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Maxwell JF, Feldman SS, Li L. Patient Retention in a Substance Use Disorder Telemedicine Clinic. South Med J 2024; 117:374-378. [PMID: 38959966 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although research has continued to show that substance use disorders (SUDs) can be treated effectively with evidence-based treatment, there continues to be gaps in access, and utilization remains low. Alternative SUD treatment methods, including telemedicine, are increasingly being explored to reach patients where traditional in-person treatment approaches are inaccessible. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore SUD treatment retention, specifically comparing telemedicine-delivered opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment with a traditional in-person treatment delivery approach. METHODS Patients at Cahaba Medical Care, an FQHC in Birmingham, AL with a diagnosis of OUD and undergoing buprenorphine/naloxone or buprenorphine treatment were categorized into two groups: treatment and control. The dependent variable, retention to SUD treatment, was assessed at four different time periods over 12 months to determine patient SUD consultation appointment attendance. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between SUD treatment retention and delivery mode. Correlations were obtained to assess associations between frequency of urine drug screens performed and SUD treatment retention. RESULTS As the number of the urine drug screens patients received increased by 1, the number of SUD treatment program consultations patients attended increased by 0.69 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SUD treatment retention between traditional in-person and telemedicine delivered approaches, however. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that a telemedicine-delivered treatment program equals retention effectiveness when compared with in-person delivery. This suggests that leveraging telemedicine to treat patients with SUD could be an effective alternative for those unable to access treatment or who are less likely to attend or complete traditional in-person treatment sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sue S Feldman
- From the Department of Health Services Administration
| | - Li Li
- the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
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Osilla KC, Manuel JK, Becker K, Nameth K, Burgette L, Ober AJ, DeYoreo M, Lodge BS, Hurley B, Watkins KE. It takes a village: A pilot study of a group telehealth intervention for support persons affected by opioid use disorder. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 161:209290. [PMID: 38272117 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid use disorder (OUD) has devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. The Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a Support Person (SP)-focused intervention that aims to increase SPs' communication strategies, positive reinforcement/rewards, and social support. This pilot study, called eINSPIRE (INtegrating Support Persons Into REcovery), adapted CRAFT for delivery via group telehealth. The aims were to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of this intervention on patient buprenorphine retention and SP mental health. METHODS The study recruited patients receiving buprenorphine treatment in a primary care setting across five community health centers with their SP (N = 100 dyads). SP participants were randomly assigned to receive usual care (UC) or the eINSPIRE intervention. We interviewed Patients and SPs at baseline and three months later. The study collected patient buprenorphine retention data from the electronic medical record three months post-baseline. RESULTS About 88 % (656/742) of potentially eligible patients were able to nominate a SP and 69 % (100/145) of nominated SPs were eligible and consented to the study. eINSPIRE groups had low reach (25 % of SPs attended), but high exposure (M = 7 of 10 sessions attended) and acceptability (classes helped them with their patient's OUD). The proportion of eINSPIRE patients (68 %) and UC patients (53 %) retained on buprenorphine at follow-up were similar (p = 0.203). SPs in both conditions reported similar reductions in their depression, anxiety, and impairment symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary data suggest that eINSPIRE groups may not be feasible in primary care without further adaptations for this population. A future study with a larger sample size is needed to elucidate the observed distribution differences in buprenorphine retention. Future research should also explore methods to reduce barriers to SP session attendance to improve the reach of this evidence-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chan Osilla
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | - Jennifer K Manuel
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 675 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
| | - Kirsten Becker
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
| | - Katherine Nameth
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Lane Burgette
- RAND Corporation, 1200 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, United States
| | - Allison J Ober
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
| | - Maria DeYoreo
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
| | | | - Brian Hurley
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Family Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control 1000 S. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803, United States
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Qian G, Humphreys K, Goldhaber-Fiebert JD, Brandeau ML. Estimated effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of opioid use disorder treatment under proposed U.S. regulatory relaxations: A model-based analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 256:111112. [PMID: 38335797 PMCID: PMC10940194 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of buprenorphine and methadone treatment in the U.S. if exemptions expanding coverage for substance use disorder services via telehealth and allowing opioid treatment programs to supply a greater number of take-home doses of medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) continue (Notice of Proposed Rule Making, NPRM). DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Model-based analysis of buprenorphine and methadone treatment for a cohort of 100,000 individuals with OUD, varying treatment retention and overdose risk among individuals receiving and not receiving methadone treatment compared to the status quo (no NPRM). INTERVENTION Buprenorphine and methadone treatment under NPRM. MEASUREMENTS Fatal and nonfatal overdoses and deaths over five years, discounted lifetime per person QALYs and costs. FINDINGS For buprenorphine treatment under the status quo, 1.21 QALYs are gained at a cost of $19,200/QALY gained compared to no treatment; with 20% higher treatment retention, 1.28 QALYs are gained at a cost of $17,900/QALY gained compared to no treatment, and the strategy dominates the status quo. For methadone treatment under the status quo, 1.11 QALYs are gained at a cost of $17,900/QALY gained compared to no treatment. In all scenarios, methadone provision cost less than $20,000/QALY gained compared to no treatment, and less than $50,000/QALY gained compared to status quo methadone treatment. CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine and methadone OUD treatment under NPRM are likely to be effective and cost-effective. Increases in overdose risk with take-home methadone would reduce health benefits. Clinical and technological strategies could mitigate this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Qian
