). We also explored an alternative strategy wherein HCV/HIV co-infected participants linked elsewhere. Trial data include population characteristics (67% male, mean age 48, 58% HCV infected) and linkage rates. Data from published sources include treatment efficacy and HCV re-infection risk. We projected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and lifetime medical costs using an established model of HCV (HEP-CE). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are in 2015 US$/QALY discounted 3% annually. RESULTS The control strategy resulted in a projected 35% linking to care within 6 months and 31% achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). The intervention resulted in 60% linking and 54% achieving SVR with an ICER of $24,600/QALY compared to no intervention from the healthcare sector perspective and was a more efficient use of resources than the control strategy. The intervention had an ICER of $76,500/QALY compared to the alternative strategy. From a societal perspective, the intervention had a net monetary benefit of $511,000-$975,600. CONCLUSIONS HCV care coordination interventions that include screening, education and active linkage to care in MMT settings are likely cost-effective at a conventional $100,000/QALY threshold for both HCV mono-infected and HIV co-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Gutkind
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Jared A. Leff
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Czarina N. Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kevin L. Delucchi
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Courtney McKnight
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - David C. Perlman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carmen L. Masson
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Behrends CN, Li CS, Gibson DR. Decreased Odds of Injection Risk Behavior Associated With Direct Versus Indirect Use of Syringe Exchange: Evidence From Two California Cities. Subst Use Misuse 2017; 52:1151-1159. [PMID: 28557553 PMCID: PMC5592728 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1299182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is substantial evidence that syringe exchange programs (SEPs) are effective in preventing HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID), nearly all the evidence comes from PWID who obtain syringes from an SEP directly. Much less is known about the benefits of secondary exchange to PWID who get syringes indirectly from friends or acquaintances who visit an SEP for them. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the effectiveness of direct versus indirect syringe exchange in reducing HIV-related high-risk injecting behavior among PWID in two separate studies conducted in Sacramento and San Jose, California, cities with quite different syringe exchange models. METHODS In both studies associations between direct and indirect syringe exchange and self-reported risk behavior were examined with multivariable logistic regression models. Study 1 assessed effects of a "satellite" home-delivery syringe exchange in Sacramento, while Study 2 evaluated a conventional fixed-site exchange in San Jose. RESULTS Multivariable analyses revealed 95% and 69% reductions, respectively, in high-risk injection associated with direct use of the SEPs in Sacramento and San Jose, and a 46% reduction associated with indirect use of the SEP in Sacramento. Conclusions/Importance: The very large effect of direct SEP use in Sacramento was likely due in part to home delivery of sterile syringes. While more modest effects were associated with indirect use, such use nevertheless is valuable in reducing the risk of HIV transmission of PWID who are unable or unwilling to visit a syringe exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Czarina N Behrends
- a Graduate Group in Epidemiology , University of California , Davis, Davis , California , USA
| | - Chin-Shang Li
- a Graduate Group in Epidemiology , University of California , Davis, Davis , California , USA.,b Department of Public Health Sciences , University of California , Davis, Davis , California , USA
| | - David R Gibson
- a Graduate Group in Epidemiology , University of California , Davis, Davis , California , USA.,b Department of Public Health Sciences , University of California , Davis, Davis , California , USA
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Lucas KD, Eckert V, Behrends CN, Wheeler C, MacGowan RJ, Mohle-Boetani JC. Evaluation of Routine HIV Opt-Out Screening and Continuum of Care Services Following Entry into Eight Prison Reception Centers--California, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016; 65:178-81. [PMID: 26914322 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6507a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) improves health outcomes and prevents HIV transmission. Before 2010, HIV testing was available to inmates in the California state prison system upon request. In 2010, the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) integrated HIV opt-out screening into the health assessment for inmates entering California state prisons. Under this system, a medical care provider informs the inmate that an HIV test is routinely done, along with screening for sexually transmitted, communicable, and vaccine-preventable diseases, unless the inmate specifically declines the test. During 2012-2013, CCHCS, the California Department of Public Health, and CDC evaluated HIV screening, rates of new diagnoses, linkage to and retention in care, ART response, and post-release linkage to care among California prison inmates. All prison inmates are processed through one of eight specialized reception center facilities, where they undergo a comprehensive evaluation of their medical needs, mental health, and custody requirements for placement in one of 35 state prisons. Among 17,436 inmates who entered a reception center during April-September 2012, 77% were screened for HIV infection; 135 (1%) tested positive, including 10 (0.1%) with newly diagnosed infections. Among the 135 HIV-positive patient-inmates, 134 (99%) were linked to care within 90 days of diagnosis, including 122 (91%) who initiated ART. Among 83 who initiated ART and remained incarcerated through July 2013, 81 (98%) continued ART; 71 (88%) achieved viral suppression (<200 HIV RNA copies/mL). Thirty-nine patient-inmates were released on ART; 12 of 14 who were linked to care within 30 days of release were virally suppressed at that time. Only one of nine persons with a viral load test conducted between 91 days and 1 year post-release had viral suppression. Although high rates of viral suppression were achieved in prison, continuity of care in the community remains a challenge. An infrastructure for post-release linkage to care is needed to help ensure sustained HIV disease control.
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