Literature Review

2024

Trends in Fatal Opioid-Related Overdose in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities, 1999-2021 (2024)
Authors: Bauer, C., Hassan, G. H., Bayly, R., Cordes, J., Bernson, D., Woods, C., Li, X., Li, W., Ackerson, L. K., Larochelle, M. R., & Stopka, T. J.
Primary Result(s): Increased opioid-related overdose mortality rates in American Indian and Alaska Native populations call for culturally sensitive preventions, including overdose prevention, opioid use disorder treatment, and harm reduction services. Am J Prev Med. 2024 Jun;66(6):927-935. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(24)00036-9/abstract

Payment-related barriers to medications for opioid use disorder: A critical review of the literature and real-world application (2024)
Authors: Bowser, D., Bohler, R., Davis, M. T., Hodgkin, D., & Horgan, C.
Primary Result(s): Payment-related barriers to accessing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) include lack of health insurance coverage, components of health plans, or federal or state policies. Given the future of MOUD access through greater flexibilities in OTPs and MOUD delivered via telehealth, it is imperative to include payment reforms as an intervention to reduce payment-related barriers. J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2024 Oct:165:209441. PMID: 38906417 PMCID: PMC11463342. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38906417/

Mobile treatment for opioid use disorder: Implementation of community-based, same-day medication access interventions (2024)
Authors: Chatterjee, A., Baker, T., Rudorf, M., Walt, G., Stotz, C., Martin, A., Kinnard, E. N., McAlearney, A. S., Bosak, J., Medley, B., Pinkhover, A., Taylor, J. L., Samet, J. H., & Lunze, K.
Primary Result(s): Mobile medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) units serve as a resourceful intervention to address existing barriers related to accessing MOUD in clinical settings. Due to the success of mobile MOUD units, future implementations should consider expanding medical and harm reduction services, especially for marginalized communities. J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2024 Apr:159:209272. PMID: 38128649 PMCID: PMC10947870. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38128649/

Mobile clinics for opioid use disorders: What they do and how they do it. A qualitative analysis (2024)
Authors: Davis, M. T., Tschampl, C., Hodgkin, D., Regis, C., Taveras, E., Plant, B., Reilly, B., & Horgan, C.
Primary Result(s): Mobile units for opioid use disorders (OUD) have been shown to be successful at providing harm reduction and clinical services at a low-threshold level. Despite the barriers relating to the financial and political sustainability of mobile units, it is imperative to continue research and on-site efforts for the longevity of these programs. J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2024 Sep:164:209428. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38879017/

Community-Based Cluster-Randomized Trial to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths (2024)
Authors: HEALing Communities Study Consortium, Samet, J. H., El-Bassel, N., Winhusen, T. J., Jackson, R. D., Oga, E. A., Chandler, R. K., Villani, J., Freisthler, B., Adams, J., Aldridge, A., Angerame, A., Babineau, D. C., Bagley, S. M., Baker, T. J., Balvanz, P., Barbosa, C., Barocas, J., Battaglia, T. A., … Walsh, S. L.
Primary Result(s): The risk of opioid-related overdose mortality was similar between communities actively receiving interventions and those who were on the wait list for interventions from the HEALing communities study. Further research considering factors such as the latency and intensity of the interventions, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the constant change in the unregulated drug supply would benefit future implementation of interventions. N Engl J Med. 2024 Sep 19;391(11):989-1001. PMID: 38884347 PMCID: PMC11761538. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2401177

Preventing Overdoses Involving Stimulants: The POINTS Study Protocol (2024)
Authors: Hughto, J., Rich, J., Kelly, P., Vento, S., Silcox, J., Noh, M., Pletta, D., Erowid, E., Erowid, F., & Green, T.
Primary Result(s): With the identification of risk and protective factors from conversations with people who use stimulants, people who distribute drugs, and community stakeholders, the POINTs team plans to create data-informed tailored intervention packages applicable to various communities and their respective needs in order to address the overdose epidemic. BMC Public Health. 2024 Aug 27;24(1):2325. PMID: 39192313 PMCID: PMC11348517.
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19779-x

“Everybody is impacted. Everybody’s hurting”: Grief, loss and the emotional impacts of overdose on harm reduction workers (2024)
Authors: Kolla, G., Khorasheh, T., Dodd, Z., Greig, S., Altenberg, J., Perreault, Y., Bayoumi, A. M., & Kenny, K. S.
Primary Result(s): Harm reduction programs should implement practices such as emotional support and community-based supportive care services for harm reduction workers who witness and respond to overdose and overdose-related deaths. Int J Drug Policy. 2024 May:127:104419. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095539592400104X

Multilevel Factors Impacting Substance Use Treatment Access, Engagement, and Racial Equity Among Opioid Overdose Survivors in Boston, MA (2024)
Authors: Paradise, R. K., Bazzi, A. R., Clarke, J., Desmarais, J., Hoyos-Cespedes, A., Nurani, A., O’Malley, S. E., Taylor, S., Walley, A. Y., Dooley, D., & Kimmel, S. D.
Primary Result(s): Racial inequities have been identified at individual, interpersonal, program, and systemic levels, indicating the need for multilevel interventions to address them. It is critical to implement a racism lens when conducting services in clinical, communal, and political settings to address the gaps in treatment (MOUD) and harm reduction services. J Gen Intern Med. 2024 Oct;39(13):2390-2399. PMID: 38997532 PMCID: PMC11436504. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-024-08918-0

The optimization of harm reduction services in Massachusetts through the use of GIS: Location-allocation analyses, 2019-2021 (2024)
Authors: Parbs, J. R., Srinivasan, S., Pustz, J., Bayly, R., Shrestha, S., Lewis, O., Kimmel, S., Meehan, T., Babakhanlou-Chase, H., & Stopka, T. J.
Primary Result(s): Inequitable access to OEND program services creates barriers for communities to have essential harm reduction services and resources nearby. Using GIS, Athol, Dorchester, and Fitchburg were identified as priority communities that are in need of expanded OEND locations to address opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Prev Med. 2024 Sep:186:108088. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39084414/