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Margaret L Brandeau
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Morin KA, Tatangelo M, Marsh D. Canadian Addiction Treatment Centre (CATC) opioid agonist treatment cohort in Ontario, Canada. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080790. [PMID: 38401902 PMCID: PMC10895228 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Canadian Addiction Treatment Centre (CATC) cohort was established during a period of increased provision of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), to study patient outcomes and trends related to the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in Canada. The CATC cohort's strengths lie in its unique physician network, shared care model and event-level data, making it valuable for validation and integration studies. The CATC cohort is a valuable resource for examining OAT outcomes, providing insights into substance use trends and the impact of service-level factors. PARTICIPANTS The CATC cohort comprises 32 246 people who received OAT prescriptions between April 2014 and February 2021, with ongoing tri-annual updates planned until 2027. The cohort includes data from all CATC clinics' electronic medical records and includes demographic information and OAT clinical indicators. FINDINGS TO DATE This cohort profile describes the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients being treated in a large OAT physician network. As well, we report the longitudinal OAT retention by treatment type during a time of increasing exposure to a contaminated dangerous drug supply. Notable findings also include retention differences between methadone (32% of patients at 1 year) and buprenorphine (20% at 1 year). Previously published research from this cohort indicated that patient-level factors associated with retention include geographic location, concurrent substance use and prior treatment attempts. Service-level factors such as telemedicine delivery and frequency of urine drug screenings also influence retention. Additionally, the cohort identified rising OAT participation and a substantial increase in fentanyl use during the COVID-19 pandemic. FUTURE PLANS Future research objectives are the longitudinal evaluation of retention and flexible modelling techniques that account for the changes as patients are treated with OAT. Furthermore, future research aims are the use of conditional models, and linkage with provincial-level administrative datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Morin
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Health Sciences North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- ICES North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Tatangelo
- Health Sciences North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- ICES North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Marsh
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Health Sciences North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- ICES North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Liu P, Korthuis PT, Buchheit BM. Novel Therapeutic and Program-Based Approaches to Opioid Use Disorders. Annu Rev Med 2024; 75:83-97. [PMID: 37827194 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-050522-033924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder continues to drive overdose deaths in many countries, including the United States. Illicit fentanyl and its analogues have emerged as key contributors to the complications and mortality associated with opioid use disorder. Medications for opioid use disorder treatment, such as methadone and buprenorphine, are safe and substantially reduce opioid use, infectious complications, and mortality risk, but remain underutilized. Polysubstance use and emerging substances such as xylazine and designer benzodiazepines create additional treatment challenges. Recent clinical and policy innovations in treatment delivery, including telemedicine, bridge clinics, and expanded models for accessing methadone have the potential to increase access to life-saving care for people living with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Liu
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Bradley M Buchheit
- Section of Addiction, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Williams AR, Krawczyk N, Hu MC, Harpel L, Aydinoglo N, Cerda M, Rotrosen J, Nunes EV. Retention and critical outcomes among new methadone maintenance patients following extended take-home reforms: a retrospective observational cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 28:100636. [PMID: 38152421 PMCID: PMC10751716 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Approximately 1800 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the US dispense methadone to upwards of 400,000 patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) annually, operating under longstanding highly restrictive guidelines. OTPs were granted novel flexibilities beginning March 15, 2020, allowing for reduced visit frequency and extended take-home doses to minimize COVID exposure with great variation across states and sites. We sought to use electronic health records to compare retention in treatment, opioid use, and adverse events among patients newly entering methadone maintenance in the post-reform period in comparison with year-ago, unexposed, controls. Methods Retrospective observational cohort study across 9 OTPs, geographically dispersed, in the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network. Newly enrolled patients between April 15 and October 14, 2020 (post-COVID, reform period) v. March 15-September 14, 2019 (pre-COVID, control period) were assessed. The primary outcome was 6-month retention. Secondary outcomes were opioid use and adverse events including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and overdose. Findings 821 individuals were newly admitted in the post-COVID and year-ago control periods, average age of 38.3 (SD 11.1), 58.9% male. The only difference across pre- and post-reform groups was the prevalence of psychostimulant use disorder (25.7% vs 32.9%, p = 0.02). Retention was non-inferior (60.0% vs 60.1%) as were hazards of adverse events in the aggregate (X2 (1) = 0.55, p = 0.46) in the post-COVID period. However, rates of month-level opioid use were higher among post-COVID intakes compared to pre-COVID controls (64.8% vs 51.1%, p < 0.001). Moderator analyses accounting for stimulant use and site-level variation in take-home schedules did not change findings. Interpretation Policies allowing for extended take-home schedules were not associated with worse retention or adverse events despite slightly elevated rates of measured opioid use while in care. Relaxed guidelines were not associated with measurable increased harms and findings could inform future studies with prospective trials. Funding USDHHSNIDACTNUG1DA013035-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Robin Williams
- Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Mei-Chen Hu
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Lexa Harpel
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | | | - Magdalena Cerda
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - John Rotrosen
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Edward V. Nunes
- Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
