Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-31-2025

Abstract

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), the gold standard treatment for OUD, are underutilized. Yet, research on MOUD clinical encounters is limited. Attention to social determinants of health (SDOH) can help improve engagement and retention in MOUD treatment. This dissertation project describes development of a clinical vignette-based survey using a two phase exploratory sequential design to examine the extent to which SDOH influence clinical decision-making among MOUD providers. Study 1 included interviews with 23 providers to learn their perspectives on facilitators/barriers to MOUD treatment and the clinical and social determinants most influential to their clinical decision-making. Study 2 involved development and pre-testing of a clinical vignette-based survey utilizing three rounds of cognitive interviewing. This dissertation project represents an initial step in detecting MOUD implementation inequities relevant to SDOH to inform implementation strategies to improve MOUD outcomes and better attend to the needs of individuals disproportionately influenced by effects of SDOH.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Margo C. Hurlocker

Second Committee Member

Katie Witkiewitz

Third Committee Member

Cassandra L. Boness

Fourth Committee Member

Jessica R. Goodkind

Language

English

Keywords

Implementation science; Medications for opioid use disorder; clinical decision-making; social determinants of health; opioid use disorder treatment; clinical vignette-based survey development

Document Type

Dissertation

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