Patients' experiences with group visits for buprenorphine treatment

BACKGROUND: Massachusetts ranks above the national average in deaths related to opioid overdoses with an age-adjusted death rate of 5.4 per 100,000. Outpatient based opioid addiction treatment using buprenorphine has been shown to be effective in primary care settings, however uptake in clinical practice has been limited due to numerous factors including lack of clinical support for primary care providers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine views/experiences of patients treated in group visits for buprenorphine treatment in a primary care clinic that serves a safety-net population in Massachusetts. METHODS: As part of a quality improvement project, we conducted a survey interview with 28 of 31 possible participants with opioid dependence treated in the buprenorphine group visit program. RESULTS: Patients endorsed learning new skills to deal with their addiction and physical health problems, benefits of receiving treatment at their primary care physician's office, and value of the expertise of a trained addictions nurse. Over 88% reported liking the group visits “a little” or “a lot.” The leading reasons patients like the groups were: “group support” (82%), “learning things from other people that help me” (82%) and “others in the group have a positive influence on my sobriety” (75%). Dissatisfaction with the groups stemmed from concerns about privacy (25%). CONCLUSION: Group visits for buprenorphine treatment was highly acceptable by patients. Modifiable factors for improving the program are also identified.