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Monnig MA, Clark SE, Treloar Padovano H, Sokolovsky AW, Goodyear K, Ahluwalia JS, Monti PM. Access to medication for opioid use disorder supported by telemedicine and healthcare coverage: A web-based survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addict Behav Rep 2023; 18:100515. [PMID: 37731991 PMCID: PMC10507580 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are highly effective in improving treatment outcomes and reducing overdose. Concerns about interrupted access to critical MOUD services led to expansion of telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The current study tested the hypothesis that telemedicine usage and healthcare coverage would be significantly associated with access to MOUD in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design A cross-sectional online survey was administered to a non-probability sample from June 18-July 19, 2020 using the Amazon Mechanical Turk platform. Setting Northeastern United States during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of the survey, federal regulators had waived the longstanding requirement for in-office visits for MOUD prescription receipt and provided guidance on increasing third-party payer reimbursement rates for telehealth visits in order to mitigate barriers to care associated with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Participants Individuals 18 years or older residing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island were eligible to complete the survey. The analytic sample was participants who reported using opioids not as prescribed by a physician in the past seven days. Measurements Demographics, telemedicine usage, and healthcare coverage were assessed as explanatory variables. The primary outcome was whether participants reported ability to access MOUD in the past four weeks. Findings In this sample of individuals who used illicit opioids in the past week (N = 191), one in two individuals who utilized telehealth or had healthcare coverage were able to access MOUD, whereas only one in five of their respective counterparts who did not have telehealth access or healthcare coverage were able to access these medications. Conclusions Telemedicine and healthcare coverage were associated with greater MOUD access early in the COVID-19 pandemic, when barriers to care were high. Such findings speak to the importance of not only extending but also formalizing temporary policy changes instituted during the pandemic to allow MOUD prescribing via telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie A. Monnig
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Samantha E. Clark
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Hayley Treloar Padovano
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alexander W. Sokolovsky
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kimberly Goodyear
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jasjit S. Ahluwalia
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Peter M. Monti
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Lira MC, Jimes C, Coffey MJ. Retention in Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Among Rural Populations: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1890-1896. [PMID: 37184856 PMCID: PMC10714254 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There are limited studies to date on telemedicine treatment outcomes for opioid use disorder (OUD) among rural populations. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of rural adults enrolled in telemedicine OUD treatment. Study outcomes were percent retained in care and adherence to buprenorphine assessed by urine drug screens at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: From April 1, 2020, through January 31, 2022, 1,816 rural patients across 14 states attended an initial telemedicine visit and received a clinical diagnosis of OUD. Participants had the following characteristics: mean age 37.7 years (±8.6); 52.4% female; and 66.7% Medicaid. At 1, 3, and 6 months, 74.8%, 61.5%, and 52.3% of participants were retained in care, and 69.0%, 56.0%, and 49.2% of participants were adherent, respectively. Conclusions: Telemedicine is an effective approach for treating OUD in rural populations, with retention comparable to in-person treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Jimes
- Workit Labs, Workit Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - M. Justin Coffey
- Workit Labs, Workit Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
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Tay Wee Teck J, Gittins R, Zlatkute G, Oteo Pérez A, Galea-Singer S, Baldacchino A. Developing a Theoretically Informed Implementation Model for Telemedicine-Delivered Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: Qualitative Study With Key Informants. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e47186. [PMID: 37851506 PMCID: PMC10620637 DOI: 10.2196/47186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine-delivered medication for opioid use disorder (TMOUD) has become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in North America. This is considered a positive development as TMOUD has the potential to increase access to evidence-based treatment for a population heavily affected by the opioid crisis and consequent rising mortality and morbidity rates in relation to opioid use disorder. Despite the increase in the use of TMOUD, there are no established service- and process-focused models to guide the implementation of this intervention. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a process- and service-focused implementation model in collaboration with key stakeholders and bring together peer-reviewed literature, practice-based knowledge, and expert opinions. METHODS The simple rules for evidence translation in complex systems framework was applied to guide the development of a 6-step qualitative study. The steps were definition of the scope and objectives of the model, identification of evidence, stakeholder engagement, draft model development, key informant consultation, and final model specification. RESULTS The final specification for the TMOUD implementation model incorporated key strategic priorities, service delivery prerequisites, service design elements, stakeholder identification and engagement, key process domains, and iterative cycles of evaluation and improvement. CONCLUSIONS Through stakeholder engagement and key informant consultation, we produced a process- and service-focused TMOUD implementation model. The model is modifiable to different contexts and settings while also in keeping with the current evidence base and national and international standards of high-quality opioid use disorder care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tay Wee Teck
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giedre Zlatkute
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Oteo Pérez
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexander Baldacchino
