COVID-19 related substance use services policy changes: Policymaker perspectives on policy development & implementation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regulations for substance use services changed to accommodate stay-at-home orders and physical distancing guidelines.

Methods

Using in-depth interviews (N = 14) and framework analysis, we describe how policymakers developed, adopted, and implemented regulations governing services for substance use disorders during COVID-19, and how policymakers' perceived the impacts of these regulations in New York State.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers shifted to more inclusive approaches of knowledge generation and co-production of recommendations. Barriers to adoption and implementation of new regulations included medication/services supply, lack of integration, stigma, and overcriminalization.

Conclusion

Finding

SUBMITTER: Henry BF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8709868 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature