Using Shared Medical Appointments to Increase Access to Buprenorphine Treatment.

J Am Board Fam Med · 2015

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study examines patient experiences with shared medical appointments for buprenorphine treatment at a safety net primary care clinic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study of 28 participants in a primary care buprenorphine shared medical appointments program. RESULTS: Participants reported appreciating the group visit format, gaining increased coping skills, and having more stable housing and less legal difficulty after starting the program. CONCLUSION: The implementation of shared medical appointments for buprenorphine treatment benefits clinicians and patients. The nurse care manager and buprenorphine prescriber can efficiently attend to the clinical needs of multiple patients.