- Digital Health Interventions in Addiction Services Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Hammerslag LR, Mack A, Chandler RK, Fanucchi LC, Feaster DJ, LaRochelle MR, Lofwall MR, Nau M, Villani J, Walsh SL, Westgate PM, Slavova S, Talbert JC. Telemedicine Buprenorphine Initiation and Retention in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment for Medicaid Enrollees. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2336914. [PMID: 37851446 PMCID: PMC10585416 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.36914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Early COVID-19 mitigation strategies placed an additional burden on individuals seeking care for opioid use disorder (OUD). Telemedicine provided a way to initiate and maintain transmucosal buprenorphine treatment of OUD. Objective To examine associations between transmucosal buprenorphine OUD treatment modality (telemedicine vs traditional) during the COVID-19 public health emergency and the health outcomes of treatment retention and opioid-related nonfatal overdose. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was conducted using Medicaid claims and enrollment data from November 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, for individuals aged 18 to 64 years from Kentucky and Ohio. Data were collected and analyzed in June 2022, with data updated during revision in August 2023. Exposures The primary exposure of interest was the modality of the transmucosal buprenorphine OUD treatment initiation. Relevant patient demographic and comorbidity characteristics were included in regression models. Main Outcomes and Measures There were 2 main outcomes of interest: retention in treatment after initiation and opioid-related nonfatal overdose after initiation. For outcomes measured after initiation, a 90-day follow-up period was used. The main analysis used a new-user study design; transmucosal buprenorphine OUD treatment initiation was defined as initiation after more than a 60-day gap in buprenorphine treatment. In addition, uptake of telemedicine for buprenorphine was examined, overall and within patients initiating treatment, across quarters in 2020. Results This study included 41 266 individuals in Kentucky (21 269 women [51.5%]; mean [SD] age, 37.9 [9.0] years) and 50 648 individuals in Ohio (26 425 women [52.2%]; mean [SD] age, 37.1 [9.3] years) who received buprenorphine in 2020, with 18 250 and 24 741 people initiating buprenorphine in Kentucky and Ohio, respectively. Telemedicine buprenorphine initiations increased sharply at the beginning of 2020. Compared with nontelemedicine initiation, telemedicine initiation was associated with better odds of 90-day retention with buprenorphine in both states (Kentucky: adjusted odds ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.01-1.27]; Ohio: adjusted odds ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.06-1.32]) in a regression analysis adjusting for patient demographic and comorbidity characteristics. Telemedicine initiation was not associated with opioid-related nonfatal overdose (Kentucky: adjusted odds ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.56-1.40]; Ohio: adjusted odds ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.83-1.41]). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of Medicaid enrollees receiving buprenorphine for OUD, telemedicine buprenorphine initiation was associated with retention in treatment early during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings add to the literature demonstrating positive outcomes associated with the use of telemedicine for treatment of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R. Hammerslag
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington
| | - Aimee Mack
- Division of Health Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Redonna K. Chandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Laura C. Fanucchi
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Daniel J. Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Marc R. LaRochelle
- Clinical Addiction Research & Education Unit, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Michael Nau
- Division of Health Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Jennifer Villani
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Philip M. Westgate
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Svetla Slavova
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Jeffery C. Talbert
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington
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Tay Wee Teck J, Butner JL, Baldacchino A. Understanding the use of telemedicine across different opioid use disorder treatment models: A scoping review. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231195607. [PMID: 37661829 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231195607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated the development of telemedicine-mediated provision of medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and methadone, referred to as TMOUD in this study. As services start to return to pre-pandemic norms, there is a debate around the role of TMOUD as addition to or replacement of the conventional cascade of care for people with opioid use disorder (PWOUD). This scoping review is designed to characterize existing TMOUD services and provide insights to enable a more nuanced discussion on the role of telemedicine in the care of PWOUD. METHODS The literature search was conducted in OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception up to and including April 2023, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The review considered any study design that detailed sufficient descriptive information on a given TMOUD service. A data extraction form was developed to collect and categorize a range of descriptive characteristics of each discrete TMOUD model identified from the obtained articles. RESULTS A total of 45 articles met the inclusion criteria, and from this, 40 discrete TMOUD services were identified. In total, 33 services were US-based, three from Canada, and one each from India, Ireland, the UK, and Norway. Through a detailed analysis of TMOUD service characteristics, four models of care were identified. These were TMOUD to facilitate inclusion health, to facilitate transitions in care, to meet complex healthcare needs, and to maintain opioid use disorder (OUD) service resilience. CONCLUSIONS Characterizing TMOUD according to its functional benefits to PWOUD and OUD services will help support evidence-based policy and practice. Additionally, particular attention is given to how digital exclusion of PWOUD can be mitigated against.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tay Wee Teck
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Forward Leeds and Humankind Charity, Durham, UK
| | - Jenna L Butner
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alex Baldacchino
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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12
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Cowan E, Perrone J, Bernstein SL, Coupet E, Fiellin DA, Hawk K, Herring A, Huntley K, McCormack R, Venkatesh A, D'Onofrio G. National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network Meeting Report: Advancing Emergency Department Initiation of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 82:326-335. [PMID: 37178101 PMCID: PMC10524880 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder and opioid overdose deaths are a major public health crisis, yet highly effective evidence-based treatments are available that reduce morbidity and mortality. One such treatment, buprenorphine, can be initiated in the emergency department (ED). Despite evidence of efficacy and effectiveness for ED-initiated buprenorphine, universal uptake remains elusive. On November 15 and 16, 2021, the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network convened a meeting of partners, experts, and federal officers to identify research priorities and knowledge gaps for ED-initiated buprenorphine. Meeting participants identified research and knowledge gaps in 8 categories, including ED staff and peer-based interventions; out-of-hospital buprenorphine initiation; buprenorphine dosing and formulations; linkage to care; strategies for scaling ED-initiated buprenorphine; the effect of ancillary technology-based interventions; quality measures; and economic considerations. Additional research and implementation strategies are needed to enhance adoption into standard emergency care and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Cowan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Edouard Coupet
