Implementing a Patient-Centered, Rapid-Access Substance Use Treatment Pathway in Primary Care.

ABSTRACT: Despite the effectiveness of treating substance use disorders in primary care, access to such services remains limited. In this project, quality improvement methods were used to create and evaluate a rapid-access pathway for substance use treatment services in community health clinics. A "secret shopper" test gathered information about wait times and requirements. Results informed the development of a patient-centered pathway, in which patients requesting substance use treatment services were offered an immediate telehealth appointment with a provider and then linked to ongoing care services. This treatment pathway was feasible to implement, resulted in high treatment access rates, and was minimally disruptive to clinic operations.

SUBMITTER: Jeansonne S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12520321 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature