The Development of a Training Curriculum for Opioid Treatment Providers in Georgia about Older Adults in Medication Assisted Treatment: A Special Studies Project Open Access

Abstract

Abstract

The Development of a Training Curriculum for Opioid Treatment Providers

in Georgia about Older Adults in Medication Assisted Treatment: A Special Studies Project

By: Jessica Biser

Background:The number of older adults with opioid use disorders is increasing at an alarming rate. The most common and successful treatment for opioid use disorders is the use of methadone or buprenorphine in medication assisted treatment. Because of the high rate of older adults with opioid use disorders, the aging population in treatment is growing. However, opioid treatment providers receive little to no training on how to manage the complex needs of older adults in treatment.

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to create and implement a training curriculum to educate opioid treatment providers on aging-related considerations for older adults in medication assisted treatment programs. 

Methods:A needs assessment involving in-depth interviews was conducted to find out what the current gaps in training are surrounding the care for older adults. Four topics were identified using thematic analysis for the content of the curriculum. The curriculum was granted 2.5 continuing education credits by the Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia, and was pilot tested and evaluated using pre/post-tests and satisfaction surveys. 

Results:The final curriculum consisted of two modules, each 50 minutes long. The first module was a general overview of aging and local resources providers can refer patients to. The second module discussed grief and an overview of advance care planning. Many providers did very well on the pre-tests, so it was difficult to determine the level of knowledge gained from the modules. The evaluations were used to gauge overall satisfaction of the training which was overwhelmingly positive.

Discussion:There is minimal research about how older adults age in medication assisted treatment and what specialized needs they may need after long-term opioid use. This curriculum is one step towards improving the understanding of older adults and what additional needs they may face in medication assisted treatment for opioid use. This curriculum should be used in trainings across Georgia to improve the care for the aging population in medication assisted treatment.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction

Background and Rationale

Problem Statement

Purpose Statement and Objectives

Significance Statement

Definition of Terms & Acronyms

Review of Literature

Introduction

Age-Related Changes

Medication Assisted Treatment Model

Stigma

Provider Training

Conclusion

Methodology

Overview

In-Depth Interviews

IRB Approval

Curriculum Development

Results

Needs Assessment

Curriculum

Pilot Testing

Pre/Post-Test and Evaluation

Discussion

Curriculum Development

Pilot Testing

Strengths and Limitations

Recommendations

Conclusion

References

Appendix A: An Introduction to Aging for Opioid Treatment Providers - Module 1

Module 1: Aging 101

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Pre‐test

Part 3: Aging 101

Part 4: Resources

Part 5: Post-test and Evaluation

References for Module 1

Appendix B: Handouts for Module 1 of Curriculum

Appendix C: An Introduction to Aging for Opioid Treatment Providers - Module 2

Module 2: Advance Care Planning & Grief

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Pre-Test

Part 3: Advance Care Planning

Part 4: Grief and Bereavement

Part 5: Post‐Test and Evaluation

References for Module 2

Appendix D: Handouts for Module 2 of Curriculum

Appendix E: In-Depth Interview Guide for Opioid Treatment Providers

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Education, Continuing Health Sciences, Aging
Keyword	Opioid Treatment Program Older Adult Opioid Medication Assisted Treatment
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Alexis Bender, Emory University Dr. Rachel Waford, Emory University

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