Clinical Champions in Primary Care Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Abstract

Programs that coach primary care providers, particularly nurse practitioners, to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) may aid in reducing treatment shortages. This program evaluation explored the impact a buprenorphine clinical champion (CC) had on provider prescribing behaviors, and attitudes toward OUD treatment. Deidentified data reports measured buprenorphine prescribing, and a survey investigated provider perceptions. Prescribing rates increased significantly from 43% to 62% (P < .0001). Satisfaction with the CC was strongly associated with OUD management self-efficacy among new prescribers (P = .002). CC programs may improve provider engagement in OUD treatment in primary care settings.