Publications by authors named "Benjamin Obringer"
Background: Rural communities have been significantly affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) and related harms but have less access to evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine. Given the shortage of specialists in these areas, rural primary care is an important setting to expand buprenorphine access, but implementation is limited.
Objective: To explore implementation climate factors that support or hinder buprenorphine implementation in rural primary care.
Article Synopsis
- Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder, but is underused in rural areas due to fewer prescribers and access issues, despite the removal of the X-waiver requirement in December 2022.
- A study interviewed 23 rural primary care providers in Ohio, revealing that they are motivated to address opioid use disorder but feel inadequately trained to prescribe buprenorphine effectively.
- Participants emphasized the need for training tailored to rural environments, suggesting local trainers and resources to help them overcome specific challenges in these communities.