Development, Validity, and Acceptability of the Peer Recovery Coach (PRC) Service Checklist for Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Support

Peer recovery support services (PRSS) may enhance medication initiation and treatment outcomes for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). However, variability in operationalizing these services complicates systematic evaluation of PRSS interventions. Moreover, patient needs and service availability may vary in rural and urban regions. This study sought to develop a tool to guide peer recovery coaches (PRCs) in supporting treatment initiation and maintenance services for rural and urban-dwelling individuals with OUD. The PRC Service Checklist for Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Support was systematically adapted from the existing general PRC Checklist for SUD, recovery capital domains, and social support theories. PRCs (<i>N</i> = 5) working with OUD patients in rural and urban areas provided qualitative feedback on services they regularly provide; this information was used to refine the initial checklist. A mixed-methods approach with patients seeking MOUD (<i>N</i> = 22) in rural mobile clinics identified services of interest, which further refined the checklist. A separate sample of PRCs (<i>N</i> = 60) was recruited to provide their perception of the revised checklist’s content, utility, and acceptability. Over 65% of participants with OUD were interested in receiving all of the services or activities on the checklist. At least 95% of PRC respondents agreed that they were satisfied with the checklist overall and that they believed the checklist would be helpful, useful, easy to use, and included the services they provided. The PRC Service Checklist for MOUD Support is a validated tool with high acceptability among PRCs and strong interest from individuals with OUD.