TY - JOUR
KW - buprenorphine
KW - group-based visits
KW - Harm Reduction
KW - Low-threshold
KW - Medication for opioid use disorder
KW - opioid-related disorders
AU - S. Lai
AU - E. Li
AU - A. Silverio
AU - R. Debates
AU - E. L. Kelly
AU - L. C. Weinstein
A1 - 
AB - Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine is effective in treating opioid use disorder yet remains underutilized. Scant research has examined the experience of patients, clinic staff, and providers in a "low-threshold" group-based MOUD program. This study evaluates a "low-threshold" MOUD program at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through the perspectives of its key stakeholders. Methods: This qualitative study involved focus groups of patients, providers, and clinic staff. Focus groups were conducted between October 2017 and June 2018. Grounded theory was used for analysis. Results: There were a total of 10 focus groups, including 20 patient participants and 26 staff members. Program participants noted that a strength of the program is its person-centered harm reduction approach, which is reflected in the program's policies and design. Program participants discussed the programmatic design choices that facilitated their participation and engagement in the program: ease of access, integration into primary care, and group-based visit model. Challenges in program implementation included varying acceptance and understanding of harm reduction among staff, the unpredictability of clinic volume and workflow, and the need to balance access to primary care and MOUD. Conclusion: This group-based MOUD program's philosophy of person-centered harm reduction, low-barrier approach, the structure of group-based visits, and integrated care contributes to increased patient access and retention. Understanding the strengths and challenges of the program may be useful for other safety-net clinics considering a MOUD program.
AD - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.; Project HOME Health Services, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
BT - Substance abuse
C5 - Education & Workforce; Opioids & Substance Use
CY - United States
DO - 10.1080/08897077.2021.1876202
JF - Substance abuse
LA - eng
M1 - Journal Article
N2 - Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine is effective in treating opioid use disorder yet remains underutilized. Scant research has examined the experience of patients, clinic staff, and providers in a "low-threshold" group-based MOUD program. This study evaluates a "low-threshold" MOUD program at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through the perspectives of its key stakeholders. Methods: This qualitative study involved focus groups of patients, providers, and clinic staff. Focus groups were conducted between October 2017 and June 2018. Grounded theory was used for analysis. Results: There were a total of 10 focus groups, including 20 patient participants and 26 staff members. Program participants noted that a strength of the program is its person-centered harm reduction approach, which is reflected in the program's policies and design. Program participants discussed the programmatic design choices that facilitated their participation and engagement in the program: ease of access, integration into primary care, and group-based visit model. Challenges in program implementation included varying acceptance and understanding of harm reduction among staff, the unpredictability of clinic volume and workflow, and the need to balance access to primary care and MOUD. Conclusion: This group-based MOUD program's philosophy of person-centered harm reduction, low-barrier approach, the structure of group-based visits, and integrated care contributes to increased patient access and retention. Understanding the strengths and challenges of the program may be useful for other safety-net clinics considering a MOUD program.
PP - United States
PY - 2021
SN - 1547-0164; 0889-7077
SP - 1
EP - 12
EP - 
T1 - "It's a place that gives me hope": A qualitative evaluation of a buprenorphine-naloxone group visit program in an urban federally qualified health center
T2 - Substance abuse
TI - "It's a place that gives me hope": A qualitative evaluation of a buprenorphine-naloxone group visit program in an urban federally qualified health center
U1 - Education & Workforce; Opioids & Substance Use
U2 - 33492204
U3 - 10.1080/08897077.2021.1876202
VO - 1547-0164; 0889-7077
Y1 - 2021
Y2 - Jan 25
ER -