Work

Scaling MOUD Implementation in Correctional Settings Through a Digital Coaching Platform: A Mixed-Methods Pilot

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: External coaches and facilitators are increasingly used to support organizations implementing new practices, but these strategies are labor intensive and costly. To improve efficiency and scalability, the Dynamic Coaching Extender Platform (DyCEP) was developed as a digital tool designed to augment coaching capacity and reduce logistical burden. This pilot examined the use of DyCEP over six months in four county jails to assess staff engagement and explore changes in MOUD utilization across the Cascade of Care (screening, identification, referral, MOUD administration, and community hand-off). Sites using DyCEP experienced increases across most Cascade indicators. Screening increased by 56% relative to baseline, referrals rose by 109%, and MOUD census counts increased by 95%. Post-referral outcomes remained stable, with minimal change in community hand-offs. These preliminary findings suggest that DyCEP could offer a promising, scalable approach to strengthen coaching support while reducing resource demands, aiding carceral settings in advancing effective MOUD programming.

Source: Journal of Drug Issues

DOI: 10.1177/00220426261484101

Authors: Jessica Vechinski, Dharmaraj Veeramani, Faye S. Taxman, Todd Molfenter

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Madison, George Mason University

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse