Replication of an emergency department-based recovery coaching intervention and pilot testing of pragmatic trial protocols within the context of Indiana's Opioid State Targeted Response plan

Solving the opioid crisis requires immediate, innovative, and sustainable solutions. A number of promising strategies are being carried out by U.S. states and territories as part of their Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) plans funded through the 21st Century Cures Act, and they provide an opportunity for researchers to assess effectiveness of these interventions using pragmatic approaches. This paper describes a pilot study of Project Planned Outreach, Intervention, Naloxone, and Treatment (POINT), the intervention that served as the basis for Indiana's STR-funded, emergency department (ED)-based peer specialist expansion that was conducted in preparation for a larger, multisite pragmatic trial. Through the pilot, we identified, documented, and corrected for challenges encountered while implementing planned study protocols. Per the project's funding mechanism, the ability to move to the larger trial was determined by the achievement of 3 milestones: (1) successful replication of the intervention; (2) demonstrated ability to obtain the necessary sample size; and (3) observe a higher level of engagement in medication for addiction treatment in the POINT group compared to standard care. Overall implementation of the study protocols was successful, with only minor refinements to proposed procedures being required in light of challenges with (1) data access, (2) recruitment, and (3) identification of the expansion hospitals. All three milestones were reached. Challenges in implementing protocols and reaching milestones resulted in refinements that improved the study design overall. The subsequent trial will add to the limited but growing evidence on ED-based peer supports. Capitalizing on STR efforts to study an already scaling and promising intervention is likely to lead to faster and more sustainable results with greater generalizability than traditional, efficacy-focused clinical research

Crisis event dispositions following a crisis response team intervention

OBJECTIVE: We examined dispositions of crisis response team (CRT) events over 2 years in a large Midwestern city. METHOD: Between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019, the CRT self-dispatched to mental/behavioral health-related 9-1-1 calls. Data utilized for analysis included demographic information of persons in crisis, crisis type, and crisis event dispositions. Crisis types were mental health, self-harm, and substance use related. Event dispositions included immediate detention, arrest, transport, and issue resolved. Multinomial regression models were used to predict crisis event dispositions as a function of the three crisis types, controlling for covariates. The sample included 1,426 events to distinct individuals. RESULTS: Most CRT events involved persons who were White (47.7%; n = 680), male (56.1%; n = 800), and an average of 39.3 years of age (SD = 16.6). Most crises were mental health (65.4%; n = 932), followed by self-harm (31.7%; n = 452), and substance use (25.9%; n = 370). Events were generally resolved at the scene (55.0%, n = 784); over a quarter resulted in immediate detention (26.9%, n = 384), followed by voluntary transport (14.0%, n = 200), and arrest (4.1%, n = 58). Crisis type was a significant predictor of event dispositions: Self-harm crises were associated with immediate detention and voluntary transport, and substance use crises with arrest. Homelessness was also a significant predictor of arrest. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings provide a better understanding of the short-term impact of CRTs. Data highlight how crisis type indicators predict event dispositions, demonstrating potential for more efficient emergency responder utilization by dispatching units according to crisis type. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Barriers and facilitators to implementing an urban co-responding police-mental health team

BackgroundIn an effort to reduce the increasing number of persons with mental illness (PMI) experiencing incarceration, co-responding police-mental health teams are being utilized as a way to divert PMI from the criminal justice system. Co-response teams are typically an inter-agency collaboration between police and mental health professionals, and in some cases include emergency medical personnel. These teams are intended to facilitate emergency response by linking patients to mental health resources rather than the criminal justice system, thus reducing burdens on both the criminal justice systems as well as local healthcare systems. The current study examines the barriers and facilitators of successfully implementing the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team model, a first-responder co-response team consisting of police officers, mental health professionals, and paramedics. Through content analysis of qualitative focus groups with team members and interviews with program stakeholders, this study expands previous findings by identifying additional professional cultural barriers and facilitators to program implementation while also exploring the role of clear, systematic policies and guidelines in program success.ResultsFindings demonstrate the value of having both flexible and formal policies and procedures to help guide program implementation; ample community resources and treatment services in order to successfully refer clients to needed services; and streamlined communication among participating agencies and the local healthcare community. A significant barrier to successful program implementation is that of role conflict and stigma. Indeed, members of the co-response teams experienced difficulty transitioning into their new roles and reported negative feedback from other first responders as well as from within their own agency. Initial agency collaboration, information sharing between agencies, and team building were also identified as facilitators to program implementation.ConclusionThe current study provides a critical foundation for the implementation of first-responder police-mental health co-response teams. Cultural and systematic barriers to co-response team success should be understood prior to program creation and used to guide implementation. Furthermore, attention must be directed to cultivating community and professional support for co-response teams. Findings from this study can be used to guide future efforts to implement first-response co-response teams in order to positively engage PMI and divert PMI from the criminal justice system

Suicide Prevention for Students: A Comprehensive School Counseling Perspective

With suicide numbers drastically rising around the United States for today's youth, suicide prevention is a key component of school counseling. This article outlines the American School Counseling Association's comprehensive school counseling model regarding suicide prevention. All components are discussed including foundation, management, delivery, and accountability. Delivery components include strategies for curriculum, individual counseling, responsive services, referrals, consultation, and collaboration

Barriers and facilitators to implementing an urban co-responding police-mental health team