Syringe Access, Syringe Sharing, and Perceptions of HCV: A Qualitative Study Exploring the HCV Risk Environment in Rural Northern New England, United States (2024)
Authors: Romo, E., Bianchet, E., Dowd, P., Mazor, K. M., Stopka, T. J., & Friedmann, P. D.
Primary Result(s): Efforts to prevent and eliminate HCV among rural people who inject drugs (PWID) should focus on expanding syringe access, raising awareness of HCV as a serious yet preventable risk, and recognizing the role of social connections in influencing syringe access and syringe-sharing behaviors. Viruses. 2024 Aug 27;16(9):1364. PMID: 39339841 PMCID: PMC11605231. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/9/1364

Association of spatial proximity to fixed-site syringe services programs with HCV serostatus and injection equipment sharing practices among people who inject drugs in rural New England, United States (2024)
Authors: Romo, E., Stopka, T. J., Jesdale, B. M., Wang, B., Mazor, K. M., & Friedmann, P. D.
Primary Result(s): In rural New England, people who inject drugs (PWID) living at greater distances from fixed-site syringe service programs (SSPs) showed higher rates of HCV seropositivity, borrowing used injected equipment, and backloading. These insights highlight the need to improve access to SSPs in rural regions. Harm Reduct J. 2024 Jan 28;21(1):23. PMID: 38282000 PMCID: PMC10822149. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10822149/

Evaluation of respondent-driven sampling in seven studies of people who use drugs from rural populations: Findings from the Rural Opioid Initiative (2024)
Authors: Rudolph, A. E., Nance, R. M., Bobashev, G., Brook, D., Akhtar, W., Cook, R., Cooper, H. L., Friedmann, P. D., Frost, S. D. W., Go, V. F., Jenkins, W. D., Korthuis, P. T., Miller, W. C., Pho, M. T., Ruderman, S. A., Seal, D. W., Stopka, T. J., Westergaard, R. P., Young, A. M., … Delaney, J. A. C.
Primary Result(s): Researching marginalized, hard-to-reach populations requires the use of specialized recruitment techniques that can be difficult to implement. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was successfully employed to recruit people who use drugs (PWUD) in rural U.S. populations, showing advantages over location-based or outreach-dependent methods. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2024 Apr 23;24(1):94. PMID: 38654219 PMCID: PMC11036624. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38654219/

Characterizing opioid overdose hotspots for place-based overdose prevention and treatment interventions: A geo-spatial analysis of Rhode Island, USA (2024)
Authors: Samuels, E. A., Goedel, W. C., Jent, V., Conkey, L., Hallowell, B. D., Karim, S., Koziol, J., Becker, S., Yorlets, R. R., Merchant, R., Keeler, L. A., Reddy, N., McDonald, J., Alexander-Scott, N., Cerda, M., & Marshall, B. D. L.
Primary Result(s): Neighborhoods with a higher prevalence of housing instability and poverty face a greater risk of overdose. The high concentration of social services in these neighborhoods offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate with existing organizations to prevent overdose mortality. Int J Drug Policy. 2024 Mar:125:104322. PMID: 38245914. .https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395924000070?via%3Dihub

“Wanna cry this out real quick?”: An examination of secondary traumatic stress risk and resilience among post-overdose outreach staff in Massachusetts (2024)
Authors: Schoenberger, S. F., Cummins, E. R., Carroll, J. J., Yan, S., Lambert, A., Bagley, S. M., Xuan, Z., Green, T. C., Cook, F., Yule, A. M., Walley, A. Y., & Formica, S. W.
Primary Result(s): As post-overdose outreach programs expand, staff often encounter situations that can lead to secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue, placing a significant emotional burden on them. To build stronger institutional support, creating dedicated time for team processing of overdose deaths and other difficult experiences should be considered, as current resilience strategies are typically limited, private, and voluntary. Harm Reduct J. 2024 Mar 19;21(1):66. PMID: 38504244 PMCID: PMC10949647. https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-00975-2

Exploring Xylazine Awareness, Health Impacts, and Harm Reduction Strategies: Findings From a Multimethods Study in Lowell, Massachusetts (2024)
Authors: Shrestha, S., Cyr, K., Hajinazarian, G., Dillon, J., Oh, T., Pustz, J., & Stopka, T. J.
Primary Result(s): People who use drugs (PWUD) have limited knowledge of xylazine and view it as an undesirable adulterant. PWUD who engage in harm reduction practices are more open to using xylazine test strips, highlighting the need for expanded harm reduction interventions, including wound care and community-level testing infrastructure in addition to understanding the impacts associated with xylazine use, effective harm reduction strategies, and perceptions of xylazine test strips. Subst Use Addctn J. 2024 Aug 3:29767342241265181. PMID: 39096153. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39096153/

LatinX harm reduction capital, medication for opioid use disorder, and nonfatal overdose: A structural equation model analysis among people who use drugs in Massachusetts (2024)
Authors: Shrestha, S., Stopka, T. J., Hughto, J. M. W., Case, P., Palacios, W. R., Reilly, B., & Green, T. C.
Primary Result(s): Harm reduction capital (HRCap) is a combination of knowledge, resources, and skills related to reducing substance use risks. HRCap barriers were linked to higher overdose risk, and Latinx individuals had lower positive HRCap, highlighting disparities in MOUD treatment and opportunities for targeted interventions. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2024 Jun 1:259:111293. PMID: 38643530. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38643530/

