Improving access to opioid treatment through pharmacy-based units
Increasing access to opioid use disorder treatment by opening pharmacy-based medication units of opioid treatment programs
This study is looking to make it easier for people with opioid use disorder to get treatment by setting up special medication units in local pharmacies that provide methadone, especially for those living in rural and suburban areas where access to traditional treatment can be tough.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10854874 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment by establishing medication units in community pharmacies that dispense methadone. By leveraging the widespread presence of pharmacies, the project seeks to reduce barriers faced by individuals in rural and suburban areas who struggle to access traditional opioid treatment programs. The approach involves collaboration with pharmacists, who are trusted healthcare providers, to administer and manage methadone treatment effectively. The study will evaluate the impact of these pharmacy-based units on treatment retention and overall patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder, particularly those residing in rural or suburban regions with limited access to traditional treatment facilities.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those living in urban areas with sufficient access to existing treatment programs may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase access to effective opioid use disorder treatment for individuals living in underserved areas.
How similar studies have performed: Other countries have successfully implemented similar pharmacy-based methadone dispensing programs, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Li-Tzy — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wu, Li-Tzy
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.