Integrated Outpatient Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder and Severe Injection Related Infections

Integrated Outpatient Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder and Severe Injection Related Infections

This study will assess the efficacy of an integrated outpatient treatment model for persons with opioid use disorder and injection related infections. The investigators hypothesize that outpatient antibiotic treatment coupled with comprehensive treatment for opioid use disorder will demonstrate a safe and effective way to manage patients. Results could improve the current protocols for the treatment of individuals with opioid use disorder and severe infections.

Inclusion Criteria:

• have opioid use disorder
• have a severe injection related infection requiring antibiotics
• willing to accept buprenorphine treatment
• anticipated to be discharged home
• require IV antibiotic therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• stroke or cerebral mycotic aneurysms preventing aortic or mitral valve surgery
• fungal valve IE
• requiring in-patient rehabilitation
• current pregnancy
• hypersensitivity or allergy to buprenorphine
• class III or IV heart failure
• end-stage liver or renal disease
• any condition that may prevent the volunteer from safely participating in the study
• self-report of desire to inject into the PICC line
• pending legal action that could interfere with study participation
• unsafe or unstable environment precluding safe administration of IV antibiotics
• living more than a 60 minute drive outside of Lexington, KY