Barriers to opioid use disorder treatment among people who use drugs in the rural United States: A qualitative, multi-site study (2024)
Authors: Stopka, T. J., Estadt, A. T., Leichtling, G., Schleicher, J. C., Mixson, L. S., Bresett, J., Romo, E., Dowd, P., Walters, S. M., Young, A. M., Zule, W., Friedmann, P. D., Go, V. F., Baker, R., & Fredericksen, R. J.
Primary Result(s): Significant barriers to OUD treatment in rural populations include long travel distances, confidentiality concerns in tight-knit communities, limited low-threshold harm reduction-oriented services, and perceptions among PWUD such as they feel they must stabilize their lives before seeking treatment, emphasizing the need to address barriers across multiple levels from the individual to policy. Soc Sci Med. 2024 Apr:346:116660. PMID: 38484417 PMCID: PMC10997882. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38484417/

Strategies used to reduce harms associated with fentanyl exposure among rural people who use drugs: Multi-site qualitative findings from the rural opioid initiative (2024)Authors: Walters, S. M., Baker, R., Frank, D., Fadanelli, M., Rudolph, A. E., Zule, W., Fredericksen, R. J., Bolinski, R., Sibley, A. L., Go, V. F., Ouellet, L. J., Pho, M. T., Seal, D. W., Feinberg, J., Smith, G., Young, A. M., & Stopka, T. J.
Primary Result(s): PWUD in rural U.S. communities recognize the presence of fentanyl in their supply and employ various strategies to mitigate the risks of fatal overdoses. It is critical to enhance access to harm reduction tools and services specially aimed at those who use opioids and other substances that may have traces of fentanyl. Harm Reduct J. 2024 Aug 24;21(1):154. PMID: 39182116 PMCID: PMC11344336. https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-01062-2

2023

Rates of Opioid Overdose Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Individuals Released FromPrison (2023)
Authors: Barsky, B. A., Dunn, D., Erdman, E. A., Jolin, J. R., & Rosenthal, M. B.
Primary Result(s): People released from prison in Massachusetts experienced increasing rates of nonfatal (NFO) and fatal opioid overdoses (FO), with the highest rates among White individuals. However, Black and Hispanic individuals showed the largest annual increases in these rates, highlighting the need for racial equitable post-release health care and harm reduction services. JAMA Health Forum. 2023 Dec 1;4(12):e234455. PMID: 38127589 PMCID: PMC10739083. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2812752

Discharge Prescribing and Subsequent Opioid Use After Traumatic Musculoskeletal Injury (2023)
Authors: Basilico, M., Bhashyam, A., Harrington, E., Bharel, M., McWilliams, J., & Heng, M.
Primary Result(s): Surgical trauma patients who receive higher opioid prescriptions at discharge have increased subsequent opioid use 7 to 8 months post-surgery. Limiting the initial opioid prescription at discharge has the potential to reduce long-term opioid use. Am J Manag Care. 2023 Sep;29(9):448-453. https://doi.org/10.37765/ajmc.2023.89424

Estimated Costs and Outcomes Associated With Use and Nonuse of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder During Incarceration and at Release in Massachusetts (2023)
Authors: Chatterjee, A., Weitz, M., Savinkina, A., Macmadu, A., Madushani, R. W. M. A., Potee, R. A., Ryan, D., Murphy, S. M., Walley, A. Y., & Linas, B. P.
Primary Result(s): The model estimates that offering any MOUD (buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) to incarcerated individuals with OUD prevents overdose deaths and is more cost-effective compared to existing naltrexone-only interventions. JAMA Network Open. 2023 Apr 3;6(4):e237036. PMID: 37058306 PMCID: PMC10105308. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.7036

A scoping review of community-based post-opioid overdose intervention programs: Implications of program structure and outcomes (2023)
Authors: Bailey, A., Harrington, C., & Evans, E. A.
Primary Result(s): Community-based post-overdose interventions call for further understanding in the context of rural areas, families affected by overdose, and minority populations, as there are gaps in existing services for these communities. Additionally, given the importance of community partnerships, it is important to investigate further the role of law enforcement in these interventions, especially for populations that may have distrust of law enforcement agencies. Health Justice. 2023 Jan 28;11(1):3. PMID: 36707446 PMCID: PMC9883127. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-022-00201-w

The policy landscape for naloxone distribution in four states highly impacted by fatal opioid overdoses (2023)
Authors: Bohler, R. M., Freeman, P. R., Villani, J., Hunt, T., Linas, B. S., Walley, A. Y., Green, T. C., Lofwall, M. R., Bridden, C., Frazier, L. A., Fanucchi, L. C., Talbert, J. C., & Chandler, R.
Primary Result(s): Naloxone policies among states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio) participating in the HEALing communities study show differing policy methods on how each respective state distributes naloxone. Such findings prompt further investigation into the policy structures as well as their sustainability and how they may impact different populations within the states. Drug Alcohol Depend Rep. 2023 Mar:6:100126. PMID: 36643788 PMCID: PMC9838196. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724622001019?via%3Dihub

The police paradox: A qualitative study of post-overdose outreach program implementation through public health-public safety partnerships in Massachusetts (2023)
Authors: Carroll, J. J., Cummins, E. R., Formica, S. W., Green, T. C., Bagley, S. M., Beletsky, L., Rosenbloom, D., Xuan, Z., & Walley, A. Y.
Primary Result(s): Post-overdose outreach programs in Massachusetts that utilize public health-public safety models face structural and political challenges. Many of these programs depend on both funding and data-sharing services from police agencies; however, the participation of police agencies during outreach causes more challenges due to mistrust from overdose survivors, lack of psycho-social training for police agencies, and divergent goals established by policing and public health mandates. Int J Drug Policy. 2023 Oct:120:104160. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37597344/

Estimated Reductions in Opioid Overdose Deaths With Sustainment of Public Health Interventions in 4 US States (2023)
Authors: Chhatwal, J., Mueller, P. P., Chen, Q., Kulkarni, N., Adee, M., Zarkin, G., LaRochelle, M. R., Knudsen, A. B., & Barbosa, C.
Primary Result(s): Implementation of interventions provided by the HEALing communities study provides estimated insights that states currently enrolled in the study (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio) would see significant decreases in opioid-related overdose mortality if they were to continue the interventions on a long-term timeline. JAMA Network Open. 2023 Jun 1;6(6):e2314925. PMID: 37294571 PMCID: PMC10257094. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37294571/

