Healthcare provider perspectives on the facilitators, barriers and unexplored opportunities to support the recovery of clients on medications for opioid use disorder in Kenya

Abstract

IntroductionOpioid use is associated with significant burden of disease. Medications for opioid use disorder such as methadone are effective treatments. This study aimed to identify the healthcare provider perspectives on facilitators, barriers and unexplored opportunities toward achieving optimal clinical outcomes for clients on methadone treatment.MethodThe study conducted at a methadone treatment clinic in Kenya, used an exploratory study design to explore healthcare provider experiences of providing care to patients on methadone treatment. Interviews lasting an average of 30–40 min were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software.ResultsEleven participants were enrolled and three themes were identified namely: (a)The impact of methadone treatment on clients whereby methadone was perceived to possess transformative attributes enabling clients to regain some semblance of control of their lives including finding gainful employment and relationship restoration; (b) Threats to client recovery which include factors at the individual level such lack of training and factors at the system levels such as inadequate staff, and; (c) Thinking outside the box whereby participants proposed diverse strategies to support clients’ full engagement in care including private–public partnerships to support travel logistics.ConclusionsHealthcare providers caring for clients on methadone treatment exhibited an understanding of the facilitators, barriers and opportunities for improving treatment outcomes for clients on methadone. Finding innovative solutions to mitigate the barriers identified can increase client retention and treatment outcomes.