Document Type

Honors Paper

Advisor

Jefferson Singer

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) are clinically underserved due to increased health and psychiatric comorbidities, structural barriers to treatment, stigma, and insufficient resources. This suggests that there is a need for an accessible and culturally competent treatment model. Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Bridge Clinic is a multi-disciplinary, low threshold SUD treatment to promote collaborative healthcare and the transitioning of patients to longer-term care. The aim of the current study is to better understand personal accounts of patients and various clinical and non-clinical providers to optimize the BWH Bridge Clinic’s approach to treatment. Patients (N=5) and providers (N=6) participated in semi structured interviews that explored their experiences being treated or providing treatment in a collaborative, low threshold substance use disorder clinic. Using thematic analysis, codes were created and assigned using both deductive and inductive approaches. Patients characterized the flexible and low threshold approach as helpful in initiating treatment and the compassion, resources, and sense of community displayed by providers to be pivotal in maintaining treatment. Providers found the Bridge Clinic’s multidisciplinary team approach beneficial for patient quality of care and workplace environment. Both patients and providers identified transitioning out of the BWH Bridge Clinic to be challenging to experience and facilitate. Future research is needed to improve bridging efficiency within the transitional design of the Bridge Clinic model and to explore additional implementation of culturally competent care.

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