Treatment options and shared decision-making in the treatment of opioid use disorder: A scoping review

Shared decision-making (SDM) is an approach to clinical decision-making that includes patients' values and preferences during health-related decisions. Previous research suggests that SDM may be beneficial in the treatment of substance use disorders; however, the impact of SDM in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) remains unclear.

To identify relevant peer-reviewed literature related to SDM in the treatment of adults with OUD, and to summarize the main findings according to patient outcomes.

The research team conducted a scoping review. The team searched five electronic health databases from database inception until September 2019 using MeSH and keywords related to SDM. The team included only peer-reviewed studies where adults (≥18 years) with OUD were provided a choice and/or allowed input into their treatment plan. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted, and assessed the quality of included studies.

Fourteen studies (n = 1748 participants) met inclusion criteria, including seven randomized controlled trials, three non-randomized controlled trials, two observational studies, and one qualitative study. Treatment options included: patient regulated methadone dosing vs. fixed dosing (n = 4 studies), optional vs. mandatory counseling (n = 4 studies), home vs. office buprenorphine inductions (n = 2 studies), and inpatient vs. outpatient treatment (n = 1 study). None of the studies measured SDM with a validated instrument. Seven of 14 studies reported at least one improved patient outcome.

The review found few studies that explored whether providing treatment options and/or encouraging participation in decision-making are beneficial for adults with OUD. Preliminary evidence suggests that SDM may be promising for this population. However, the field needs more research on person-centered care and SDM.