Abstract Background In an effort to reduce the increasing number of persons with mental illness (PMI) experiencing incarceration, co-responding police-mental health teams are being utilized as a way to divert PMI from the criminal justice system. Co-response teams are typically an inter-agency collaboration between police and mental health professionals, and in some cases include emergency medical personnel. These teams are intended to facilitate emergency response by linking patients to mental health resources rather than the criminal justice system, thus reducing burdens on both the criminal justice systems as well as local healthcare systems. The current study examines the barriers and facilitators of successfully implementing the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team model, a first-responder co-response team consisting of police officers, mental health professionals, and paramedics. Through content analysis of qualitative focus groups with team members and interviews with program stakeholders, this study expands previous findings by identifying additional professional cultural barriers and facilitators to program implementation while also exploring the role of clear, systematic policies and guidelines in program success. Results Findings demonstrate the value of having both flexible and formal policies and procedures to help guide program implementation; ample community resources and treatment services in order to successfully refer clients to needed services; and streamlined communication among participating agencies and the local healthcare community. A significant barrier to successful program implementation is that of role conflict and stigma. Indeed, members of the co-response teams experienced difficulty transitioning into their new roles and reported negative feedback from other first responders as well as from within their own agency. Initial agency collaboration, information sharing between agencies, and team building were also identified as facilitators to program implementation. Conclusion The current study provides a critical foundation for the implementation of first-responder police-mental health co-response teams. Cultural and systematic barriers to co-response team success should be understood prior to program creation and used to guide implementation. Furthermore, attention must be directed to cultivating community and professional support for co-response teams. Findings from this study can be used to guide future efforts to implement first-response co-response teams in order to positively engage PMI and divert PMI from the criminal justice system

Designing and implementing an intervention for returning citizens living with substance use disorder: discovering the benefits of peer recovery coach involvement in pilot clinical trial decision-making

Peer-facilitated services in behavioral health care remain underutilized within criminal justice-involved community organizations, and there is little guidance for how to best involve peer workers in behavioral health-focused research activities. This paper described lessons learned regarding implementation of peer recovery coaches (PRCs) as part of development and pilot research on Substance Use Programming for Person-Oriented Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT), a peer-facilitated substance use disorder (SUD) intervention for returning citizens. Qualitative data were collected from learning meetings with key stakeholders and group interviews with SUPPORT clinical trial participants and PRCs. Transcripts were analyzed to identify key decisions made impacting the development, implementation, and/or revision of the SUPPORT intervention and pilot clinical trial protocols. Analysis demonstrated that PRC involvement drove many of the decisions made regarding modifications to the original intervention and trial protocols, while benefitting client-level interactions and by influencing the non-profit agency and its connection to stakeholders. Moreover, PRCs improved the research design by refining the incentive structure and data collection plans. PRC involvement also contributed to the development of more recovery-oriented resources and catering support services to the unique needs of justice-involved individuals. Discussed were the implications for the role of PRCs in justice-involved behavioral health research and treatment

Lay responder naloxone access and Good Samaritan law compliance: postcard survey results from 20 Indiana counties

Abstract Background To reduce fatal drug overdoses, two approaches many states have followed is to pass laws expanding naloxone access and Good Samaritan protections for lay persons with high likelihood to respond to an opioid overdose. Most prior research has examined attitudes and knowledge among lay responders in large metropolitan areas who actively use illicit substances. The present study addresses current gaps in knowledge related to this issue through an analysis of data collected from a broader group of lay responders who received naloxone kits from 20 local health departments across Indiana. Methods Postcard surveys were included inside naloxone kits distributed in 20 Indiana counties, for which 217 returned cards indicated the person completing it was a lay responder. The survey captured demographic information and experiences with overdose, including the use of 911 and knowledge about Good Samaritan protections. Results Few respondents had administered naloxone before, but approximately one third had witnessed a prior overdose and the majority knew someone who had died from one. Those who knew someone who had overdosed were more likely to have obtained naloxone for someone other than themselves. Also, persons with knowledge of Good Samaritan protections or who had previously used naloxone were significantly more likely to have indicated calling 911 at the scene of a previously witnessed overdose. Primary reasons for not calling 911 included fear of the police and the person who overdosed waking up on their own. Conclusions Knowing someone who has had a fatal or non-fatal overdose appears to be a strong motivating factor for obtaining naloxone. Clarifying and strengthening Good Samaritan protections, educating lay persons about these protections, and working to improve police interactions with the public when they are called to an overdose scene are likely to improve implementation and outcomes of naloxone distribution and opioid-related Good Samaritan laws

Lay responder naloxone access and Good Samaritan law compliance: postcard survey results from 20 Indiana counties

BACKGROUND: To reduce fatal drug overdoses, two approaches many states have followed is to pass laws expanding naloxone access and Good Samaritan protections for lay persons with high likelihood to respond to an opioid overdose. Most prior research has examined attitudes and knowledge among lay responders in large metropolitan areas who actively use illicit substances. The present study addresses current gaps in knowledge related to this issue through an analysis of data collected from a broader group of lay responders who received naloxone kits from 20 local health departments across Indiana. METHODS: Postcard surveys were included inside naloxone kits distributed in 20 Indiana counties, for which 217 returned cards indicated the person completing it was a lay responder. The survey captured demographic information and experiences with overdose, including the use of 911 and knowledge about Good Samaritan protections. RESULTS: Few respondents had administered naloxone before, but approximately one third had witnessed a prior overdose and the majority knew someone who had died from one. Those who knew someone who had overdosed were more likely to have obtained naloxone for someone other than themselves. Also, persons with knowledge of Good Samaritan protections or who had previously used naloxone were significantly more likely to have indicated calling 911 at the scene of a previously witnessed overdose. Primary reasons for not calling 911 included fear of the police and the person who overdosed waking up on their own. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing someone who has had a fatal or non-fatal overdose appears to be a strong motivating factor for obtaining naloxone. Clarifying and strengthening Good Samaritan protections, educating lay persons about these protections, and working to improve police interactions with the public when they are called to an overdose scene are likely to improve implementation and outcomes of naloxone distribution and opioid-related Good Samaritan laws