The dissertation defense will be open and held virtually.
This event has passed. The written dissertation or abstract is available by clicking the link below.
The PhD in Translational Health Sciences Program is proud to announce the Dissertation Defense of:
PhD Candidate: Elizabeth J. Austin, MPH
Engaging Patients in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: A Mixed Methods Study Investigating Primary Care Team Perspectives on Approaches, Barriers, and Facilitators
Dissertation Committee Chair: Ulrich Koch, PhD, MS
June 5th, 2023, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Harms from opioid use disorder (OUD) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of effective treatment for OUD in many primary care settings, patient engagement in OUD care is variable and often low. This embedded mixed methods study sought to characterize primary care team perspectives on approaches, barriers, and facilitators to engaging patients in OUD care. We conducted semi-structured interviews (n=35) with primary care team members involved in OUD care delivery and triangulated qualitative themes with quantitative survey measures to explore variation across multiple clinic and provider characteristics. Learnings from this work highlighted the multifaceted and often time-intensive strategies primary care teams use to engage patients throughout treatment, the critical role of team-based care, and potential opportunities for health settings to augment engagement efforts. Translation efforts should tailor engagement strategies and support to local contexts and individual provider needs.