Publications
Our publications are intended to help inform important public health issues in our state and region. Please feel free to contact us with thoughts and quesitons as you have opportunity to review our work.
The study investigates the impact of transportation, Medicaid-funded non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and telehealth on access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) in rural West Virginia. Survey results from 225 individuals reveal transportation as a critical factor in both initiating and sustaining treatment, with NEMT services proving unreliable for many. While telehealth offers an alternative, challenges persist, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches to treatment access and the necessity for diverse care options to support individuals with OUD in their recovery journey.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a life-saving intervention for opioid use disorder (OUD). Despite its proven benefits, only a small percentage of eligible individuals in the United States access MAT, and retention remains a challenge. This study explores factors influencing entry and sustained participation in MAT, emphasizing insights from individuals in recovery. The findings contribute valuable insights to enhance care delivery and support those undergoing treatment.
Opioid addiction and opioid-related overdoses and deaths are serious public health problems nationally and in West Virginia, in particular. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective yet underutilized treatment for opioid use disorder. This research examines factors that help individuals succeed in MAT from the perspective of those in recovery.
This study aimed to estimate the availability of food, supplies, and medicine, areas of greatest concern, the most acceptable and effective methods of communication, and the need for acute intervention for older adults aged 75 years or older and living in rural central Appalachia during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this population, systematically telephoning rural elderly patients during the COVID-19 epidemic and its aftermath represents an effective strategy for providers who care for elderly rural patients.
Work related burnout is highly prevalent in US physicians and linked to adverse effects on patients, providers and organizations. This study measures burnout in West Virginia primary care providers, allowing for comparison of results to a similar, recent study of US physicians.
This study highlights the need for further exploration into the fidelity of PHQ-2 delivery and acceptance of a pre-recorded tablet-based delivery of the PHQ-2 among patients and health care providers.
This research provides primary care practices with a refined decision support tool for evaluating the fit of research opportunities for their unique practices.