Drug use patterns and factors related to the use and discontinuation of medications for opioid use disorder in the age of fentanyl: Findings from a mixed-methods study of people who use drugs (2023)
Authors: Hughto, J. M. W., Tapper, A., Rapisarda, S. S., Stopka, T. J., Palacios, W. R., Case, P., Silcox, J., Moyo, P., & Green, T. C.
Primary Result(s): For those who were currently or had past use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), there were variations relating to continued drug use during or after MOUD treatment. These findings call for attention to providers to understand the social determinants of health that lead to concurring drug use during/after MOUD, provide appropriate dosage of MOUD, and provide trauma-informed and mental health care to those receiving MOUD. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 2023 May 22;18(1):30. PMID: 37217975 PMCID: PMC10201806. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10201806/

A mobile addiction service for community-based overdose prevention (2023)
Authors: Pepin, M. D., Joseph, J. K., Chapman, B. P., McAuliffe, C., O’Donnell, L. K., Marano, R. L., Carreiro, S. P., Garcia, E. J., Silk, H., & Babu, K. M.
Primary Result(s): OUD treatment (MOUD) should be integrated into patients’ daily routines and offered within a holistic, multidisciplinary framework, addressing various health needs. Developing an experienced and motivated mobile care team and building strong relationships with community organizations are key to efficiently reaching patients, expanding referral networks, and reducing barriers to care. Front Public Health. 2023 Jul 19:11:1154813. PMID: 37538275 PMCID: PMC10394629. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37538275/

Applied risk mapping and spatial analysis of address-level decedent data to inform opioid overdose interventions: The Massachusetts HEALing Communities Study (2023)
Authors: Pustz, J., Srinivasan, S., Shrestha, S., Larochelle, M. R., Walley, A. Y., Samet, J. H., Babakhanlou-Chase, H., Carpenter, J. F., & Stopka, T. J.
Primary Result(s): Risk mapping and spatial analysis provide valuable insights into identifying priority communities that are in need of further harm reduction services in order to reduce opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2023 Oct 1:251:110947. PMID: 37666091 PMCID: PMC10587829. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37666091/

Spatiotemporal Analysis Exploring the Effect of Law Enforcement Drug Market Disruptions on Overdose, Indianapolis, Indiana, 2020–2021 (2023)
Authors: Ray, B., Korzeniewski, S. J., Mohler, G., Carroll, J. J., del Pozo, B., Victor, G., Huynh, P., & Hedden, B. J.
Primary Result(s): Law enforcement drug market disruptions were found to be significantly associated with increased spatiotemporal clustering of overdoses within close proximity of where the disruption took place. Law enforcement drug-related interventions should be re-addressed in order to understand further if said interventions cause more harm than good for the health and well-being of communities. Am J Public Health. 2023 Jul;113(7):750-758. PMID: 37285563; PMCID: PMC10262257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37285563/

“Get in and get out, get on with life”: Patient and provider perspectives on methadone van implementation for opioid use disorder treatment (2023)
Authors: Suen, L. W., Steiger, S., Shapiro, B., Castellanos, S., Joshi, N., Lambdin, B. H., & Knight, K. R.
Primary Result(s): Methadone van programs, supported by telehealth counseling and workflow adjustments, offer a strategy for existing OTPS and their services to enhance goals around patient-centered care and autonomy. Int J Drug Policy. 2023 Nov:121:104214. PMID: 37778132. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37778132/

Protocol for the implementation of a statewide mobile addiction program (2023)
Authors: Tschampl, C. A., Regis, C., Johnson, N. E., Davis, M. T., Hodgkin, D., Brolin, M. F., Do, E., Horgan, C. M., Green, T. C., Reilly, B., Duska, M., & Taveras, E. M.
Primary Result(s): The Community Care in Reach (CCiR) model offers mobile harm reduction and clinical services, aiming to expand access to individuals who are at the highest risk for overdose death, with a comprehensive mixed methods evaluation plan to assess its effectiveness through data collection on service usage and patient retention. J Comp Eff Res. 2023 May;12(5):e220117. PMID: 36988165 PMCID: PMC10402748. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36988165/

Massachusetts Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder Estimation Revisited: Comparing a Bayesian Approach to Standard Capture-Recapture Methods (2023)
Authors: Wang, J., Doogan, N., Thompson, K., Bernson, D., Feaster, D., Villani, J., Chandler, R., White, L. F., Kline, D., & Barocas, J. A.
Primary Result(s): Analysis from PHD data indicated OUD prevalence estimates of 4.62% from a capture-recapture analysis and 4.29% using a Bayesian benchmark-multiplier method, both significantly higher than NSDUH estimates, highlighting that current surveillance systems likely undercount those with OUD and emphasizing the value of using multiple estimation approaches for more reliable data interpretation. Epidemiology. 2023 Nov 1;34(6):841-849. PMID: 37757873 PMCID: PMC10544852. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37757873/

Association of Implementation of Postoverdose Outreach Programs With Subsequent Opioid Overdose Deaths Among Massachusetts Municipalities (2023)
Authors: Xuan, Z., Yan, S., Formica, S. W., Green, T. C., Beletsky, L., Rosenbloom, D., Bagley, S. M., Kimmel, S. D., Carroll, J. J., Lambert, A. M., & Walley, A. Y.
Primary Result(s): Massachusetts municipalities with a high volume of opioid-related EMS responses experienced lower opioid fatality rates over time when post-overdose outreach programs were implemented compared to those without those interventions. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023 May 1;80(5):468-477. PMID: 36920385 PMCID: PMC10018400. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36920385/

