ORN Summer 2025 - Linking Patients to Treatment With Opioid Use Disorder: Breaking Down Barriers with MATTERS-Recording - Linking Patients to Treatment With Opioid Use Disorder: Breaking Down Barriers with MATTERS

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Joshua Lynch presented the MATTERS program, a statewide initiative originating from the University at Buffalo, focused on linking patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to timely, stigma-free treatment. MATTERS facilitates rapid electronic referrals to a network of treatment providers offering medications for addiction treatment (MAT) such as buprenorphine and methadone, coupled with wraparound services like medication vouchers, transportation assistance, peer support, and harm reduction supplies including naloxone and fentanyl test strips. The program emphasizes removing barriers related to stigma, access, and financial or transportation challenges. It operates 24/7 via a user-friendly mobile app and web platform used by emergency departments, EMS, law enforcement, and correctional facilities, enabling patients to choose providers based on needed services and available appointment slots, often securing next-day appointments.<br /><br />Telemedicine is a cornerstone of MATTERS, offering non-stigmatizing, accessible care from patients’ homes with significant benefits in follow-up rates and retention compared to traditional referrals. The program also distributes over 45,000 harm reduction items annually via vending machines and mail delivery across New York State. MATTERS incorporates continuous patient feedback to evolve services, including contingency management and peer recovery support.<br /><br />Dr. Lynch highlighted recent research demonstrating the effectiveness of telemedicine in OUD treatment initiation, challenges in emergency department prescribing, and innovations in naloxone deployment. MATTERS operates as a nonprofit, scalable model expanding into Pennsylvania and New Jersey and encourages collaboration with other regions aiming to improve OUD treatment access. The program’s integration of electronic referrals, telehealth, and community resources offers a replicable framework to address the opioid crisis comprehensively.

Keywords

MATTERS program

opioid use disorder

medications for addiction treatment

buprenorphine

methadone

telemedicine

harm reduction supplies

naloxone distribution

electronic referrals

peer recovery support