Friends Research Institute

Lead Institution: Friends Research Institute

Status: Active

Research type: Patient Preference Trial

Setting(s): Jail and community post-release

PI: Thomas Blue

Logo of Friends Research Institute (FRI)

A Patient Preference Trial of Sublingual Versus Extended-Release Buprenorphine Telemedicine and Pharmacy Linkage for Individuals Reentering the Community From Jail

This study compares extended-release versus sublingual buprenorphine for adults with opioid use disorder as they transition from jail to the community, delivering both treatments through telemedicine and local pharmacies to reduce access barriers. Treatment begins in jail and continues for six months after release, with follow-ups at seven and twelve months. Researchers will assess retention, drug use, overdose, health quality, HIV risk behaviors, and criminal activity, as well as the feasibility and sustainability of telemedicine and pharmacy-based care. It is the first large-scale patient-preference trial of these buprenorphine formulations for people leaving jail and the first to test continued XR-B injections in pharmacies for this population.

Study Aims

Compare the effectiveness of XR-B vs. SL-B

Document factors relevant to implementation and sustainability (using Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) of the telemedicine buprenorphine intervention in jails and pharmacy setting

Principal Investigator

portrait-thomas-blue

Thomas Blue, PhD

Friends Research Institute

MPI

portrait-michael-gordon

Michael Gordon, DPA

Friends Research Institute

Co-Investigators

  • Annabelle Belcher, PhD, University of Maryland
  • Eric Weintraub, MD, University of Maryland
  • Frank Vocci, PhD, Friends Research Institute
  • Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, PhD, Duke University
  • Bethany DiPaula, PharmD, BCPP, University of Maryland

Justice Agency Partner

  • Daniel Lasher, Allegany County Sheriffโ€™s Office

Health Agency Partner

  • Howard Ashkin, Medmark Treatment Centers