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - David A Fiellin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kathryn Hawk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Andrew Herring
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital-Alameda Health System, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Ryan McCormack
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Arjun Venkatesh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Gail D'Onofrio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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13
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Tofighi B, Badiei B, Badolato R, Lewis CF, Nunes E, Thomas A, Lee JD. Integrating Text Messaging in a Low Threshold Telebuprenorphine Program for New York City Residents with Opioid Use Disorder during COVID-19: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Addict Med 2023; 17:e281-e286. [PMID: 37788603 PMCID: PMC10544683 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pragmatic innovations are needed to optimize clinical outcomes among people who use opioids initiating buprenorphine. This pilot randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of integrating text messaging in a low threshold telebuprenorphine bridge program for people who use opioids during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Eligible adult patients with opioid use disorder inducted on buprenorphine (N = 128) in the NYC Health+Hospitals Virtual Buprenorphine Clinic between May and November 2020 were randomized to an automated texting intervention based on the medical management model versus treatment as usual. A participant feedback survey was administered at 8 weeks (n = 18). Primary outcomes consisted of acceptability (eg, study enrollment, engagement with the intervention) and feasibility (eg, lack of phone number and/or mobile phone ownership) of integrating texting in clinical care. A secondary outcome included retention in treatment at week 8 (ie, active buprenorphine prescription within the prior 7 days). RESULTS Nearly all eligible patients consented to enroll in the study (90.8%) and few were excluded because of lack of mobile phone ownership (n = 27, 14.6%). Requests to discontinue receipt of texts (n = 6, 9.4%) was attributed to excessive message frequency, perceived lack of relevancy, and reduced interest in the intervention. Respondents completing the follow-up feedback survey were generally satisfied with the frequency of software-generated messages (14/18, 77.8%) and half shared text content with peers (9/18, 50%). There were no perceived issues with privacy, intrusiveness, or ease of use. Retention did not differ between participants randomized to the texting (M = 5.23 weeks, SD = 3.41) and treatment as usual groups (M = 4.98 weeks, SD = 3.34) at week 8 ( P = 0.676). CONCLUSIONS This pilot randomized controlled trial confirms high acceptability and feasibility of integrating an automated texting tool in a telebuprenorphine bridge program. Future studies should assess whether text messaging may be efficacious when combined with staff contact and content addressing social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Tofighi
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Division of Social Solutions and Services Research, Center for Research on Cultural & Structural Equity in Behavioral Health
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health
| | - Beita Badiei
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
| | - Ryan Badolato
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Crystal Fuller Lewis
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Division of Social Solutions and Services Research, Center for Research on Cultural & Structural Equity in Behavioral Health
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Edward Nunes
- Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Anil Thomas
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Joshua D. Lee
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health
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14
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Hser YI, Mooney LJ, Baldwin LM, Ober A, Marsch LA, Sherman S, Matthews A, Clingan S, Fei Z, Zhu Y, Dopp A, Curtis ME, Osterhage KP, Hichborn EG, Lin C, Black M, Calhoun S, Holtzer CC, Nesin N, Bouchard D, Ledgerwood M, Gehring MA, Liu Y, Ha NA, Murphy SM, Hanano M, Saxon AJ. Care coordination between rural primary care and telemedicine to expand medication treatment for opioid use disorder: Results from a single-arm, multisite feasibility study. J Rural Health 2023; 39:780-788. [PMID: 37074350 PMCID: PMC10718290 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of telemedicine (TM) has accelerated in recent years, yet research on the implementation and effectiveness of TM-delivered medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) has been limited. This study investigated the feasibility of implementing a care coordination model involving MOUD delivered via an external TM provider for the purpose of expanding access to MOUD for patients in rural settings. METHODS The study tested a care coordination model in 6 rural primary care sites by establishing referral and coordination between the clinic and a TM company for MOUD. The intervention spanned approximately 6 months from July/August 2020 to January 2021, coinciding with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each clinic tracked patients with OUD in a registry during the intervention period. A pre-/post-intervention design (N = 6) was used to assess the clinic-level outcome as patient-days on MOUD based on patient electronic health records. FINDINGS All clinics implemented critical components of the intervention, with an overall TM referral rate of 11.7% among patients in the registry. Five of the 6 sites showed an increase in patient-days on MOUD during the intervention period compared to the 6-month period before the intervention (mean increase per 1,000 patients: 132 days, P = .08, Cohen's d = 0.55). The largest increases occurred in clinics that lacked MOUD capacity or had a greater number of patients initiating MOUD during the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS To expand access to MOUD in rural settings, the care coordination model is most effective when implemented in clinics that have negligible or limited MOUD capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yih-Ing Hser
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Larissa J. Mooney
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Laura-Mae Baldwin
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Lisa A. Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Seth Sherman
- Data and Statistical Center, the Emmes Company, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Abigail Matthews
- Data and Statistical Center, the Emmes Company, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah Clingan
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zhe Fei
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yuhui Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alex Dopp
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Megan E. Curtis
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Katie P. Osterhage
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Emily G. Hichborn
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Chunqing Lin
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Megan Black
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stacy Calhoun
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Noah Nesin
- Penobscot Community Health Care, Bangor, Maine, USA
