Characteristics and current clinical practices of opioid treatment programs in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundGiven rising rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) and related consequences, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) can play a pivotal role in the U.S. opioid crisis. There is a paucity of recent research to guide how best to leverage OTPs in the opioid response. MethodsWe conducted a national survey of U.S. OTPs using a 46-question electronic survey instrument covering three domains: 1) OTP characteristics; 2) services offered; and 3) current clinical practices. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression examined variables in these domains. ResultsAmong responding OTPs, 32.4% reported using all three medications for OUD treatment; 95.8% used methadone, 61.8% used buprenorphine, and 43.9% used naltrexone. The mean (SD) number of patients currently receiving methadone was 383 (20.4), buprenorphine 51 (7.0), extended-release naltrexone 6 (1.0). Viral hepatitis testing was provided by 60.9% of OTPs, 15.3% provided hepatitis B vaccination, 14.9% provided hepatitis A vaccination, and 12.6% provided medication treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. HIV testing was provided by 60.7% of OTPs, 9.5% provided pre-exposure prophylaxis, and 8.4% provided medication treatment for HIV. OTP characteristics associated with using all three forms of medications for OUD included: providing medication for alcohol use disorder (aOR = 5.24, 95% CI:2.99–9.16), providing telemedicine services (aOR = 3.82, 95% CI:2.14–6.84), and directly providing naloxone to patients (aOR = 2.57, 95% CI:1.53–4.29). Multiple barriers to providing buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone were identified. ConclusionsEfforts are needed to increase availability of all medications approved to treat OUD in OTPs, integrate infectious disease-related services, and expand the reach of OTPs in the U.S.