The impact of COVID-19 and rapid policy exemptions expanding on access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD): A nationwide Veterans Health Administration cohort study

Original research
par
Livingston, Nicholas A. et al

Date de publication

2022

Géographie

USA

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Non

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Non

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

In this study, we evaluate whether COVID-19 and subsequent opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment policies impacted receipt of therapy/counseling and medication for OUD (MOUD) for veterans.

Constatations/points à retenir

Veterans were less likely to receive therapy/counseling over time, especially post-pandemic onset, and despite substantial increases in teletherapy. The likelihood of receiving buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone was reduced post-pandemic onset. Percentage of days covered (PDC) on MOUD generally decreased over time, especially methadone PDC post-pandemic onset, whereas buprenorphine PDC was less impacted during COVID-19. The number of months prescribed methadone and buprenorphine represented relative improvements compared to prior years. We observed important disparities across Veteran demographics.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Nationwide electronic health record data

Mots clés

Substitution/OAT
Policy/Regulatory