Publications by authors named "H J Knudsen"
Background: Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX, Vivitrol) is an effective, but underutilized, evidence-based treatment for people with opioid use disorder (POUD) who are incarcerated. Networks of family, friends, and clinicians serve as social influencers of health behaviors, including XR-NTX initiation, and are especially salient in Appalachia.
Objectives: Using a triangulation of perspectives, this study examined concordance between the social network themes that emerged from qualitative interviews with clinicians and POUD social network findings.
Introduction: This study uses the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) model to retrospectively describe the mail-based overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) program developed in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) for use in the HEALing Communities Study in Kentucky (HCS-KY) and details the reach of this innovative delivery model.
Methods: HCS-KY is a community-engaged cluster-randomized trial assessing the effects of implementing evidence-based practices, including OEND, on overdose death reduction across 16 communities highly impacted by the opioid epidemic in Kentucky. The study launch coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background: Underutilization of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which reflects the limited number of patients initiating treatment and being retained in treatment, remains a persistent barrier to addressing the opioid epidemic. Using an adapted PRISM (Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model) framework, this study describes multi-level barriers and facilitators to expanding MOUD as part of the HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Communities Study in Kentucky (HCS-KY).
Methods: Cross-sectional small group and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 employees representing 30 MOUD agencies in eight Kentucky counties from December 2022 to June 2023.
Background: Availability of medication disposal receptacles is critical to curbing nonmedical opioid use and diversion; however, availability in community pharmacies is sparse. The objective of this study was to describe implementation of the community pharmacy medication disposal program offered by the HEALing Communities Study in Kentucky (HCS-KY) using the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment) framework.
Methods: Sixteen counties participated in the HCS-KY from 1/1/2020-12/31/2023.
Article Synopsis
- The Communities That HEAL (CTH) intervention aimed to boost naloxone distribution in communities severely affected by opioid overdoses compared to standard care.
- A study involving 67 communities in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio revealed that naloxone distribution was significantly higher (79% more) in the CTH intervention group than in the usual care group over a year of monitoring.
- The findings suggest that the CTH intervention effectively increased naloxone distribution, supporting its role in reducing opioid-related overdose deaths.