Overview
This pilot study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of mailing buprenorphine to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) following medical hospitalization. The intervention aims to improve retention in treatment by overcoming barriers such as transportation and pharmacy access.
Description
This single-center, hybrid type 3 pilot study will enroll 20 medically hospitalized patients with OUD who are initiated on buprenorphine during their inpatient stay. Participants will be discharged with a supply of buprenorphine and enrolled in the MOUD Direct Delivery (MOUDDD) Program, which mails monthly refills directly to their homes. The study will evaluate the feasibility (successful delivery), acceptability (patient-reported measures), and preliminary effectiveness (treatment retention at 1, 3, and 6 months) of mailing buprenorphine. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, adherence, overdose, and healthcare utilization. The intervention leverages existing mail-order pharmacy protocols and aims to inform scalable strategies for improving transitions of care and retention in OUD treatment.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥ 18
- English-speaking
- Diagnosed with OUD and initiated on buprenorphine during hospitalization
- Discharging to a South Carolina address with a stable mailbox
- Access to phone or computer
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active psychosis or suicidal ideation
- Severe medical or neurocognitive impairment
- Pending incarceration