| | | | - Maja Ledgerwood
- Rural Social Service Solutions, LLC, New Meadows, Idaho, USA
| | | | - Yanping Liu
- Center for Clinical Trials Network, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Neul Ah Ha
- Clinical Coordinating Center, Emmes Company, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean M. Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria Hanano
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew J. Saxon
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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15
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Pham H, Lin C, Zhu Y, Clingan SE, Lin LA, Mooney LJ, Murphy SM, Campbell CI, Liu Y, Hser YI. Telemedicine-delivered treatment for substance use disorder: A scoping review. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231190945. [PMID: 37537907 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231190945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID pandemic prompted a significant increase in the utilization of telemedicine (TM) for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. As we transition towards a "new normal" policy, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the evidence of TM in SUD treatment. This scoping review aims to summarize existing evidence regarding TM's acceptability, quality, effectiveness, access/utilization, and cost in the context of SUD treatment in order to identify knowledge gaps and inform policy decisions regarding TM for SUDs. METHOD We searched studies published in 2012-2022 from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and other sources. Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 856 relevant articles were screened, with a final total of 42 articles included in the review. TM in SUD treatment was perceived to be generally beneficial and acceptable. TM was as effective as in-person SUD care in terms of substance use reduction and treatment retention; however, most studies lacked rigorous designs and follow-up durations were brief (≤3 months). Telephone-based TM platforms (vs video) were positively associated with older age, lower education, and no prior overdose. Providers generally consider TM to be affordable for patients, but no relevant studies were available from patient perspectives. CONCLUSIONS TM in SUD treatment is generally perceived to be beneficial and acceptable and as effective as in-person care, although more rigorously designed studies on effectiveness are still lacking. Access and utilization of TM may vary by platform. TM service quality and costs are the least studied and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Pham
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Chunqing Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yuhui Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sarah E Clingan
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lewei Allison Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Larissa J Mooney
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia I Campbell
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health Research, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Yanping Liu
- Center for Clinical Trials Network, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, USA
| | - Yih-Ing Hser
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
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16
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Rothwell E, Surtees R, Allwood D, Gopfert A. Virtual appointments-embracing the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions mustn't widen health inequalities. BMJ 2023; 381:1169. [PMID: 37217223 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p1169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
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17
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Fast N, van Kessel R, Humphreys K, Ward NF, Roman-Urrestarazu A. The Evolution of Telepsychiatry for Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19: a Narrative Review. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:187-197. [PMID: 37266192 PMCID: PMC10126560 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This article aims to review and synthesize the current research evidence regarding the efficacy of telepsychiatry-delivered substance use disorder treatment using a narrative review with a focus on the effects of remote healthcare delivery within the substance abuse treatment space. Recent Findings The COVID-19 pandemic exerted substantial pressures on all levels of society. Social isolation, loss of employment, stress, physical illness, overburdened health services, unmet medical needs, and rapidly changing pandemic restrictions had particularly severe consequences for people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Since the start of the pandemic, addiction treatment (and medical treatment overall) using remote health platforms has significantly expanded to different platforms and delivery systems. The USA, in particular, reported transformational policy developments to enable the delivery of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, systemic barriers such as a widespread lack of internet access and insufficient patient and provider digital skills remain. Summary Overall, telepsychiatry is a promising approach for the treatment of substance use disorders, but more randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to assess the evidence base of available interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Fast
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, New York City, USA
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, USA
| | - Robin van Kessel
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Health, London, UK
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Natalie Frances Ward
- Department of International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andres Roman-Urrestarazu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Kamma HK, Alabbas M, Elashahab M, Abid N, Manaye S, Cheran K, Murthy C, Bornemann EA, Arcia Franchini AP. The Efficacy of Telepsychiatry in Addiction Patients: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e38133. [PMID: 37252504 PMCID: PMC10213379 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychiatry is one of the many medical subspecialties that have benefited from the advent of telemedicine. Substance abuse treatment via telepsychiatry expeditiously increased with the start of the pandemic and has brought changes to its rules and regulations. In this study, we focused on the prognosis of substance abuse patients treated with telepsychiatry, the various changes that occurred during the pandemic, and the difficulties faced by clinicians using telepsychiatry. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles between January 2010 and July 2022 using both broad and narrow keywords in addition to the MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) approach. The total number of records found was 765. Strict criteria for inclusion and exclusion ensured that only relevant information was collected. After removing duplicates, irrelevant studies, and research that did not meet the inclusion criteria, we were left with 373 studies from both electronic databases. From those, we ultimately retrieved 35 studies, which were subjected to a thorough content search and quality evaluation with the help of specialized instruments, and a total of 19 papers were included in our systematic review. We concluded that telepsychiatry use for substance abuse patients increased during the pandemic, and the prognosis of these patients treated with telepsychiatry was similar to that of in-person treatment. However, a combination of telepsychiatry with in-person sessions showed much better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Kamma
