Table 1.

Suggested treatment access and patient outcome measures to guide policy recommendations, future research, and best-practices.

Treatment Access

Ease of finding a prescriber

Ease of obtaining and filling prescriptions

Ease of finding counseling

Retention in treatment (medication, counseling)

Provider flexibility regarding frequency of in-person treatment components (e.g., urine toxicology tests)

Access to overdose reversal medications

Access to mutual help meetings

Patient Outcomes

Overdose and mortality rates

Emergency department visits

Detoxification admissions

Medication compliance vs. diversion

Mental and physical health outcomes

Quality of life and functional outcomes