Pilot Studies Overview: Understanding the Barriers to Care for Polysubstance Use in Rural Areas
Several pilot studies will be planned and launched with the PAC to explore how individuals with polysubstance use, particularly those using opioids and stimulants, perceive addiction treatment services in rural settings. The pilot studies will identify barriers to care and promote patient-centered services.
The final topics and methods will be refined based on PAC input using the 10-Step PCOR Framework, ensuring studies are co-designed with people with lived and living experience.
Proposed studies will include a survey and follow-up interviews designed to explore and address key social barriers (e.g., employment, housing stability, social isolation) that impact recovery and engagement in care.
It will also generate practical recommendations for addressing social determinants of health challenges in rural areas.
The survey will focus on people with lived experience of polysubstance use, and employers and service providers supporting individuals in recovery.
