Feasibility and acceptability of a timeline follow-back method to assess opioid use, non-fatal overdose, and substance use disorder treatment

Abstract

Background: Non-fatal overdoses are underreported and there is no accepted and feasible self-report research measure of non-fatal opioid overdose. Timeline follow-back (TLFB) calendar-based questionnaires assess self-reported risk behaviors. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of a new TLFB research measure for opioid use, non-fatal opioid overdose, and substance use disorder treatment among opioid overdose survivors.

Methods: For the Repeated-dose Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Opioid Overdose Trial (REBOOT) study among opioid overdose survivors, we developed a TLFB questionnaire to assess daily non-prescribed opioid use, opioid overdose, facility stays, medications/behavioral treatment for opioid use disorder, and COVID-19 history during the previous 120 days. Staff assessors administered TLFB at four-monthly visits over the 16-month study participation period. To measure feasibility, we estimated TLFB completion time using an electronic timestamp tool. To measure acceptability, we administered a satisfaction survey to 103 participants who completed REBOOT.

Results: Among 525 TLFB assessments conducted in 174 participants from January 2021-January 2023, opioid use was reported in 510 assessments, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in 331 assessments, and ≥ 1 overdose in 107 assessments. Median TLFB completion time was 11 (IQR: 6-17) minutes for sections administered to all participants; detailed overdose questions administered to those reporting overdose took an additional 3 (IQR: 2-6) minutes. Report of ≥ 1 overdose and MOUD use were significantly associated with increased TLFB completion time. 88 % of participants reported that TLFB was very/somewhat acceptable.

Conclusions: Among opioid overdose survivors, REBOOT TLFB was a feasible and acceptable research measure, with similar completion time as other TLFB assessments of substance use.

Keywords: Opioid overdose (MeSH); Overdose prevention; Questionnaires (MeSH); Self reports (MeSH); Timeline follow-back.