Study sheds light on experience of patients with substance use disorder during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect across society, but it has been especially devastating for people with substance use disorder.
A new study, published in the journal
PLOS ONE, sheds light on the experience of patients with substance use disorder who were hospitalized during the initial surge of COVID-19 cases in Oregon last spring. Researchers with Oregon Health & Science University conclude that health systems nationwide could benefit from a better understanding of people who struggle with the basics.
"We need the system to be designed and implemented for patients who may lack phone access, who may not have access to WiFi or may be living on the streets," said lead author Caroline King, M.P.H., a health systems researcher and current M.D./Ph.D. student in the OHSU School of Medicine's bioengineering program.