Use of Syringe Service Programs in Rural vs Urban Maine: A Harm-Reduction Study.

Introduction: Syringe service programs (SSPs) reduce HIV and viral hepatitis transmission, as well as the prevalence of improperly disposed needles and needle stick injuries among first responders. Infections associated with injection drug use are rising in rural areas, including Maine, leading to concerns that SSP services are difficult to access for rural residents.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 101 participants hospitalized with infections associated with injection drug use at 4 hospitals in Maine was collected over a 15-month period.

Association of Vitamin D Prescribing and Clinical Outcomes in Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19.

It is unclear whether vitamin D benefits inpatients with COVID-19. Objective: To examine the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes. Design: Cohort study.

Prescription opioid policies and associations with opioid overdose and related adverse effects.

Background: United States (US) policies to mitigate the opioid epidemic focus on reducing access to prescription opioids to prevent overdoses. We examined the impact of state policies in Vermont (July 2017) and Maine (July 2016) on opioid overdoses and opioid-related adverse effects.

Methods: Study population included patients 15 years and older in all-payer claims of Vermont (N = 597,683; Jan.

Postdischarge Pain Management After Thoracic Surgery: A Patient-Centered Approach.

Background: Postoperative analgesia is paramount to recovery after thoracic surgery, and opioids play an invaluable role in this process. However, current 1-size-fits-all prescribing practices produce large quantities of unused opioids, thereby increasing the risk of nonmedical use and overdose. This study hypothesized that patient and perioperative characteristics, including 24-hour before-discharge opioid intake, could inform more appropriate postdischarge prescriptions after thoracic surgery.