Title : Office based addiction treatment program update and population health
Abstract:
Harris Health is the largest safety net care system in Texas and the fourth largest safety net in the nation. The patient population is comprised of a high rate of uninsured/underinsured patients and justice-involved individuals, of which many have chronic diseases, including substance use disorders. Access to treatment for substance use disorders has been limited due to multiple reasons such as resource constraints, increasing demand for mental as well as behavioral health, polypharmacy and polysubstance issues. Harris Health System’s Ambulatory Care Services/University of Texas Health McGovern established the Office Based Addiction Treatment Program (OBAT) for the past 6 years. Harris Health’s OBAT Program is based on the Massachusetts model of Office Based Addiction Treatment where patients are in a primary care setting and the care of the substance misuse patient is seen through the lens of a chronic disease model. This program is aimed at integrating treatment for opioid use disorder in primary care. This innovative program utilizes a nurse care manager role working closely with waivered physicians.The patient’s treatment regimens include physical, social, behavioral and mental health. The implementation of Evidence Based Practice models of care ensure that our teams are constantly improving clinical care delivery models through technology, partnerships with community resources, education and research.
The multidisciplinary approach is used in multiple Harris Health clinical sites which entails the collaboration between the Physician (PCP), Nurse Care Manager, Psychiatrist, Behavioral Therapist, Social Worker/Case Managers, Patient Educators, Pharmacists, Information Technology and community resources such as the UT Heroes Program, Harris Center, House of Extra Measures and the Houston Recovery Center.
The Office Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Team is also actively working with the Houston Judicial System’s Success through Addiction Recovery (STAR) Drug and the Houston Responsive Interventions for Change (RIC) Courts. Pre-trial, post-trial and residential clients will have opportunities to hear and learn about the OBAT Program in Harris Health.
Our presentation will take you through the leadership journey, the model of care, treatment goals, bridging the treatment gaps, enhancement of access to care and clinical outcomes data.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Updated Evidence Based Practice models of care
- Improve access to substance use disorder treatment
- Bridging the knowledge and treatment gaps for providers and patients
- Practical solution to a complex issue of care delivery via established team approach
- Innovative care delivery models and community linkages
