Optimizing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Prisons: Strategies for Diagnosis and Shared Decision-Making
This study, conducted in Washington’s largely rural state prison system, evaluates two strategies to improve identification and treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). First, it validates two tools for diagnosing OUD in prisons: a brief two-item screening tool for broad screening and an 11-item DSM-5 checklist for confirming diagnosis. Second, it tests whether shared decision-making (SDM)—a brief, nurse-led conversation to help individuals choose treatment aligned with their preferences—improves engagement in OUD care. In a randomized trial, people nearing release are assigned either to receive SDM or standard care. The main outcome measured is whether participants receive medication for OUD (MOUD) at the time of release.
Study Aims
Principal Investigator
Helen Jack, MD
University of Washington
Co-Investigators
- Brittany Blanchard, PhD, University of Washington
- Kevin Hallgren, PhD, University of Washington
- Patrick Raue, PhD, University of Washington
- Justin Berk, MD, MPH, MBA, Brown University
- Katherine Bradley, MD, MPH, Kaiser Permanente WA Health Research Institute
- Jennifer Bobb, PhD, Kaiser Permanente WA Health Research Institute
- Leah Hamilton, PhD, Kaiser Permanente WA Health Research Institute
Justice Agency Partners
- Courtney Bagdon-Cox, Washington Department of Corrections
- Catherine Smith, Washington Department of Corrections