Treatment access for opioid use disorder in pregnancy among rural and American Indian communities

Original research
by
Kelley, A. Taylor et al

Release Date

2021

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy disproportionately impacts rural and American Indian (AI) communities. With limited data available about access to care for these populations, this study's objective was to assess clinic knowledge and new patient access for OUD treatment in three rural U.S. counties.

Findings/Key points

Treatment access for OUD in pregnancy in three rural counties was limited. Clinic unfamiliarity with OUD treatment and where to refer for care was common. Most referrals did not result in access to buprenorphine treatment. Referral driving distance varied widely and many referrals crossed state lines. No differences were observed between white and American Indian patients.

Design/methods

Unannounced standardized patients made 34 calls to 17 clinics, including 4 with publicly listed buprenorphine prescribers on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website

Keywords

About prescribers
Barriers and enablers
Indigenous
Rural/remote
Substitution/OAT
Sex/Gender
Parents/caregivers