Overdose is the leading cause of death among people experiencing homelessness. However, people experiencing homelessness face many barriers in accessing medications to treat opioid use disorders. Shelter-based access to buprenorphine may be a strategy for increasing initiation and retention on these life-saving medications.
STUDY OBJECTIVE
Researchers wanted to estimate the effects of a strategy to support people experiencing homelessness with opioid use disorder -- expanding access to treatment statewide in Massachusetts through shelters.
DETAILS
Using a simulation model, the researchers looked at how offering buprenorphine in shelters across the state of Massachusetts could impact overdose rates, life expectancy, and associated health care costs.
FINDINGS
The team found that offering buprenorphine at shelters was associated with fewer overdose deaths, higher life expectancy, and greater cost savings in their simulation model. The additional costs of incorporating shelter-based buprenorphine visits were offset by decreased costs related to averting adverse outcomes.
IMPACT
“Expanding shelter-based buprenorphine access in Massachusetts could be an opportunity to address overdoses among a historically marginalized population. This innovative approach not only bridges a critical gap in addiction treatment but also reflects our commitment to equity and compassionate care for people experiencing homelessness.” says Avik Chatterjee, MD, MPH, first author on the paper, addiction specialist at BMC, and assistant professor of medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
Source: Chatterjee, A.; Stewart, E.A; Assoumou, S.A.; Chrysanthopoulou, S.A.; Zwick, H.; Harris, R.A; O’Dea, R.; Schackman, B.R.; White, L.F.; and Linas, B.P. (2024) “F Health and Economic Outcomes of Offering Buprenorphine in Shelters in Massachusetts: A Simulation Study” JAMA Network Open. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.37233