Methadone and Buprenorphine patient experience of treatment flexibility during COVID in Arizona.

What is it about?

The federal government allowed unprecedented regulatory flexibilities to access medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for two reasons: 1)To assure treatment access and 2) Reduce COVID exposure while accessing treatment. We found that despite federal intent, providers did not really change treatment behaviors and when they did, they were not sustained. Patients also reported being placed at risk for COVID exposure through required daily clinic visits even when they were stable. No one experienced the federally allowed multiday dosing of 14 or 28 days for unstable or stable patients respectively.

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Photo by Naeem shahrizadegan on Unsplash

Photo by Naeem shahrizadegan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This is the first study of this kind conducted by people who have lived/living drug use and treatment experience. It is also one of few studies, for the exception of a national study, that demonstrated that providers generally did not implement treatment changes and patients did not (as a result) experience them. This study was also directed by a statewide, transdisciplinary group of MOUD providers, patients, harm reduction organizations, people with lived/living drug use experience and university researchers.

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