The Implementation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Recovery Residences: Assessing the Impact of the...

Long-term, stable support services are needed to reduce the negative outcomes associated with opioid use, especially for those using medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). While recovery residences (RRs)-the primary transitional setting after acute care in the U.S.-have begun to integrate the use of MOUD, there is little understanding of the extent of MOUD implementation.

Guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR), the purpose of this study was to identify factors impacting implementation of MOUD in RRs. Data for this study was collected through an online survey of RR leaders in 20 states in the U.S. (n = 128).

Regression models revealed that perceptions of MOUD as an intervention and certification (i.e., CFIR "intervention" and "outer setting" characteristics) were significantly associated with the total number of medications accepted in RRs and the extent of MOUD use among residents. RR climate (i.e., CFIR "inner setting" characteristics) was associated with the extent of MOUD use among RR residents.

Future research should assess if other outer setting factors (e.g., NARR guidance) that coincide with RR certification, such as opportunities for funding also increase implementation efforts, and how to better support RR implementation climate and readiness.