Training HIV physicians to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid dependence

Subst Abus. 2006 Sep;27(3):13-8. doi: 10.1300/J465v27n03_03.

Abstract

Few HIV physicians are trained to provide buprenorphine treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the impact of an eight-hour course on the treatment of opioid dependence on HIV physicians' preparedness to prescribe buprenorphine. 113 of 257 trained physicians (44%) provided HIV care. Post-course, the majority of both HIV physicians and non-HIV physicians (66% vs. 67%, P = .8) planned to pursue a registration to prescribe buprenorphine. The most common reason for not planning to do so was lack of experience (9% vs. 15%, P = .19). 52 of the 113 (46%) HIV physicians had concerns about prescribing buprenorphine. 30 of the 52 (58%) indicated that interactions between buprenorphine and HAART was their primary concern. Following training, most physicians feel prepared and plan to obtain a registration to prescribe buprenorphine. HIV physicians' concerns regarding interactions between buprenorphine and HAART need to be addressed in future training efforts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects
  • Buprenorphine / adverse effects
  • Buprenorphine / therapeutic use*
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Curriculum
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcotics / adverse effects
  • Narcotics / therapeutic use*
  • New York
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Specialization

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Buprenorphine