Navigating Complexities: A Comprehensive Stakeholder Analysis for Opioid Crisis Strategies in Boston

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive stakeholder analysis within the context of opioid overdose prevention in Boston, showcasing the development and application of an integrated framework designed to address the complex dynamics of the opioid crisis. Utilizing a modified Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality stakeholder analysis tool, this study categorized key stakeholders into four main groups: healthcare providers, law enforcement officers, health policy officials, and community leaders. Through in-depth, semistructured interviews with 15 stakeholders recruited from Boston's Mayor's Task Force for Opioid Remediation, we synthesized insights to map out strategic intelligence essential for policy formulation and enhanced stakeholder engagement. The analysis highlighted the necessity of multisector collaboration and identified critical leverage points that could influence future interventions. The findings underscored the potential of tailored interventions that consider the unique needs and contributions of different stakeholder groups, advocating for policy reforms that support comprehensive public health strategies. The integrated framework represents a proposed implementation model for Boston, demonstrating adaptability for other urban settings. The framework introduces innovative strategies for continuous improvement and adaptation, informed by stakeholder feedback. This research contributes to the field by demonstrating the effectiveness of stakeholder analysis in developing actionable and sustainable public health policies, providing a replicable model for other urban settings facing similar public health challenges.

Keywords: multisector collaboration; opioid overdose prevention; public health policy; stakeholder analysis.