2024
Using qualitative system dynamics modeling to understand overdose bystander behavior in the context of Connecticut’s Good Samaritan Laws and identify effective policy options
Thompson R, Sabounchi N, Ali S, Heimer R, D’Onofrio G, Heckmann R. Using qualitative system dynamics modeling to understand overdose bystander behavior in the context of Connecticut’s Good Samaritan Laws and identify effective policy options. Harm Reduction Journal 2024, 21: 124. PMID: 38937759, PMCID: PMC11210010, DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00990-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSamaritan lawsGood Samaritan lawsBystander behaviorGroup model buildingFear of legal consequencesKnowledge of protectionResponses to opioid overdosesCriminal liabilityDrug arrestsLegal consequencesLaw enforcementNaloxone useLawStakeholder-engaged processOpioid overdoseHealth care providersFatal opioid overdoseSustainable system changeOpioid-related outcomesBystander experiencesSamaritanCare providersHarm reductionPotential bystandersPolicy determination
2023
Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17
Heimer R, Black A, Lin H, Grau L, Fiellin D, Howell B, Hawk K, D'Onofrio G, Becker W. Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 254: 111040. PMID: 38043226, PMCID: PMC10872282, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111040.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-medication treatmentsRelative riskOpioid overdose deathsIncidence rateMOUD treatmentOverdose deathsOpioid use disorder treatmentResults Incidence ratesRetrospective cohort studyDifferent treatment modalitiesPopulation-level effortsUse disorder treatmentFatal opioid poisoningsCohort studyOpioid poisoningTreatment modalitiesConclusion ExposurePoisoning deathsFatal overdosesTreatment exposureDisorder treatmentDeathTreatmentMethadoneRisk
2022
Assessing the impact of the Good Samaritan Law in the state of Connecticut: a system dynamics approach
Sabounchi NS, Heckmann R, D’Onofrio G, Walker J, Heimer R. Assessing the impact of the Good Samaritan Law in the state of Connecticut: a system dynamics approach. Health Research Policy And Systems 2022, 20: 5. PMID: 34991591, PMCID: PMC8734429, DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00807-w.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid use disorderOverdose deathsGood Samaritan lawsEmergency department visitsOpioid-related deathsPublic health interventionsBehavioral changesPublic health officialsED visitsDepartment visitsOpioid usersUse disordersHealth outcomesOpioid crisisHealth interventionsHealth officialsDeathOverdoseVisitsInterventionOutcomesState of ConnecticutMultiple strategies
2021
Merging statewide data in a public/university collaboration to address opioid use disorder and overdose
Becker WC, Heimer R, Dormitzer CM, Doernberg M, D’Onofrio G, Grau LE, Hawk K, Lin HJ, Secora AM, Fiellin DA. Merging statewide data in a public/university collaboration to address opioid use disorder and overdose. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice 2021, 16: 1. PMID: 33397480, PMCID: PMC7780404, DOI: 10.1186/s13722-020-00211-9.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2017
Multiple Fentanyl Overdoses — New Haven, Connecticut, June 23, 2016
Tomassoni AJ, Hawk KF, Jubanyik K, Nogee DP, Durant T, Lynch KL, Patel R, Dinh D, Ulrich A, D’Onofrio G. Multiple Fentanyl Overdoses — New Haven, Connecticut, June 23, 2016. MMWR Morbidity And Mortality Weekly Report 2017, 66: 107-111. PMID: 28151928, PMCID: PMC5657834, DOI: 10.15585/mm6604a4.Peer-Reviewed Case Reports and Technical NotesConceptsIntensive care unitEmergency departmentYale-New Haven HospitalEmergency medical services (EMS) crewsInterviews of patientsContinuous naloxone infusionNew Haven HospitalPublic health alertsRespiratory failureCare unitNaloxone infusionEndotracheal intubationOpioid overdoseNaloxone distributionPatientsRoute of intoxicationSubsequent episodesHealth alertsOpioid antidoteFentanylHospitalPublic healthFamily membersCocaineRapid notification
2010
Integrating Project ASSERT: A Screening, Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Program for Unhealthy Alcohol and Drug Use Into an Urban Emergency Department
D’Onofrio G, Degutis LC. Integrating Project ASSERT: A Screening, Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Program for Unhealthy Alcohol and Drug Use Into an Urban Emergency Department. Academic Emergency Medicine 2010, 17: 903-911. PMID: 20670330, DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2010.00824.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSpecialized treatment facilitiesBrief Negotiation InterviewHealth promotion advocatesDrug useTreatment programUnhealthy alcoholED patientsEmergency departmentPercent of patientsAdult ED patientsAlcohol/drug useUrban emergency departmentLow-risk drinkingGeneral Health QuestionnaireAlcoholism guidelinesReferral completionUrban EDFacilitated referralDirect admissionHealth QuestionnaireUnhealthy drinkingAlcohol abusePatientsSeverity of useAlcohol consumption