- Visiting nurse services enabled outpatient low-dose buprenorphine initiation in a patient with schizoaffective disorder and ongoing fentanyl use.
- VNS provided medication administration and adherence monitoring, facilitating successful initiation and sustained treatment engagement.
- Case suggests VNS may expand access to outpatient LDBI and engagement for clinically complex patients in the fentanyl era.
J Addict Med. 2026 Sep 28. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001784. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Outpatient low-dose buprenorphine initiation (LDBI) is challenging for individuals with severe mental illness and poor treatment adherence. Visiting nurse services (VNS) may support LDBI in these complex patients.
METHODS: We present a 64-year-old male with opioid use disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder who underwent outpatient LDBI supported by VNS.
RESULTS: VNS managed medication administration and adherence monitoring, facilitating successful LDBI and sustained engagement.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: VNS facilitated outpatient LDBI and buprenorphine treatment engagement in a patient with fluctuating psychiatric illness and ongoing fentanyl use.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This case suggests that VNS may facilitate outpatient LDBI and engagement among clinically complex patients in the fentanyl era.
PMID:42804777 | DOI:10.1097/ADM.0000000000001784
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