- Psychiatry, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mohammad Alabbas
- Cardiology/Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HUN
| | - Mohammad Elashahab
- Radiology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Naushad Abid
- Rheumatology, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Sara Manaye
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Kaaviya Cheran
- General Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Chinmayee Murthy
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Elisa A Bornemann
- Medicine/Surgery, Universidad Latina de Panama, Panama City, PAN
- Internal Medicine/Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ana P Arcia Franchini
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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19
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Paul LA, Bayoumi AM, Chen C, Kocovska E, Smith BT, Raboud JM, Gomes T, Kendall C, Rosella LC, Bitonti-Bengert L, Rush B, Yu M, Spithoff S, Crichlow F, Wright A, Watford J, Besharah J, Munro C, Taha S, Nosyk B, Strike C, Manson H, Kahan M, Leece P. Evaluation of the gap in delivery of opioid agonist therapy among individuals with opioid-related health problems: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Addiction 2023; 118:686-697. [PMID: 36401610 DOI: 10.1111/add.16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although opioid-related harms have reached new heights across North America, the size of the gap in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) delivery for opioid-related health problems is unknown in most jurisdictions. This study sought to characterize the gap in OAT treatment using a cascade of care framework, and determine factors associated with engagement and retention in treatment. DESIGN A population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Individuals who sought medical care for opioid-related health problems or died from an opioid-related cause between 2005 and 2019. MEASUREMENTS Monthly treatment status for buprenorphine/naloxone or methadone OAT between 2013 and 2019 (i.e. 'off OAT', 'retained on OAT < 6 months', 'retained on OAT ≥ 6 months'). FINDINGS Of 122 811 individuals in the cohort, 97 516 (79.4%) received OAT at least once during the study period. There was decreasing 6-month treatment retention over time. Model results indicated that males had higher odds of being on OAT each month [odds ratio (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-1.28] but lower odds of OAT retention (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.88-0.92), while the reverse was observed for older individuals (monthly: OR = 0.76 per 10-year increase, 95% CI = 0.76-0.77; retention: OR = 1.36 per 10-year increase, 95% CI = 1.34-1.38) and individuals with higher neighbourhood income (e.g. highest income quintile, monthly: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.77-0.82; highest income quintile, retention: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11-1.20). Individuals residing in rural areas and with a history of mental health diagnoses had poorer outcomes overall, including lower odds of being on OAT each month (rural: OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.73-0.78; mental health: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.87-0.92) and OAT retention (rural: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.77-0.82; mental health: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.78-0.83), as well as higher risk of starting/stopping OAT [rural, starting OAT: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.05-1.10; mental health, starting OAT: HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18-1.23; rural, stopping OAT: HR = 1.24, 95% CI: = 1.22-1.26; mental health, stopping OAT: HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.09-1.13]. Individuals with a history of mental health diagnoses also had a higher risk of death, regardless of OAT status (off OAT death: HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.33-1.66; on OAT death: HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.09-1.31). CONCLUSIONS Factors influencing engagement and declining retention in treatment with opioid agonist therapy in Ontario's health system include age, sex and neighbourhood income, as well as mental health diagnoses or residing in rural regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Paul
- Health Protection, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed M Bayoumi
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Chen
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Knowledge Services, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elena Kocovska
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brendan T Smith
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janet M Raboud
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Laura C Rosella
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada.,Vector Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Brian Rush
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Yu
- St Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sheryl Spithoff
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Amy Wright
- Ryerson University (renaming in process), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jes Besharah
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, ON, Canada.,Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health, Brockville, ON, Canada
| | - Charlotte Munro
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Lived Experience Advisory Group, St Michael's Hospital, ON, Canada
| | - Sheena Taha
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Carol Strike
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Manson
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meldon Kahan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Substance Use Service, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela Leece
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Substance Use Service, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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20
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Huskamp HA, Riedel L, Campa I, Busch AB, Rose S, Mehrotra A, Uscher-Pines L. Long-Term Prospects for Telemedicine in Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment: Results from a Longitudinal Survey of OUD Clinicians. J Gen Intern Med 2023:10.1007/s11606-023-08165-9. [PMID: 36964424 PMCID: PMC10038362 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08165-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the pandemic, there was a dramatic shift to telemedicine for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. Little is known about how clinician attitudes about telemedicine use for OUD treatment are evolving or their preferences for future use. OBJECTIVE To understand OUD clinician views of and preferences regarding telemedicine. DESIGN Longitudinal survey (wave 1, December 2020; wave 2, March 2022). SUBJECTS National sample of 425 clinicians who treat OUD. MAIN MEASURES Self-reported proportion of OUD visits delivered via telemedicine (actual vs. preferred), comfort in using video visits for OUD, impact of telemedicine on work-related well-being. KEY RESULTS The mean reported percentage of OUD visits delivered via telemedicine (vs. in person) dropped from 56.9% in December 2020 to 41.5% in March 2022; the mean preferred post-pandemic percentage of OUD visits delivered via telemedicine was 34.8%. Responses