Emergency department visits, inpatient hospitalizations, and nonfatal and fatal drug overdoses during COVID-19 among Veterans with opioid use disorder

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic had dramatic adverse impacts on people with opioid use disorder (OUD), as evidenced by significant disruptions to care and unprecedented …

Persistent and chronic opioid use after ambulatory surgery in US Veterans (2011–2018)

Abstract: Background: Opioid use beyond the perioperative period is a recognized adverse outcome, primarily studied in inpatients after complex major surgeries. Our goals are to …

Medications for opioid use disorder: Predictors of early discontinuation and reduction of overdose risk in US military Veterans by medication type

Abstract: Aim: This study: (1) estimated the effect of early discontinuation of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) on overdose probability and (2) measured the relationship …

Are gaps in rates of retention on buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder closing among Veterans across different races and ethnicities? A retrospective cohort study

Abstract: Introduction: The U.S. Veterans Health Administration has undertaken several initiatives to improve veterans' access to and retention on buprenorphine because it prevents …

Variation in psychosocial symptom change: A preliminary examination of Veterans in early medication treatment for opioid use disorder

Abstract: Aim: Risk for Medication treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) dropout is greatest during early treatment. To optimize MOUD outcomes, it is critical to identify …

Improving access to buprenorphine for rural Veterans in a learning health care system

Abstract: Objective: To describe a learning health care system research process designed to increase buprenorphine prescribing for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in …

Care utilization among patients with stimulant use disorder during COVID-19: A national cohort study of U.S. Veterans

Abstract: Aim: Overdose rates have grown rapidly for both opioids and stimulants. However, much less is known about populations with stimulant use disorders (StUD), including those …

Development and validation of machine-learning algorithms predicting retention, overdoses, and all-cause mortality among U.S. military Veterans treated with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder

Abstract: Background: Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (B-MOUD) is essential to improving patient outcomes; however, retention is essential. Objective: To develop and validate …

Outpatient prescription medications during the first year following combat-related amputations and traumatic brain injury: A retrospective study

Abstract: Background: Prescription medications are an essential element of military amputation care programs. Objectives: To analyze (1) outpatient prescription medications …

Comparison of treatment receipt and hospitalization among patients with stimulant use disorder and/or opioid use disorder in the Veterans Health Administration

Abstract: Objectives: Stimulant use is a growing problem, but little is known about service utilization among patients with stimulant use disorder (StUD). In the context of the …

"They ask questions, but they don't want the answers": perceptions of clinical communication among Veterans discontinuing buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder

Abstract: Background: Many patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) discontinue treatment prematurely, increasing their risk of opioid-related overdose and death. While …

The relationship between substance use, suicidality, and access to care among women Veterans: A secondary analysis of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration national survey on drug use and health

Abstract: Women military Veterans represent a growing population with unique healthcare needs. Women Veterans are at risk for adverse mental health outcomes, including the …