Using RE-AIM Framework to Evaluate Recovery Opioid Overdose Team Plus: A Peer-Led Post-overdose Quick Response Team

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Social Work

Background:

• Peer recovery coaches leverage lived experience to support overdose survivors.
• The Recovery Opioid Overdose Team Plus (ROOT+) program is a community-based initiative.
• Evaluating such programs is crucial for understanding their impact and optimizing delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) of the ROOT+ program.
• To assess the engagement and outcomes for overdose survivors participating in the ROOT+ program.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation and sustainability of peer-led overdose recovery support.

Main Methods:

• A convergent mixed methods design was employed.
• Web-based surveys and qualitative interviews were used for iterative evaluation.
• The RE-AIM framework guided the assessment of the ROOT+ program.

Main Results:

• ROOT+ responded to 83% of overdose referrals, engaging 41% of survivors.
• 36% of engaged survivors remained connected to services or in recovery at 90 days.
• First responders completed 77% of referrals, though awareness and treatment access were implementation barriers.

Conclusions:

• Peer-led teams, like ROOT+, demonstrate potential for engaging overdose survivors.
• Program adaptations are necessary for successful implementation and maintenance.
• Addressing barriers such as awareness and treatment accessibility is key to enhancing program effectiveness.