February 10, 2021

Reduction in Oregon’s Medication Dosing Visits After the SARS-CoV-2 Relaxation of Restrictions on Take-Home Medication

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

Keywords (Tags): home care, public health

Opioid treatment programs in Oregon saw a reduction in medication dosing visits and an increase in take-home doses dispensed following a relaxation of restrictions on take-home medication dosing that were intended to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2. During the pre-SARS-CoV-2 period (February and early March 2020), patients made a mean of 16 visits per month to opioid treatment programs, with 6 take-home doses per patient per month. Following the policy change, medication visits declined 33% and take-home medication increased 97% with a mean of 10 visits per patient and a mean of 11 take-homes per patient.

McIlveen et al. (Feb 5, 2021). Reduction in Oregon’s Medication Dosing Visits After the SARS-CoV-2 Relaxation of Restrictions on Take-Home Medication. Journal of Addiction Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33560697