A qualitative exploration of the use of telehealth for opioid treatment: Implications for nurse-managed care.

Aim: To characterise experiences with telehealth for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) services among patients, prescribers, nurses and substance use counsellors to inform future best practices.

Design: We engaged a qualitative descriptive study design.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with prescribers (nurse practitioners and physicians, n = 20), nurses and substance use counsellors (n = 7), and patients (n = 20) between June and September 2021.

Beliefs and Attitudes about Vermont's Buprenorphine Decriminalization Law among Clinicians Who Prescribe Buprenorphine.

Background: On June 1, 2021, Vermont repealed all criminal penalties for possessing 224 milligrams or less of buprenorphine. We examined the potential impact of decriminalization with a survey of Vermont clinicians who prescribed buprenorphine within the past year.

Methods: All 638 Vermont clinicians with a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine were emailed the survey by Vermont Department of Health; 117 responded.

Use of geofencing interventions in population health research: a scoping review.

Objectives: Technological advancements that use global positioning system (GPS), such as geofencing, provide the opportunity to examine place-based context in population health research. This review aimed to systematically identify, assess and synthesise the existing evidence on geofencing intervention design, acceptability, feasibility and/or impact.

Design: Scoping review, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidance for reporting.

Barriers to Assessing and Treating Trauma in Primary Care and Opportunities for Improvement: Perspectives from Prescribers of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder.

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is a best practice for treating individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), and primary care-based MOUD management can reduce treatment barriers among OUD patients. Individuals with OUD experience disproportionately high rates of trauma and violence, highlighting the importance of addressing trauma, mental health, and substance use concurrently. However, clear guidelines for trauma-informed treatment in a primary care setting remain poorly established.

Attitudes and beliefs about Vermont's 2021 buprenorphine decriminalization law among residents who use illicit opioids.

Background: In July 2021, Vermont removed all criminal penalties for possessing 224mg or less of buprenorphine.

Methods: Vermont residents (N=474) who used illicit opioid drugs or received treatment for opioid use disorder in the past 90 days were recruited for a mixed-methods survey on the health and criminal legal effects of decriminalization. Topics assessed included: motivations for using non-prescribed buprenorphine, awareness of and support for decriminalization, and criminal legal system experiences involving buprenorphine.

Addiction Nursing Competencies: A Comprehensive Toolkit for the Addictions Nurse.

With the increased role of nurses in caring for patients with substance addiction, there was a clear need to develop the Addiction Nursing Competencies to guide and support the nursing workforce. A literature search revealed a lack of formal instruments to assess and guide nurses in caring for persons with substance use disorders. The Addiction Nursing Competencies were created using existing nursing education frameworks and addiction nurse care manager clinical guidelines.