Provider Perceptions Toward Extended-Release Buprenorphine for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Pharmacotherapy Implementation
• Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Background:

• The opioid crisis necessitates innovative treatments like injectable extended-release buprenorphine (buprenorphine-ER).
• Understanding provider perspectives is crucial for successful implementation of novel pharmacotherapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify provider-level barriers to prescribing buprenorphine-ER.
• To inform strategies for improving the implementation of buprenorphine-ER for opioid use disorder.

Main Methods:

• Structured focus group interviews were conducted with 20 providers.
• The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to guide interviews and coding.
• Ninety-four unique comments were deductively coded using CFIR constructs.

Main Results:

• Providers showed mixed receptivity and confidence in buprenorphine-ER.
• Identified advantages of buprenorphine-ER were noted, but reservations included inexperience, patient issues, cost, and logistics.
• Concerns about patient candidacy and negative patient experiences were significant.

Conclusions:

• Provider concerns may hinder buprenorphine-ER utilization.
• Improved education, research, and logistical support can mitigate some barriers.
• Future research should address implementation barriers to maximize buprenorphine-ER benefits.