A Step Toward Equity: Evidence-Based Policy for Access to Medications for Healthcare Workers With Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Health equity is achieved by addressing social determinants of health, which include a healthy workplace. Since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have endured unprecedented stress, and many have left the healthcare field. Their departure has led many organizations to examine the underlying causes of this exodus and to create and promote a positive workplace environment in which healthcare workers can provide optimal care for their patients, even under stress. One opportunity for improving health and health equity for healthcare workers is supporting those struggling with substance use disorders. In recent years, special programs have been developed to support healthcare workers’ recovery from such disorders and return to work. In the present article, we identify an opportunity to improve care and support for healthcare workers with opioid use disorder—namely, providing healthcare workers with appropriate access to evidence-based medications. As argued in the present article, full support for such treatment will not only save the lives of many healthcare workers but also destigmatize the use of such medications for patients, thus improving health and health equity across the country.