Descriptive study: the novel “full spectrum people-with-opioid-use-disorder care model

Original research
by
Gadomski, Richard et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Low-barrier programs like mobile care units and street outreach programs have yielded increased access to buprenorphine and social services, however, OUD pertinent co-occurring behavioral health and medical conditions are frequently left unaddressed. A novel, tailored, comprehensive care delivery model may reduce disparities and improve access to care across a range of pathologies in this historically difficult to reach population and enhance efforts to provide universal treatment access in a harm reduction setting.

Findings/Key points

203 people used any service at the newly implemented program, 137 of whom specifically obtained medical and/or behavioral health care services including prescriptions for buprenorphine at least once from the physician onsite. Thirty-seven unique medical and psychiatric conditions were treated, representing a total of 565 separate encounters. The most common service utilized was buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (81%), followed by treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (62%), anxiety (44.5%) and depression (40.9%). Retention in buprenorphine treatment was 31.2% at 6 months.

Design/methods

Descriptive data were collected and analyzed regarding patient demographics, retention in treatment and services rendered at a new, wrap-around, low-barrier buprenorphine clinic established at an existing harm reduction site in New Mexico between August 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021 (n=203).

Keywords

Wrap-around services
Substitution/OAT