LA JARA — With more persons succumbing to drug overdoses than motor vehicle accidents the High Plains Research Network has launched IT MATTTRS Colorado, aimed at changing the conversation about opioid use and increasing treatment options for other types of pain management.
Dr. Reginaldo Garcia addressed the La Jara Town Board Thursday, explaining what IT MATTTRS means — Implementing Technology and Medication Assisted Treatment and Team Training in Rural Colorado. This is a study that will provide training to rural primary care practice teams regarding Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and medication assisted treatment (MAT).
This is a multi-level approach to impact 24 counties in the San Luis Valley and on the eastern plains. It is one of three grants awarded nationwide and funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Dr. Garcia said this is a three-part plan applying established best practices, along with a combination of service and recovery.
The problem is primary care practices in rural Colorado have limited access to diagnostic and treatment services for OUD.
A group of some 12 persons in the San Luis Valley are working to come up with an education plan to increase community awareness and knowledge of OUD and MAT so patients will understand the options for treatment.
Methadone treatment for heroin addiction can only take place in approved centers, Garcia said, while opioid treatment can take place at home or in the workplace, using an oral spray that is first administered in the clinic when withdrawal is about to begin, then continues as the patient is weaned off opioid and given alternative forms of pain medication.
Rural Colorado is generally devoid of medication assisted treatment programs, and recent research indicated physicians, medical practices and community members identified OUD and lack of MAT as a major concern.
According to IT MATTTRS materials, information will be translated to communities in a locally relevant way through the “boot camp translation” method for both the San Luis Valley and eastern plains communities.
Colorado recently ranked as high as second in the nation for rates of self-reported non-medical use of prescription painkillers.
“Most of the time, use of medication begins when someone is injured,” Garcia explained, “and within six months time, use of medication is chronic. At a certain point, no amount of increase alleviates the pain and the downward spiral begins.”
La Jara Town Administrator Dennis Koenig said he has had personal experience with a family member who eventually overdosed and observed, “opioids are over-prescribed.”
This is part of the issues addressed by IT MATTTRs Colorado, Garcia replied. An external advisory committee comprised of a diverse group of experts and advisors is being assembled and includes patient advisors residing in San Luis Valley and Eastern Plains communities.
There will be an increase in the number of medical practices offering MAT through a comprehensive, team-based educational program.
A buprenorphine waiver course will be offered to physicians. There will be an eight hour online waiver qualifying buprenorphine training offered through the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Buprenorphine, sold under the brand name Subutex, among others, is an opioid used to treat opioid addiction, moderate acute pain and moderate chronic pain. The combination buprenorphine/naloxone is also used for opioid addiction.
Both buprenorphine and methadone are medications used for detoxification, short- and long-term opioid replacement therapy.
OpiSafe access will be offer to providers. This is a web-based MAT registry and tracking system, along with practice coaching to support the clinical and regulatory requirements for managing OUD and MAT. A comprehensive online support system will be offered for opioid prescribers.