Challenges to Opioid Treatment Programs After Hurricane Sandy: Patient and Provider Perspectives on Preparation,
Harlan Matusow1, Ellen Benoit1, Luther Elliott1
1a National Development and Research Institutes , New York , New York , USA.
Substance Use & Misuse
|March 16, 2017
Summary
Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in hurricane-affected areas showed varied preparedness for Hurricane Sandy. Recommendations focus on improving communication and services to ensure continuity of care for opioid use disorder (OUD) patients.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Preparedness
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Over 300,000 patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive methadone maintenance therapy in the US.
- Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) in New York and New Jersey were impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
- Disruptions in care can lead to relapse, treatment dropout, and increased HIV/HCV risk behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop recommendations for OTPs to improve emergency preparedness and response.
- To assess the preparedness and recovery efforts of OTPs during Hurricane Sandy.
- To understand the impact of Hurricane Sandy on OTP services and patients.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative and quantitative data collection from OTP directors, staff, patients, and out-of-treatment individuals.
- Assessment of OTP preparation and recovery strategies.
- Analysis of perspectives on program response and storm impact.
Main Results:
- Observed a wide range of preparation and recovery efforts among OTPs.
- Director, staff, and patient perspectives on program responses often differed.
- While adequate for most patients, at least 20% of clinics had inadequate planning and response, failing to meet patient needs.
Conclusions:
- Program responses to Hurricane Sandy were adequate for a majority of patients, but significant gaps existed for a minority.
- Recommendations for future emergencies include improving communication, transportation, guest dosing, and take-home provisions.
- Ensuring continuity of care for opioid use disorder patients during emergencies is critical.
Keywords:
Disaster preparednessHurricane SandyOTPsbuprenorphinemethadoneopioid treatmenttreatment accessMore Related Videos
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