Summary
This interim report introduces the OPTIMUS study—an international consensus initiative to define standardized, patient‑reported outcome indicators for opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OMT). Against a backdrop of escalating opioid-related mortality and inconsistent outcome measures, the study convened 110 experts across 32 countries (including patients and professionals) to draft a clinical interview guide covering 26 core questions across six domains—such as treatment continuity, overdose risk, mental health, social functioning, and quality of life. These indicators were assessed through a first Delphi round involving 477 panelists from 26 countries, achieving high average agreement (5.06/6), leading to refinements and additions of optional items. Early feasibility testing with 20 patients across four countries indicates that using the tool in clinical settings is acceptable and practical, taking approximately 14 minutes for core questions and up to 27 minutes when optional items are includedDownload as PDF
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Abstract
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Non-medical opioid use is a major public health concern causing high mortality. While opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OMT) is a key life-saving intervention, there is (a) no international consensus on opioid treatment outcomes and (b) few opioid treatment outcome studies include key (public) health outcomes, such as overdose or HIV/hepatitis C. We report the rationale and study protocol for, and preliminary results of, an ongoing international OMT outcomes consensus study that aims to address this double gap (n = 110 collaborating experts from 32 countries, plus a n = 477 Delphi evaluation panel from 26 of those countries: 58% male–41% female; 47% OMT patients–53% OMT professionals). We present a first draft of a patient interview guide (including a ‘clinical form’) to monitor OMT outcomes in six domains. The form appears to be well accepted and feasible in early testing. Through this, we aim to enhance the quality of and access to OMT, and improve the survival, health and quality of life of people who use opioids, while promoting non-stigmatising patient-physician relationships.
Category
Access
- Open access
Publisher:
Springer Nature
Journal:
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Publisher's DOI:
10.1007/s11469-023-01213-9
Document language
- English
Main subject
Target audience