Letter to the Editor- Population Health Policy Advocacy
Current State of the Quality of Care for Veterans and the Opioid Disorder
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and other organizations have been working towards reducing opiate prescription to veterans. Despite these efforts, cases of opioid disorders continue to increase. There are two reasons why there is no considerable improvement in the care of veterans diagnosed with an opioid disorder. First, the process of treating the opioid disorder is not only complicated but also time-consuming. Second, access to medications such as buprenorphine is limited. Because of these reasons, many providers are unwilling and unable to provide treatment for opioid disorders.
Health Policy Development and Advocacy
Currently, veterans enrolled in the Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP) and Opioid Treatment Program to receive buprenorphine. Those who are found to have a positive response to the program are enrolled in the next program for behavioural health services for maintenance buprenorphine. However, the program does not reduce withdrawal symptoms or lessen cravings. The policy proposed seeks to decrease the harmful effects of an opioid overdose. It is ideal for the continuity of care and could help veterans with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Improving the Quality of Care and Outcomes
Addressing the prescription drug crisis requires a coordinated response of all health care providers. Implementation of MAT provides a whole-patient approach to the treatment of substance abuse disorders. It involves the use of three main medications, including buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone, which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid disorders. These medications are used in combination with behavioural therapy and counselling.
Desired Outcomes Supported by this Policy
The implementation of a MAT program requires significant resources. A multidisciplinary team would discuss drug use, build rapport, and form an alliance with patients with opioid misuse disorder. Care providers assess the patients for signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder. Patients found with the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorders are subjected to extended-release, injectable buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. After treatment, the patients should then receive brief medical-management counselling from the nurse and physician during each clinical visit. Thus, patients will benefit from pain management and social risk factors.
Policy Development Advocacy
The use of this information could help save the lives of vulnerable veterans, especially those who are diagnosed with opioid use disorder. The goal is to reduce the rate of opioid disorder and increase awareness and support.