Abstract
Background
There is a converging public health crisis as the opioid epidemic and increased injection drug use is driving rates of infectious diseases. Multidisciplinary care, integrating infectious diseases, substance use, and mental health services, is crucial to address this crisis. This study evaluated a novel rapid access care model to improve treatment access for opioid use, mental health, and related infectious diseases.
Methods
The Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic is a multidisciplinary, walk-in care model located in a mental health center in Ottawa, Canada. RAAM provides collaborative, inter-agency care, with rapid access to care facilitated through seamless care pathways (i.e., from the emergency department). RAAM offers substance use and mental health treatment, screening and care for infectious diseases, harm reduction, and connection to community services. RAAM patients (N = 411) presenting between April 2018 and January 2019 completed substance use and mental health measures upon intake and 30-day follow-ups. Clinical information was collected via chart review.
Results
Of the total sample, 20% (n = 83; 66% men) had problematic opioid use. Most patients reported high opioid dependence severity (97%), injection drug use (67%), and polysubstance use (97%), including cocaine (62%), alcohol (40%), and amphetamines (35%). Most patients reported anxiety (86%) and depression (75%). The number of patients tested for HIV, HCV, HBV, and other STIs was 29%, 27%, 28%, and 24%, respectively. Most patients tested (61%) were young adults (aged 16–29). Of those tested, 15% tested positive for HCV and treatment initiation was facilitated for 66% of patients (33% resolved spontaneously). At 30-day follow-up, patients showed significantly reduced substance use and improved depression and anxiety (Ps < 0.05).
Conclusion
Patients with problematic opioid use have multiple comorbidities, including undiagnosed infectious diseases; thus, highlighting the need for integrated care models like RAAM. Substance use treatment is an opportune setting to identify and treat infectious diseases in order to improve outcomes and reduce disease transmission. Leadership from infectious disease specialists is key to this successful integration.
Disclosures
All Authors: No reported Disclosures.
Infectious Diseases and Advocacy: This Is our Lane