2021 AM Posters-Covid 19 and the Opioid Epidemic An Updated Analysis of Clinical

Covid 19 and the Opioid Epidemic An Updated Analysis of Clinical

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This document analyzes the clinical outcomes of changes made to methadone prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) were required to visit clinics in person multiple times a week for supervised consumption of methadone. However, when the pandemic hit and social distancing measures were implemented, these restrictions were relaxed, allowing patients to take home larger quantities of methadone for longer periods of time. The study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of these changes.<br /><br />The study found that despite the relaxation of restrictions, there were no significant differences in non-prescription opioid use, methadone adherence, or medical complications related to opioid use. The only factor that predicted a positive urine drug screen for non-prescription opioids and other illicit substances was the number of years in treatment. Notably, the number of years in treatment did not predict methadone positivity, suggesting that patients remained adherent to their treatment regardless of the duration.<br /><br />The findings of this study contradict the perceptions of some providers who believed that take-home MMT would be less safe. However, the study acknowledges its limitations, including a small sample size and lack of generalizability. Future studies are needed to determine whether these relaxed restrictions can be applied outside of pandemic times.<br /><br />Overall, this study provides evidence that the changes made to methadone prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic did not negatively impact clinical outcomes. It suggests that take-home MMT may be a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with opioid use disorder.

Keywords

clinical outcomes

methadone prescribing

COVID-19 pandemic

methadone maintenance treatment

MMT

non-prescription opioid use

methadone adherence

medical complications

years in treatment

take-home MMT

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