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
Principal Investigator
Thomas Blue, PhD
Friends Research Institute
MPI
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 Sheriffโs Office
Health Agency Partner
- Howard Ashkin, Medmark Treatment Centers