Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

None

Location

Brigham and Women's Hospital Suzuki Lab and Bridge Clinic

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Background: Individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are clinically underserved due to increased health and psychiatric comorbidities, structural barriers to treatment, stigma, and insufficient resources, highlighting a need for collaborative, accessible, and culturally-competent treatment. Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Bridge Clinic (BWH BC) is a multi-disciplinary, low threshold SUD treatment to promote collaborative healthcare and the transitioning of patients to longer-term care. We aim to better understand the effectiveness of the BWH BC for SUD treatment.

Methods: This qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews, informed by clinical experience and prior research, to explore patient and provider experiences and attitudes toward the BWH BC model. A thematic analysis is being conducted to elucidate main themes and insight.

Results:Our sample consisted of BWH BC providers (n=4) and BWH BC patients (n=2).The sample was 50% White, 33.3% African American, and 16.7% Brown with 66.7% being non-Hispanic and 33.3% Hispanic. The average age was 42, 50% were married and 66.7% were currently employed. Extracted themes will be reported which are currently undergoing coding analysis.

Discussion: The BC Model aims to reduce barriers to receiving SUD treatment through a culturally-competent, harm reduction approach. This qualitative examination helps to evaluate patient and provider experiences to further optimize SUD treatment.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.