Community coalitions play a central role in implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce opioid overdose deaths. However, their ability to effectively use community-level data in decision-making varies widely and is shaped by multiple contextual factors. This study examined how coalitions participating in the Ohio HEALing Communities Study engaged with data to support implementation of opioid-related interventions, including overdose education and naloxone distribution, and medications for opioid use disorder. We conducted a mixed-methods study guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0) to explore data use within 18 community coalitions in Ohio. Quantitative data were collected from coalition members via REDCap surveys administered at four timepoints (2019–2023), assessing knowledge, confidence, and perceptions related to data use. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with coalition members and data coordinator reflections. Descriptive statistics summarized survey responses, and thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in qualitative data. Findings were derived through an integrated mixed-methods approach, combining survey trends with in-depth interview themes and contextual reflection data. Coalition members reported increased knowledge and confidence in tracking opioid-related interventions over time. By 2023, over 90% of respondents supported learning about naloxone and medications for opioid use disorder and felt confident in their coalition’s ability to monitor progress. However, the extent to which data informed decision-making varied. Findings offer practical insights to enhance coalition capacity for sustained, equitable, and data-informed implementation in complex public health settings. Data coordinators played a key role in interpreting and applying data. Barriers included limited data literacy, inconsistent meeting structures, fragmented external systems, and policy misalignment. While some coalitions used data to drive equitable resource allocation and advocacy, others relied on it primarily for reporting and funding purposes. Findings highlight the importance of aligning data strategies with coalition capacity, infrastructure, and culture. Sustained, meaningful use of data requires not only technical tools but also investment in coalition readiness, leadership engagement, and cross-sector partnerships. These results provide actionable insights for supporting community-driven, data-informed implementation of opioid prevention strategies in real-world settings.
Lancaster et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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