2022

Modeling the cost-effectiveness and impact on fatal overdose and initiation of buprenorphine–naloxone treatment at syringe service programs (2022)
Authors: Adams, J. W., Savinkina, A., Fox, A., Behrends, C. N., Madushani, R. W. M. A., Wang, J., Chatterjee, A., Walley, A. Y., Barocas, J. A., & Linas, B. P.
Primary Result(s): Offering buprenorphine treatment on-site at syringe service programs (SSPs) in Massachusetts has the potential to reduce fatal opioid overdoses by 20.8% and increase treatment initiations by 8.6% over 10 years. This intervention is cost-effective, improves engagement with treatment, and can reduce opioid-related deaths. Addiction. 2022 Oct;117(10):2635-2648. Epub 2022 Apr 3. PMID: 35315148; PMCID: PMC9951221. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15883

One-Year Mortality of Patients Treated with Naloxone for Opioid Overdose by Emergency Medical Services (2022)
Authors: Weiner, S. G., Baker, O., Bernson, D., & Schuur, J. D.
Primary Result(s): One-year mortality rates are high for suspected opioid overdose patients treated with naloxone by EMS, highlighting the need for improved prevention strategies and expanded treatment access. Subst Abus. 2022;43(1):99-103. PMID: 32242763 PMCID: PMC7541791. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2020.1748163

Modeling the cost-effectiveness and impact on fatal overdose and initiation of buprenorphine–naloxone treatment at syringe service programs (2022)
Authors: Adams, J. W., Savinkina, A., Fox, A., Behrends, C. N., Madushani, R. W. M. A., Wang, J., Chatterjee, A., Walley, A. Y., Barocas, J. A., & Linas, B. P.
Primary Result(s): Offering buprenorphine treatment on-site at syringe service programs (SSPs) in Massachusetts has the potential to reduce fatal opioid overdoses by 20.8% and increase treatment initiations by 8.6% over 10 years. This intervention is cost-effective, improves engagement with treatment, and can reduce opioid-related deaths. Addiction. 2022 Oct;117(10):2635-2648. PMID: 35315148 PMCID: PMC9951221. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15883

Understanding opioid overdose risk and response preparedness among people who use cocaine and other drugs: Mixed-methods findings from a large, multi-city study (2022)
Authors: Hughto, J. M. W., Gordon, L. K., Stopka, T. J., Case, P., Palacios, W. R., Tapper, A., & Green, T. C.
Primary Result(s): Compared to those with a current or past history of opioid use, those who use cocaine and have no history of opioid use qualitatively expressed a lack of training in recognizing and responding to an overdose, emphasizing the need for public health efforts to increase overdose education and naloxone distribution. Substance Abuse. 2022;43(1):465-478. PMID: 34228944 PMCID: PMC9155258. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2021.1946893

Evaluating equity in community-based naloxone access among racial/ethnic groups in Massachusetts (2022)Authors: Nolen, S., Zang, X., Chatterjee, A., Behrends, C. N., Green, T. C., Linas, B. P., Morgan, J. R., Murphy, S. M., Walley, A. Y., Schackman, B. R., & Marshall, B. D. L.
Primary Result(s): Inequities related to racial/ethnic segregation impact the equitable distribution of Naloxone among racial/ethnic minorities in OEND programs; it is imperative to implement culturally tailored interventions in order to ensure equitable Naloxone distribution. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2022 Dec 1:241:109668. PMID: 36309001 PMCID: PMC9833886. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9833886/

Protocol for community-driven selection of strategies to implement evidence-based practices to reduce opioid overdoses in the HEALing Communities Study: A trial to evaluate a community-engaged intervention in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio (2022)Authors: Young, A. M., Brown, J. L., Hunt, T., Martinez, L. S. S., Chandler, R., Oga, E., Winhusen, T. J., Baker, T., Battaglia, T., Bowers-Sword, R., Button, A., Fallin-Bennett, A., Fanucchi, L., Freeman, P., Glasgow, L. M., Gulley, J., Kendell, C., Lofwall, M., Lyons, M. S.,… Walsh, S. L.
Primary Result(s): Opioid-involved overdose deaths are rising in many areas despite the availability of numerous evidence-based practices (EBPs) designed to prevent them. The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) aims to implement the Communities That Heal (CTH) intervention, which encourages local coalitions in 67 communities across Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio to adopt and prioritize EBPs, including naloxone distribution and improved access to medications for OUD, to effectively address opioid-related mortality. BMJ Open. 2022 Sep 19;12(9):e059328. PMID: 36123106 PMCID: PMC9486330. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/9/e059328

2021

Homelessness and Veteran Status in Relation to Nonfatal and Fatal Opioid Overdose in Massachusetts (2021)
Authors: Jasuja, G. K., Bettano, A., Smelson, D., Bernson, D., Rose, A. J., Byrne, T., Berlowitz, D. R., McCullough, M. B., & Miller, D. R.
Primary Result(s): Veterans experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts face significantly higher risks of nonfatal and fatal opioid overdoses compared to non-veterans, highlighting the need for targeted healthcare interventions to improve health outcomes, safety, and well-being for veterans as well as those experiencing homelessness. Med Care. 2021 Apr 1;59(Suppl 2):S165-S169. https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000001437

Methadone and Buprenorphine Discontinuation among Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder (2021)
Authors: Schiff, D. M., Nielsen, T. C., Hoeppner, B. B., Terplan, M., Hadland, S. E., Bernson, D., Greenfield, S. F., Bernstein, J., Bharel, M., Reddy, J., Taveras, E. M., Kelly, J. F., & Wilens, T. E.
Primary Result(s): Many postpartum women with OUD discontinue methadone or buprenorphine treatment after delivery, with factors such as perceived stigma and lack of support influencing discontinuation, highlighting the need for enhanced postpartum care, and support systems to encourage MOUD retention. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 225, Issue 4, 424.e1 - 424.e12. PMID: 33845029 PMCID: PMC8492487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2021.04.210

