Literature Collection

In the last decade, the U.S. opioid overdose crisis has magnified, particularly since the introduction of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. Despite the benefits of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), only about a fifth of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the U.S. receive MOUD. The ubiquity of pharmacists, along with their extensive education and training, represents great potential for expansion of MOUD services, particularly in community pharmacies. The National Institute on Drug Abuse's National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (NIDA CTN) convened a working group to develop a research agenda to expand OUD treatment in the community pharmacy sector to support improved access to MOUD and patient outcomes. Identified settings for research include independent and chain pharmacies and co-located pharmacies within primary care settings. Specific topics for research included adaptation of pharmacy infrastructure for clinical service provision, strategies for interprofessional collaboration including health service models, drug policy and regulation, pharmacist education about OUD and OUD treatment, including didactic, experiential, and interprofessional curricula, and educational interventions to reduce stigma towards this patient population. Together, expanding these research areas can bring effective MOUD to where it is most needed.

This study reports on the importance of monitoring suicide ideation among older adult research participants. A recently completed randomized controlled trial of older adults who are current clients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) served as a case study to elucidate a suicide protocol that was designed to account for the potential instances of suicide ideation within the research project structure. As the numbers of older adult heroin users increases, this study's findings seek to influence research protocols that involve older adults with addictions who may be particularly vulnerable to suicide risk due to comorbid psychiatric conditions and psychosocial adversities.

INTRODUCTION: Kansas faces a critical pediatric mental health (MH) workforce shortage, leaving many children without timely access to specialty care. As a result, pediatric primary care physicians (PCPs) are increasingly responsible for MH care despite limited training, time, and system support. Understanding PCP perspectives is essential to developing interventions that expand pediatric MH capacity. METHODS: A qualitative focus group was conducted at the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2025 Progress in Pediatrics Conference in Wichita, Kansas. Practicing physicians participated in guided discussions exploring experiences with pediatric MH, confidence, barriers, and recommendations. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis informed by grounded theory, with independent coding and consensus-based theme development. RESULTS: Nine resident physicians participated. They described growing awareness and acceptance of pediatric MH needs. Helpful supports included co-located MH professionals, electronic health record prompts, required training, and programs such as KAAP and KSKidsMAP. Persistent barriers included limited time, referral challenges, poor continuity, and limited knowledge of community resources. Parents were viewed as essential partners, though they sometimes hindered care because of stigma or communication difficulties. Residents felt confident managing anxiety and depression but preferred referral for more complex conditions. Participants emphasized the need for streamlined referrals, expanded training, and stronger collaborative care models. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight ongoing system- and knowledge-related barriers and reinforce the need for programs that support PCPs in addressing pediatric MH gaps in Kansas.