Gordon, M. S., Vocci, F. J., Fitzgerald, T. T., O’Grady, K. E., & O’Brien, C. P. (2017). Extended-release naltrexone for pre-release prisoners: A randomized trial of medical mobile treatment. Contemporary clinical trials, 53, 130–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2016.12.015 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28011389/ 

This article describes the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that utilizes the combination of two interventions to address opioid overdose among justice involved populations, specifically by improving access to treatment. The researchers provide recently released study participants with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) injections while utilizing mobile medical treatment. The primary outcomes are: treatment adherence; opioid use; criminal activity; re-arrest; reincarceration; and HIV risk-behaviors. This is a useful resource for professionals interested in crafting and implementing a similar study among people living with opioid addiction in correctional facilities. 

Bottom Line: The study described in this article would aim to see if providing extended-release naltrexone injections at a patient’s residence after release from incarceration (after initiating treatment during incarceration) would be more effective in treatment retention than needing to go to an appointment for their injection.