Disparities in Opioid Overdose Death Trends by Race/Ethnicity, 2018–2019, From the HEALing Communities Study (2021)
Authors: Larochelle, M. R., Slavova, S., Root, E. D., Feaster, D. J., Ward, P. J., Selk, S. C., Knott, C., Villani, J., & Samet, J. H.
Primary Result(s): During 2018-2019, opioid-related overdose death rates plateaued for non-Hispanic White and White individuals; however, there was an increase for non-Hispanic Black individuals. Harm reduction services and interventions should be culturally sensitive and tailored to non-Hispanic Black individuals in order to reduce opioid-related overdose death rates. Am J Public Health. 2021 Oct;111(10):1851-1854. PMID: 34499540 PMCID: PMC8561170. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306431

Integrating Harm Reduction into Outpatient Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Settings (2021)
Authors: Taylor, J. L., Johnson, S., Cruz, R., Gray, J. R., Schiff, D., Bagley, S. M.
Primary Result(s): The integration of OUD treatment in primary care settings has enhanced access to care and reduced stigma around SUD treatment. However, many outpatient programs focus solely on abstinence from non-prescribed substances, which causes social barriers for patients who continue to use substances, calling for the need to incorporate evidence-informed harm reduction strategies in order to better engage with patients, improve their overall care experience, including their safety, autonomy, and respect. J Gen Intern Med. 2021 Dec;36(12):3810-3819. PMID: 34159545 PMCID: PMC8218967. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8218967/

The naloxone delivery cascade: Identifying disparities in access to naloxone among people who inject drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA (2021)
Authors: Kinnard, E. N., Bluthenthal, R. N., Kral, A. H., Wenger, L. D., & Lambdin, B. H.
Primary Result(s): People who inject drugs who identify as Latinx and/or Black or who experience homelessness experience inequitable access to Naloxone in comparison to those who identify as White. Naloxone distribution should be focused on engaging with these identified at-risk communities in order to minimize the risk of overdose. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2021 Aug 1:225:108759. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34058540/

2020

Characteristics of and Receipt of Medication Treatment among Young Adults Who Experience a Nonfatal Opioid-Related Overdose (2020)
Authors: Bagley, S. M., Larochelle, M. R., Xuan, Z., Wang, N., Patel, A., Bernson, D., Silverstein, M., Hadland, S. E., Land, T., Samet, J. H., & Walley, A. Y.
Primary Result(s): One in three young adults received medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) within a year of surviving a nonfatal overdose, with younger individuals being less likely to receive methadone and more likely to receive naltrexone compared to older adults. The type of MOUD received appeared to be associated with age, suggesting a need for further research on optimizing post-overdose treatment. Ann Emerg Med. 2020 Jan;75(1):29-38. PMID: 31591014 PMCID: PMC7953238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.07.030

Using Data to Guide Action in Response to the Public Health Crisis of Opioid Overdoses (2020)
Authors: Bharel, M., Bernson, D., & Averbach, A.
Primary Result(s): Integrating diverse health data sources can help target interventions to improve health outcomes and reduce inefficiencies. MDPH’s data warehouse has demonstrated the use of data to initiate data-informed responses to the opioid epidemic, resulting in halting the rise in opioid-related overdose deaths. NEJM Catal Innov Care Deliv 2020;1(5). https://doi.org/10.1056/cat.19.1118

Trends in opioid use disorder and overdose among opioid-naive individuals receiving an opioid prescription in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2014 (2020)
Authors: Burke, L. G., Zhou, X., Boyle, K. L., Orav, E. J., Bernson, D., Hood, M.-E., Land, T., Bharel, M., & Frakt, A. B.
Primary Result(s): The risk of incident opioid use disorder among opioid-naive individuals in Massachusetts receiving an initial opioid prescription declined from 2011 to 2014, while overdose rates remained stable. However, longer therapy duration and concurrent benzodiazepine use were linked to higher risks of OUD and opioid-related overdose. Addiction 2020 Mar;115(3):493-504. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14867

A classification model of homelessness using integrated administrative data: Implications for targeting interventions to improve the housing status, health and well-being of a highly vulnerable population (2020)
Authors: Byrne, T., Baggett, T., Land, T., Bernson, D., Hood, M.-E., Kennedy-Perez, C., Monterrey, R., Smelson, D., Dones, M., & Bharel, M.
Primary Result(s): This study developed and validated a classification model using linked administrative data to identify homelessness, achieving high specificity (95.4%) and moderate sensitivity (77.8%). The model predicted a nearly 23-fold increased risk of fatal opioid-related overdose for those classified as homeless, highlighting the potential of integrated data systems to improve service delivery for this population. PLoS One. 2020 Aug 20;15(8):e0237905. PMID: 32817717 PMCID: PMC7446866. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237905

Association of Treatment With Medications for Opioid Use Disorder With Mortality After Hospitalization for Injection Drug Use-Associated Infective Endocarditis (2020)
Authors: Kimmel, S. D., Walley, A. Y., Li, Y., Linas, B. P., Lodi, S., Bernson, D., Weiss, R. D., Samet, J. H., & Larochelle, M. R.
Primary Result(s): Receipt of MOUD was associated with lower mortality after hospitalization for injection drug use-associated infective endocarditis only in the month it was received, highlighting the need for improved MOUD initiation and retention strategies post-hospitalization. JAMA Network Open. 2020 Oct 1;3(10):e2016228. PMID: 33052402 PMCID: PMC7557514. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.16228

Opioid overdose and inpatient care for substance use disorder care in Massachusetts (2020)
Authors: Morgan, J. R., Wang, J., Barocas, J. A., Jaeger, J. L., Durham, N. N., Babakhanlou-Chase, H., Bharel, M., Walley, A. Y., & Linas, B. P.
Primary Result(s): The majority of inpatient detoxification admissions for individuals with OUD resulted in subsequent detoxification admissions rather than progressing to further inpatient care, indicating a high rate of relapse. Those exiting detoxification had the highest risk of overdose, with non-Hispanic White people experiencing the greatest incidence of opioid-related overdoses. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2020 May:112:42-48. PMID: 32199545 PMCID: PMC7928069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2020.01.017

