University Of Rhode Island Prof Participates In Methadone Study

KINGSTON, RI — A University of Rhode Island professor participated in a study that determined pharmacy-based methadone dispensing models can operate profitably while widening access

Professor Jeffrey Bratberg partnered with Brandeis University and Boston University researchers in the recent study, according to a post on the URI website.

See also: Rhode Island State House OKs Knight Bill To Expand Access To Escrow Accounts

"Bratberg, the sole pharmacist author on the study, provided his experience in addiction care — the use of medications to treat addiction — and community pharmacy research," the post said.

See also: Lawmakers Push Rhode Island School Access Bill For First Responders

"Given Bratberg’s longstanding relationship with Professor Traci Green, director of the Opioid Policy Research Collaborative at Brandeis, he was invited to contribute to the study, which aims to find ways to increase access to care for underserved people in the nation," according to the post. "Green was the senior author of the paper."

See also: Cranston Man Charged With Receiving Stolen Goods, Possessing Pot: Cops

Two different models were subjected to economic evaluations, according to the post.

See also: Swindlers Running Fake Ticket Scam In Rhode Island

"By using a 'pharmacist-dispensed' model, in which medical professionals prescribe and pharmacists dispense methadone directly, researchers estimated a return of $2.64 per dollar spent for a net profit of $23,844 over three years," the post said. "Using a pharmacy-based 'medication unit' model, in which established opioid treatment program clinicians prescribe methadone and pharmacists dispense it, the study found the estimated return jumped to $3.53 per dollar spent, for a net profit of $96,904 over three years."

See also: 55 Nonfatal Rhode Island Overdoses In 1 Week: Department Of Health