DESC’s innovative new method for administering opioid use disorder treatment was published in JAMA Network Open.
Assessing the outcomes associated with an injectable-only buprenorphine starting protocol in a low-threshold outpatient setting among individuals using fentanyl, this study evaluated 95 patients with moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
The study shows that this new protocol has significantly higher retention rates than previous methods. 75% of participants completed the three-day injection series, and 64% continued treatment with a second monthly dose.
Allowing individuals to start treatment without having to stop using fentanyl, and providing housing and comprehensive services during treatment, has shown to be effective for adults dealing with mental health challenges and chronic homelessness.
Read the study here: Injectable-Only Overlapping Buprenorphine Starting Protocol in a Low-Threshold Setting.