Transitioning to buprenorphine from other opioids can be a challenging process for both providers and clients. However, several patient-centered adaptations are emerging to minimize painful withdrawals and encourage successful transitions. These bridging strategies involve overlapping buprenorphine doses with current opioids to avoid withdrawals.

Education materials can deliver plain language summaries of the risks and benefits of buprenorphine for chronic pain. One example is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Patient Information Guide on long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain, which details what to expect with treatment and how to take opioids responsibly. While this guide is not specific to buprenorphine, it exemplifies simplified, client-centered communication regarding complex medication regimen options and frequently asked questions.

One innovative method of increasing buprenorphine uptake is establishing formalized care partnerships between pain medicine specialists and primary care providers. A recent publication details this approach, where primary care teams within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) were trained on the use of buprenorphine for chronic pain, while individuals who were interested in transitioning to buprenorphine were seen at a specialized pain clinic where pain medicine specialists directed the transition. Once stable, most patients were successfully transitioned back to their primary care providers for long-term management. Templated electronic health record notes were also implemented to assist with communication between pain specialists and primary care providers.