Maternal and Infant Characteristics Associated with Maternal Opioid Overdose in the Year Following Delivery (2020)
Authors: Nielsen, T., Bernson, D., Terplan, M., Wakeman, S. E., Yule, A. M., Mehta, P. K., Bharel, M., Diop, H., Taveras, E. M., Wilens, T. E., & Schiff, D. M.
Primary Result(s): Maternal OUD, prior non-fatal overdose, infant neonatal abstinence syndrome, and high unscheduled healthcare utilization were associated with increased risk of postpartum overdose. However, in this study, over half of postpartum overdoses occurred in women without a diagnosis of OUD, indicating the need for further establishing risk factors associated with postpartum overdoses. Addiction. 2020 Feb;115(2):291-301. PMID: 31692133 PMCID: PMC7066531. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14825

Associations between prescribed benzodiazepines, overdose death, and buprenorphine discontinuation among people receiving buprenorphine (2020)
Authors: Park, T. W., Larochelle, M. R., Saitz, R., Wang, N., Bernson, D., & Walley, A. Y.
Primary Result(s): Benzodiazepine prescriptions are associated with an increased risk of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses, as well as all-cause mortality. However, benzodiazepine prescriptions were associated with a decreased risk of buprenorphine discontinuation. Addiction. 2020 May;115(5):924-932. PMID: 31916306 PMCID: PMC7156323. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14886

Assessment of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Use of Medication to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant Women in Massachusetts (2020)
Authors: Schiff, D. M., Nielsen, T., Hoeppner, B. B., Terplan, M., Hansen, H., Bernson, D., Diop, H., Bharel, M., Krans, E. E., Selk, S., Kelly, J. F., Wilens, T. E., & Taveras, E. M.
Primary Result(s): Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women with OUD during pregnancy were significantly less likely to use any MOUD and use it consistently compared to White non-Hispanic women, highlighting the need for interventions to target inequitable access and racial disparities. JAMA Network Open. 2020 May 1;3(5):e205734. PMID: 32453384 PMCID: PMC7251447. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5734

Association between mortality rates and medication and residential treatment after inpatient medically managed opioid withdrawal: A cohort analysis (2020)
Authors: Walley, A. Y., Lodi, S., Li, Y., Bernson, D., Babakhanlou-Chase, H., Land, T., & Larochelle, M. R.
Primary Result(s): People who have undergone medically managed opioid withdrawal, receiving MOUD, residential treatment, or both significantly reduced all-cause and opioid-related mortality compared to no post-detox treatment. Addiction. 2020 Aug;115(8):1496-1508. PMID: 32096908 PMCID: PMC7854020. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14964

One-Year Mortality of Patients after Emergency Department Treatment for Nonfatal Opioid Overdose (2020)
Authors: Weiner, S. G., Baker, O., Bernson, D., & Schuur, J. D.
Primary Result(s): Short-term and one-year mortality of patients treated for non-fatal opioid overdoses in EDs are high, with the highest mortality occurring in the first month after treatment, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as offering buprenorphine and counseling, for patients who are at high risk of mortality post-overdose. Ann Emerg Med. 2020 Jan;75(1):13-17. PMID: 31229387 PMCID: PMC6920606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.04.020

Trends in opioid use disorder and overdose among opioid-naive individuals receiving an opioid prescription in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2014 (2020)
Authors: Burke, L. G., Zhou, X., Boyle, K. L., Orav, E. J., Bernson, D., Hood, M.-E., Land, T., Bharel, M., & Frakt, A. B.
Primary Result(s): The risk of incident opioid use disorder among opioid-naive individuals in Massachusetts receiving an initial opioid prescription declined from 2011 to 2014, while overdose rates remained stable. However, longer therapy duration and concurrent benzodiazepine use were linked to higher risks of OUD and opioid-related overdose. Addiction. 2020 Mar;115(3):493-504. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14867

Integrating harm reduction and clinical care: Lessons from Covid-19 respite and recuperation facilities (2020)
Authors: Kimmel, S. D., Bazzi, A. R., & Barocas, J. A.
Primary Result(s): Harm reduction services during the COVID-19 pandemic were limited and unable to fully provide essential services to people who use drugs due to the state of the pandemic. It became evident that it is imperative to integrate harm reduction values and services in clinical settings in order to expand access further and rebuild trust in the healthcare system. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2020 Nov:118:108103. PMID: 32972644 PMCID: PMC7419278. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7419278/

2019

Sociodemographic factors and social determinants associated with toxicology confirmed polysubstance opioid-related deaths (2019)
Authors: Barocas, J. A., Wang, J., Marshall, B. D. L., LaRochelle, M. R., Bettano, A., Bernson, D., Beckwith, C. G., Linas, B. P., & Walley, A. Y.
Primary Result(s): Between 2014 and 2015 in Massachusetts, 83% of opioid-related overdose deaths involved additional substances, with 36% involving stimulants. Key factors linked to stimulant-involved overdose deaths include age over 24 years, non-rural residency, comorbid mental illness, non-Hispanic Black residents, and recent homelessness. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019 Jul 1:200:59-63. PMID: 31100636 PMCID: PMC6588486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.03.014

Non-fatal opioid-related overdoses among adolescents in Massachusetts 2012-2014 (2019)
Authors: Chatterjee, A., Larochelle, M. R., Xuan, Z., Wang, N., Bernson, D., Silverstein, M., Hadland, S. E., Land, T., Samet, J. H., Walley, A. Y., & Bagley, S. M.
Primary Result(s): Adolescents are less likely than adults to receive prescription opioids before their non-fatal overdose and receive minimal medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), both prior to and following their non-fatal overdose, indicating the need for initiating evidence-based treatment in adolescents. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2019 Jan 194(1):28-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.09.020

Touchpoints – Opportunities to predict and prevent opioid overdose: A cohort study (2019)
Authors: Larochelle, M. R., Bernstein, R., Bernson, D., Land, T., Stopka, T. J., Rose, A. J., Bharel, M., Liebschutz, J. M., & Walley, A. Y.
Primary Result(s): Touchpoints throughout medical, public health, and criminal justice encounters serve as opportunities to target overdose prevention interventions due to their significant association with increased risk of opioid-related mortality. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019 Nov 1:204:107537. PMID: 31521956 PMCID: PMC7020606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.06.039

