title: Methadone, buprenorphine and preferences for opioid agonist treatment: A qualitative analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients and clinicians have begun to recognize the advantages and disadvantages of buprenorphine relative to methadone, but factors that influence choices between these two medications remain unclear. For example, we know little about how patients' preferences and previous experiences influence treatment decisions. Understanding these issues may enhance treatment engagement and retention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults with opioid dependence (n=283) were recruited from two integrated health systems to participate in interviews focused on prior experiences with treatment for opioid dependence, knowledge of medication options, preferences for treatment, and experiences with treatment for chronic pain in the context of problems with opioids. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using Atlas.ti.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our analysis revealed seven areas of consideration for opioid agonist treatment decision-making: (1) awareness of treatment options; (2) expectations and goals for duration of treatment and abstinence; (3) prior experience with buprenorphine or methadone; (4) need for accountability and structured support; (5) preference to avoid methadone clinics or associated stigma; (6) fear of continued addiction and perceived difficulty of withdrawal; and (7) pain control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The availability of medication options increases the need for clear communication between clinicians and patients, for additional patient education about these medications, and for collaboration and patient influence over choices in treatment decision-making. Our results suggest that access to both methadone and buprenorphine will increase treatment options and patient choice and may enhance treatment adherence and outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, 3800 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA. Electronic address: bobbijo.h.yarborough@kpchr.org.
authors.forename: Bobbi Jo H
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Yarborough
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, 3800 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA. Electronic address: scott.p.stumbo@kpchr.org.
authors.forename: Scott P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Stumbo
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Hill Road, CB 669, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Electronic address: mcartyd@ohsu.edu.
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McCarty
authors.affiliation: Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California 2000 Broadway Ave., Oakland, CA 94612, USA. Electronic address: jenniferinsf@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mertens
authors.affiliation: Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California 2000 Broadway Ave., Oakland, CA 94612, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, 401 Parnassus, Box 0984, San Francisco 94143, USA. Electronic address: constance.weisner@kp.org.
authors.forename: Constance
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weisner
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, 3800 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA. Electronic address: carla.a.green@kpchr.org.
authors.forename: Carla A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D057240:Patient Preference; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057545:Social Stigma
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D002047:Buprenorphine; D008691:Methadone
keywords: Buprenorphine; Methadone; Opioid addiction; Qualitative research