Visiting Nurse Services-facilitated Outpatient Low-dose Buprenorphine Initiation and Engagement in Severe Mental Illness and Ongoing Fentanyl Use: A Case Report.

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.