Email Updates
Purpose
The AHRQ Integration Academy developed the Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Playbook as a practical guide for providing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and immediate care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in primary care and other ambulatory care settings. This interactive, web-based product has the latest guidance, tools, resources, tips, and examples that address key aspects of MOUD implementation. The Playbook will help you find your own path for implementation by applying knowledge about successful approaches and navigating possible barriers.
The MOUD Quick Start Guide covers the essentials of low-threshold care, while the balance of the Playbook offers more in-depth resources and guidance for those practices interested in working toward more comprehensive, whole-person care. The low-threshold approach ensures immediate access to MOUD, eliminating barriers for both patients and providers.
Buprenorphine saves lives and any provider with a DEA license can prescribe it.
- The Playbook focuses on providing buprenorphine to treat OUD and naloxone to reverse opioid overdose. Other medications for OUD are described in less detail.
- Although the focus of the Playbook is treating patients with OUD, much of the general information about addictions, comorbidities, and non-pharmacologic treatment applies to other substance use disorders (SUDs) as well.
Using the Playbook
You can go directly to the Quick Start Guide, work through the steps of the Playbook sequentially, or customize your approach.
Intended Audience and Users
The Playbook is intended to help you and your primary care practice team provide effective treatment for people with OUD. The intent is to provide information that is useful for a wide range of primary care settings, including smaller independent practices, community health clinics like Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), or practices affiliated with larger health care systems. Whether you are offering medication-only treatment or integrating more comprehensive care, the Playbook provides a flexible framework that supports all points along the treatment continuum. You will find information, tools, and resources to support you, your team, and others working to expand access to OUD treatment in primary care.
North Star
The North Star—or ideal approach to treatment for patients with OUD for your medical practice—may vary from other practices. Incorporate treating patients with OUD into your practice in a way that supports the unique mission, values, and capabilities of your organization.
If you are new to using medication to treat patients with OUD, the Playbook's steps may require new efforts, while users who have already begun integrating behavioral health care and providing MOUD can use the Playbook to refine ongoing implementation efforts. Regardless of your practice's present range of services for patients with OUD, you can revisit the Playbook as a resource as you approach a more comprehensive array of services for people with OUD.
