Reducing stigma surrounding MAT by recognizing OUD as a chronic disorder similar to other chronic disorders such as diabetes, using non-stigmatizing language, understanding reasons for use of non-prescribed Suboxone and recognizing the value of individualized treatment.

Individualizing care plans by ensuring treatment is delivered respectfully while supporting the agency of those in recovery and addressing social, environmental and other factors supportive of recovery.

Providing proactive outreach and communication about potential Medicaid eligibility that would cover the cost of MAT and provide transportation support to people who might be ready to seek treatment.

Removing structural barriers to care, such as financial costs to enter treatment, access to medications and assistance with transportation to appointments.

Strengthening a system of care for OUD through acknowledging the importance of personal readiness to enter treatment.

Researchers offered five recommendations to improve access and retention in MAT programs: More than 200 West Virginia residents who have experienced opioid use disorder and have previously participated or are currently enrolled in MAT took part in the study. The study published in the Journal of Appalachian Health shows the MAT system of care can be strengthened through acknowledging the importance of personal readiness to enter treatment, reducing stigma of the program and improving access to available resources such as payment support.

“We set out to help make sure the voices of those in recovery are heard so we can learn from them and strengthen a system of care for OUD.”

“Little research attention has been given to learning directly from those in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder,” said Baus, also a research assistant professor with the WVU School of Public Health Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Patients would be more willing to enter medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder if existing stigmas were reduced and more accessible payment support was readily available, a West Virginia University study finds.Īdam Baus, director of the Office of Health Services Research, and his team gained insight from patients on what helped or hindered medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, to support recovery.

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