Projected Estimates of Opioid Mortality After Community-Level Interventions

Source:

Linas BP, Savinkina A, Madushani RWMA, et al. Projected Estimates of Opioid Mortality After Community-Level Interventions. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(2):e2037259. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.37259

Key Points

Question  Using simulated urban and rural communities, what evidence-based practices are associated with a reduction in opioid overdose mortality of at least 40% by 2022?

Findings  In this decision analytical model using simulated urban and rural communities, no single intervention or approach was associated with a 40% reduction in overdose mortality in any community. Achieving a 40% reduction required increasing capacity for treating with medications for opioid use disorder, improving retention on medications, and increased naloxone distribution.

Meaning  These findings suggest that reducing opioid overdose may require substantial, coordinated effort with a focus on improving initiation with medications, retention in care, and increased naloxone distribution.