A new 12-week intervention study called “Bupe by the Book” aims to improve access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment for individuals experiencing homelessness. Conducted in San Diego, California, this pilot randomized controlled trial partners the San Diego Public Library with Father Joe’s Villages Health Center. The study focuses on using library resources to facilitate telehealth appointments for buprenorphine treatment.

Participants will be library patrons with OUD who are recruited through flyers. Those who meet eligibility criteria will be referred to the health center for in-person intake visits. After intake, participants will be randomized into two groups: one using library telehealth for follow-ups and the other receiving standard care at the clinic without library resources. The primary outcomes include the uptake of buprenorphine and treatment adherence.

The study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of this library-facilitated telehealth intervention through quantitative and qualitative measures over the 12-week period. The results may support the use of library resources as a viable option for engaging people experiencing homelessness in OUD treatment. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.