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Barriers and facilitators to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) engagement among individuals released from federal incarceration into the community in Ontario, Canada.
- Source :
- International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being; Dec2022, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p1-17, 17p
- Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Correctional populations with opioid use disorder experience increased health risks during community transition periods. Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) can reduce these risks, but retention is a key challenge. This study addresses a knowledge gap by describing facilitators and barriers to OAT engagement among federal correctional populations released into the community in Ontario, Canada. This article describes results from a longitudinal mixed-methods study examining OAT transition experiences among thirty-five individuals released from federal incarceration in Ontario, Canada. Assessments were completed within one year of participants' release. Data were thematically analyzed. The majority (77%) of participants remained engaged in OAT, however, 69% had their release suspended and 49% returned to custody. Key facilitators for OAT engagement included flexibility, positive staff rapport, and structure. Fragmented OAT transitions, financial OAT coverage, balancing reintegration requirements, logistical challenges, and inaccessibility of 'take-home' OAT medications were common barriers. Post-incarceration transition periods are critical for OAT retention, yet individuals in Ontario experience barriers to OAT engagement that contribute to treatment disruptions and related risks such as relapse and/or re-incarceration. Additional measures to support community OAT transitions are required, including improved discharge planning, amendments to OAT and financial coverage policies, and an expansion of OAT options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17482623
- Volume :
- 17
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 160259761
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2022.2094111