Adapting opioid misuse prevention programs during COVID-19: Implications for increasing access post-pandemic

Abstract

Physical distancing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the uptake of virtual options for prevention providers and clinical service provision in general. In this paper, we bring together experiences from the HEAL Prevention Cooperative, a unique cohort of research projects representing a continuum of care from community-level promotion to indicated prevention with older adolescents and young adults to increase access to services to prevent opioid misuse. We offer options that preventionists and other providers can implement or continue to use to expand access to youth and families who experience difficulty accessing opioid-related preventive services and supports. We also discuss challenges in implementing physical distancing adaptations that were required to operate during the pandemic. We discuss intervention adaptations along four pillars useful for providers and researchers: connecting with partners, recruitment, prevention service provision, and data collection and evaluation. We also provide recommendations for health professionals and practitioners and for future research.