Injectable Extended-Release Buprenorphine (XR-B) in a Correctional Setting: Qualitative Interviews

Lifespan

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder; Criminal Justice; Treatment Adherence and Compliance

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT06354465

K23DA055695 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

IRB1967355

Details and patient eligibility

About

This qualitative study investigates the potential benefits and challenges of using a once-a-month injectable medication, known as extended-release buprenorphine (XR-B), to treat individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) within a correctional setting. The research aims to understand if XR-B can be a feasible and effective alternative to the standard daily treatment and to identify which groups within the prison population may benefit the most from this treatment. In-depth interviews are conducted with incarcerated individuals and relevant stakeholders.

Enrollment: 25 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Incarcerated individuals, inclusion criteria:

• English speaking
• Over the age of 18
• Diagnosed with opioid use disorder

Incarcerated individuals, Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with "Severe, Persistent, Mental Illness (SPMI)" Rationale for Exclusion: These individuals suffer from severe mental health disease and therefore warrant greater protection, have greater risk for coercion, and offer insights to severe co-diagnosis treatment that, while important, remain outside the scope of general MAT implementation.

Organizational Stakeholders, Inclusion Criteria:

• Employed or contracted by Rhode Island Department of Corrections (for organizational staff interviews) and involved with the Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program

Organizational Stakeholders, Exclusion Criteria:

• If not permitted by their organizational union to participate

Trial design

25 participants in 2 patient groups

Incarcerated Individuals

Description:

Incarcerated individuals will be recruited across the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC)facility during the required group sessions for treatment; this is consistent with previous NIH-funded studies at RIDOC. The interviews will be described and participants will be able to sign up confidentially. Participants who are eligible for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) but decide not to pursue treatment will still be interviewed to provide better understanding of the key factors that drive program participation. These individuals can be recruited through routine clinical care by addiction medicine providers. Every precaution will be taken to ensure confidentiality and protection of all participants.

Stakeholders

Description:

Organizational stakeholders (clinicians, Wardens, leadership and/or other staff) will be recruited through snowball sampling. I will individually approach leaders of each facility to recruit correctional individuals interested in participating and will also allow participants to confidentially sign up at administrative meetings related to Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT).