Implementing group visits for opioid use disorder: A case series.

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Group-Based Opioid Treatment (GBOT) with buprenorphine-naloxone (B/N) is expanding to improve access and therapeutic outcomes.
• Existing literature confirms GBOT feasibility and patient acceptability but lacks practical implementation guidance for outpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present practical approaches for implementing and sustaining GBOT models in diverse outpatient clinical settings.
• To highlight variations in GBOT implementation, detailing resources, patient populations, workflows, and sustainability.

Main Methods:

• A case series approach detailing four distinct GBOT implementations within a large academic health care system.
• Analysis of implementation factors including personnel, resources, patient mix, group format, logistics, monitoring, and sustainability.

Main Results:

• GBOT implementation is adaptable, with no single approach fitting all settings.
• A team-based, patient-centered medical home model facilitates feasibility, incorporating referrals to higher-level care.
• Successful implementation relies on ongoing provider communication and shared health system resources.

Conclusions:

• Implementing GBOT requires tailored strategies based on site-specific resources and context.
• Future research should identify core and adaptable components of GBOT implementation and their evidence base.
• Understanding contextual factors is crucial for optimizing GBOT models in unique clinical environments.