Comparative effectiveness of take-home dosing schedules for opioid agonist treatment in British Columbia, Canada: a target trial emulation protocol using a population-based observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The introduction of fentanyl and its analogues in the illicit drug supply has prompted greater emphasis on refining clinical treatment protocols to ensure sustained retention in opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Take-home dosing may lessen the treatment burden on clients and thus reduce the risk of treatment discontinuation. The evidence base supporting the use of take-home dosing, including the optimal duration of dispensations, is, however, limited. The objective of this study is to determine the comparative effectiveness of alternative take-home dosing schedules, as observed in clinical practice in British Columbia, Canada from 2010 to 2022.

Methods and analysis

We propose to emulate a target trial with a population-level retrospective study of individuals init

SUBMITTER: Kurz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12530365 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature