Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a professional, peer-based mentorship program implemented from 2019 to 2023 to increase providers's confidence and capacity to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder (OUD).
DESIGN: The program was evaluated using baseline, endline, and follow-up -surveys.
SETTING: Arizona, United States.
PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen experienced medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers were matched with 50 new MAT providers.
INTERVENTIONS: Experienced and less experienced MAT providers engaged in semistructured collaborations through virtual, one-to-one consultation sessions.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Provider confidence, likelihood to prescribe buprenorphine, and long-term MAT service delivery.
RESULTS: New providers reported a 73 percent increase in confidence in delivering MAT services and a high likelihood of starting or increasing MAT service delivery. Follow-up data indicated sustained improvements in confidence and service delivery; 57 percent of new providers reported increasing the number of patients treated with MAT.
CONCLUSIONS: Semistructured, peer-based mentorship can increase provider confidence and sustained OUD treatment provision.