Quality Improvement Tools for Opioid Use Disorder

(PROMOTE-QI Trial)

This trial seeks to find better ways to keep people in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) longer, potentially leading to improved recovery outcomes. It compares three groups: one using a quality improvement (QI) toolkit, another using the QI toolkit with additional support from external QI facilitators, and a third receiving regular care. Participants come exclusively from BayMark OTPs, focusing on existing clinics. The study will measure how long patients remain in treatment and examine other health impacts, such as hospital visits and overdoses. The goal is to identify strategies that can help clinics effectively improve patient retention.

As an unphased trial, this study provides an opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

The trial focuses on improving retention in opioid treatment programs and does not specify if participants need to stop their current medications. It seems likely that staying on methadone or buprenorphine is encouraged, as the study aims to keep patients in care.

Research has shown that the Quality Improvement (QI) Toolkit and External QI Facilitation used in this study are generally safe and well-tolerated. The QI Toolkit aids clinics in enhancing care for patients with opioid use disorder by organizing tasks and providing useful tools. No safety concerns have been reported from using the toolkit, as it focuses on improving clinic practices rather than directly treating patients.

Researchers are excited about these quality improvement tools for opioid use disorder because they offer innovative strategies to enhance treatment retention compared to traditional methods. Unlike usual care, which often lacks structured guidance, the QI toolkit provides clinics with evidence-based resources and templates to drive meaningful change. Additionally, the external QI facilitation arm introduces expert coaching through structured frameworks like the NIATx model, aiming to guide clinics in implementing effective retention strategies. This hands-on support and data-driven feedback could significantly improve patient outcomes by fostering a more responsive and adaptive treatment environment.

Research has shown that quality improvement (QI) toolkits can enhance opioid treatment programs by helping retain patients. In one study, 76% of participants reported that their QI project improved their management of opioid treatment. Participants in this trial may receive a QI toolkit to monitor each step of treatment, potentially improving the program's overall performance and saving lives.