Effect of Age on Opioid Prescribing, Overdose, and Mortality in Massachusetts, 2011-2015 (2019)
Authors: Rose, A. J., McBain, R., Schuler, M. S., LaRochelle, M. R., Ganz, D. A., Kilambi, V., Stein, B. D., Bernson, D., Chui, K. K. H., Land, T., Walley, A. Y., & Stopka, T. J.
Primary Result(s): Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is associated with higher rates of non-fatal and fatal overdoses, as well as all-cause mortality for both younger and older adults. However, PIP increases as age increases, highlighting the need for strategies to reduce PIP exposure in older populations. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2019 Jan;67(1):128-132. PMID: 30471102 PMCID: PMC6448572. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15659

Opioid overdose deaths and potentially inappropriate opioid prescribing practices (PIP): A spatial epidemiological study (2019)
Authors: Stopka, T. J., Amaravadi, H., Kaplan, A. R., Hoh, R., Bernson, D., Chui, K. K. H., Land, T., Walley, A. Y., LaRochelle, M. R., & Rose, A. J.
Primary Result(s): Overdose and potentially inappropriate opioid prescribing (PIP) hotspots were identified in Massachusetts, revealing that over half of the adult population were prescribed opioids, and overdose rates increased across nearly all ZIP codes. While some areas showed overlap between overdose and PIP clusters; findings suggest that PIP alone does not fully account for overdose clustering patterns. Int J Drug Policy. 2019 Jun:68:37-45. PMID: 30981166 PMCID: PMC6685426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.03.024

The Contribution of Prescribed and Illicit Opioids to Fatal Overdoses in Massachusetts, 2013-2015 (2019)
Authors: Walley, A. Y., Bernson, D., Larochelle, M. R., Green, T. C., Young, L., & Land, T.
Primary Result(s): A significant proportion of opioid-related overdose decedents had active prescriptions for opioids on their date of death, but prescribed opioids were often not detected in toxicology reports, particularly buprenorphine, oxycodone, and methadone. This highlights the need for linking toxicology reports to prescription records to better attribute overdoses to prescribed and illicit opioids. Public Health Rep. 2019 Nov/Dec;134(6):667-674. PMID: 31577519 PMCID: PMC6832088. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033354919878429

2018

Estimated Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder in Massachusetts, 2011-2015: A Capture-Recapture Analysis (2018)
Authors: Barocas, J. A., White, L. F., Wang, J., Walley, A. Y., LaRochelle, M. R., Bernson, D., Land, T., Morgan, J. R., Samet, J. H., & Linas, B. P.
Primary Result(s): From 2011 to 2015, OUD prevalence in Massachusetts increased from 2.72% to 4.60% among people ages 11 years or older, with the highest increase in OUD prevalence observed in age groups of 11-25 years of age, highlighting the need for age-appropriate interventions. Am J Public Health. 2018 Dec;108(12):1675-1681. PMID: 30359112 PMCID: PMC6236756. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304673

Overdose risk for veterans receiving opioids from multiple sources (2018)
Authors: Jasuja, G. K., Ameli, O., Miller, D. R., Land, T., Bernson, D., Rose, A. J., Berlowitz, D. R., & Smelson, D. A.
Primary Result(s): Veterans in Massachusetts receiving opioids from both VHA and non-VHA pharmacies had a higher risk of nonfatal opioid overdoses and increased all-cause mortality compared to those receiving opioids solely from VHA pharmacies, highlighting the need for improved coordination and information sharing between VHA and non-VHA pharmacies to enhance patient safety. Am J Manag Care. 2018 Nov;24(11):536-540. PMID: 30452210. https://www.ajmc.com/view/overdose-risk-for-veterans-receiving-opioids-from-multiple-sources

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder After Nonfatal Opioid Overdose and Association With Mortality: A Cohort Study (2018)
Authors: Larochelle, M. R., Bernson, D., Land, T., Stopka, T. J., Wang, N., Xuan, Z., Bagley, S. M., Liebschutz, J. M., & Walley, A. Y.
Primary Result(s): A minority of opioid overdose survivors received MOUD post-overdose, whereas methadone maintenance treatment and buprenorphine were linked to reduced all-cause and opioid-related mortality. However, no significant associations were found between naltrexone use and mortality outcomes. Ann Intern Med. 2018 Aug 7;169(3):137-145. PMID: 29913516 PMCID: PMC6387681. https://doi.org/10.7326/M17-3107

Potentially Inappropriate Opioid Prescribing, Overdose, and Mortality in Massachusetts, 2011-2015 (2018)
Authors: Rose, A. J., Bernson, D., Chui, K. K. H., Land, T., Walley, A. Y., LaRochelle, M. R., Stein, B. D., & Stopka, T. J.
Primary Result(s): Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) practices significantly increase the risk of all-cause mortality, non-fatal overdose, and fatal overdose among individuals receiving prescription opioids. Specifically, high-dose opioids and the absence of documented pain diagnosis was particularly associated with increased overdose risks, suggesting the potential for a real-time risk score to assist prescribers in identifying patients at higher risk. J Gen Intern Med. 2018 Sep;33(9):1512-1519. PMID: 29948815 PMCID: PMC6109008. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-018-4532-5

Fatal and Nonfatal Overdose Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Massachusetts (2018)Authors: Schiff, D. M., Nielsen, T., Terplan, M., Hood, M., Bernson, D., Diop, H., Bharel, M., Wilens, T. E., LaRochelle, M., Walley, A. Y., & Land, T.
Primary Result(s): Women with OUD experience higher overdose rates 7-12 months postpartum, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support women with OUD in gestational and postpartum periods. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Aug;132(2):466-474. PMID: 29995730 PMCID: PMC6060005. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002734