Evaluation of a Program Designed to Support Implementation of Prescribing Medication for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care Practices

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Original Research

Primary Care Support Program Achieves Fivefold Increase in Buprenorphine Prescribing to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

Background and Goal:Despite the removal of the X-waiver requirement, which once restricted clinicians from prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD), only a small percentage of primary care clinicians currently prescribe medication for OUD (MOUD). This study evaluated a structured support program designed to help small, rural primary care clinics improve their capacity to provide this treatment. 

Study Approach:Researchers worked with 15 primary care practices in Colorado over a 12-month period, from January 2022 through January 2023. The program provided clinics with monthly educational sessions, direct access to an addiction medicine specialist, and support from practice facilitators to achieve specific milestones in MOUD implementation. Financial incentives were offered based on progress toward these goals. The researchers measured changes in buprenorphine prescribing and milestone completion rates at baseline and at 12 months.

Main Results:

• The average number of active buprenorphine prescriptions per practice (calculated over the preceding three months) increased significantly from 2.1 at the start of the program (baseline) to 11.3 at 12 months (P < .001). 

• Clinic completion rates for MOUD implementation milestones also showed significant improvements:

• Core Aim 1 ("Build Your Team"): Increased from 40% at the start of the program  to 93% at 12 months

• Core Aim 2 ("Engage and Support Patients"): Increased from 23% to 84%

• Core Aim 3 ("Connect with Recovery Support Services"): Increased from 28% to 93%

Why It Matters:By providing structured support and resources, this program successfully increased the ability of clinics to prescribe MOUD and support patients in need, addressing critical gaps in opioid treatment access. The findings from this study highlight a potentially scalable and effective model to expand access to MOUD in rural communities, where treatment options for opioid use disorder are often limited. 

Evaluation of a Program Designed to Support Implementation of Prescribing Medication for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care Practices

Tristen L. Hall, PhD, MPH, et al

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado

Visual Abstract: