Evaluating Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment From Patients' Perspectives

Utilizing medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD) is both highly effective and unfortunately underutilized in the US health care system. Stigma surrounding substance use disorders, insufficient provider knowledge about substance use disorders and MOUD, and historical lack of physicians with X-waivers to prescribe buprenorphine contribute to this underutilization. Our study aimed to elucidate barriers to accessing MOUD in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

We conducted semistructured interviews with patients receiving MOUD at a family medicine residency program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the qualitative analysis Framework Method. Researchers in our team reviewed transcripts, coding for specific topics of discussion. Coded transcript data were then sorted into a matrix to identify common themes.

Interviews with 30 participants showed that motivations to seek treatment appeared self-driven and/or for loved ones. Eighteen patients noted concerns with treatment including treatment denial and efficacy of treatment. Housing instability, experiences with incarceration, insurance, and transportation were common structural barriers to treatment.

Primary drivers to seek treatment were patients themselves and/or loved ones. Barriers to care include lack of effective transportation, previous experience with the carceral system, and relative scarcity of clinicians offering MOUD. Future studies may further explore effects of structural inadequacies and biases on MOUD access and quality.