Assessing knowledge and attitudes of a rural primary care practice initiating suboxone treatment for opioid use disorder

Abstract

There is an opioid epidemic in the United States. Healthcare providers in Kansas have consistently written more opioid prescriptions than the US national average. Additionally, opioid mortality has affected rural communities at a significantly higher rate than that of urban areas. One reason for this is that those with opioid use disorder in rural communities may not have adequate access to evidence-based treatment. The gold standard treatment is using Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) with the use of a medication called Suboxone. This medication decreases withdrawal and cravings for opioids. Only providers that have completed specialized training can prescribe Suboxone. Despite having additional training, these providers can legally only treat 30 patients. This creates a significant barrier for those needing addiction treatment. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have made expanding access to Suboxone and MAT for the opioid use disorder patient a top priority. The main objective of this project was to assess knowledge and attitudes of a rural primary care practice in Kansas initiating Suboxone treatment for opioid use disorder. This study indicates that an education session over Suboxone and the opioid use disorder patient can improve knowledge and stigma. When knowledge and stigma is improved, more patients can get the treatment they need. This is the first step for Kansans to combat the opioid crisis.