Bridging the Gap: Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care

Authors

Karla H. Miller, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Primary Care

Advisor

Dr. Bernard Toney

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This article explores the feasibility of treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in primary care and the benefits and barriers to providing this treatment in this setting.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted of the following search terms: opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, medication-assisted treatment, and medication for opioid use disorder. Relevant review articles, randomized controlled trials, systemic reviews, and meta-analyses with a parameter of 8 years were retrieved with a secondary hand search of citations from eligible articles. Twenty-seven articles serve as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: There are significant proven benefits and barriers to implementing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in primary care.

Conclusion: OUD is a chronic but treatable illness that requires long-term management. Evidence-based treatment for OUD exists and is known to decrease the risk of overdose, opioid-related, and all-cause mortality. Primary care providers can provide this safe and effective treatment and close the gap between treatment need and availability in the war against this epidemic in America. However, further research is needed on effective models and overcoming barriers that prohibit this practice in a primary care setting.

Recommended Citation

Miller KH. Bridging the Gap: Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).