about comfort in using video visits for different types of OUD patients remained similar over time despite clinicians having substantially more experience with telemedicine by spring 2022 (e.g., 35.8% vs. 36.0% report being comfortable using video visits for new patients). Almost three-quarters (70.9%) reported that most of their patients preferred to have the majority of their visits via telemedicine, and 76.7% agreed that the option to do video visits helped their patients remain in treatment longer. The majority (58.7%) reported that telemedicine had a positive impact on their work-related well-being, with higher rates of a positive impact among those who completed training more recently (68.5% of those with < 10 years, 62.1% with 10-19 years, and 45.8% with 20 + years, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS While many surveyed OUD clinicians were not comfortable using telemedicine for all types of patients, most wanted telemedicine to account for a substantial fraction of OUD visits, and most believed telemedicine has had positive impacts for themselves and their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiden A Huskamp
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180A Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Lauren Riedel
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180A Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Alisa B Busch
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180A Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180A Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Li L, Nguyen TA, Liang LJ, Lin C, Pham TH, Nguyen HTT, Kha S. Strengthening Addiction Care Continuum Through Community Consortium in Vietnam: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e44219. [PMID: 36947125 PMCID: PMC10131887 DOI: 10.2196/44219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A chronic condition, drug addiction, requires long-term multipronged health care and treatment services. Community-based approaches can offer the advantages of managing integrated care along the care continuum and improving clinical outcomes. However, scant rigorous research focuses on sustainable, community-based care and service delivery. OBJECTIVE This protocol describes a study aiming to develop and test an intervention that features the alliance of community health workers and family members to provide integrated support and individualized services and treatment for people who use drugs (PWUD) in community settings. METHODS Based on the National Institute on Drug Abuse's Seek-Test-Treat-Retain (STTR) framework, an intervention that provides training to community health workers will be developed and piloted before an intervention trial. Trained community health workers will conduct home visits and provide support for PWUD and their families. The intervention trial will be conducted in 3 regions in Vietnam, with 60 communities (named communes). These communes will be randomized to either an intervention or control condition. Intervention outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The primary outcome measure is PWUD's STTR fulfillment, consisting of multiple individual fulfillment indicators across 5 domains: Seek, Test, Treat, Retain, and Health. The secondary outcomes of interest are the community health workers' service provision and family members' support. The primary analysis will follow an intention-to-treat approach. Generalized mixed-effects regression models will be used to compare changes in the outcome measures from baseline between intervention and control conditions. RESULTS During the first year of the project, we conducted formative studies, including in-depth interviews and focus groups, to identify service barriers and intervention strategies. The intervention and assessment pilots are scheduled in 2023 before commencing the trial. Reports based on the baseline data will be distributed in early 2024. The intervention outcome results will be available within 6 months of the final data collection date, that is, the main study findings are expected to be available in early 2026. CONCLUSIONS This study will inform the establishment of community health workers and family members alliance, a locally available infrastructure, to support addiction services and care for PWUD. The methodology, findings, and lessons learned are expected to shed light on the addiction service continuum's implementation and demonstrate a community-based addiction service delivery model that can be transferable to other countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05315492; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05315492. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/44219.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tuan Anh Nguyen
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Li-Jung Liang
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chunqing Lin
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thang Hong Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Steven Kha
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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22
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Tauscher JS, DePue MK, Swank J, Salloum RG. Determinants of preference for telehealth versus in-person treatment for substance use disorders: A discrete choice experiment. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 146:208938. [PMID: 36880898 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2022.208938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment remains a significant issue in the United States. Telehealth has potential for increasing access to services; however, it is underutilized in SUD treatment compared to mental health treatment. This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to examine stated preferences for telehealth (videoconferencing, text-based + video, text only) versus in-person SUD treatment (community-based, in-home) and the attributes (location, cost, therapist choice, wait time, evidence-based practices) most important when choosing between modalities. Subgroup analyses are reported about preference differences based on type of substance and substance use severity. METHODS Four hundred participants completed a survey containing a DCE with eighteen choice sets, the alcohol use disorders inventory test, drug abuse screening test, and a brief demographic questionnaire. The study collected data between April 15, 2020, and April 22, 2020. Conditional logit regression provided a measure of strength for participant preferences for technology-assisted treatment compared to in-person care. The study provides willingness to pay estimates as a real-world measure for the importance of each attribute in participants' decision-making. RESULTS Telehealth options that include a video conference option were equally preferrable to in-person care modalities. Text-only treatment was significantly less preferable to all other modalities of care. The ability to choose one's own therapist was a significant driver of treatment preference beyond modality, while wait time did not appear significant in making decisions. Participants with the most severe substance use differed in that they were open to text-based care without video conferencing, did not express a preference for evidence-based care, and valued therapist choice significantly more than those with only moderate substance use. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth for SUD treatment is equally preferable to in-person care offered in the community or at home, signifying preference is not a barrier for utilization. Text-only modalities may be enhanced by offering videoconference options for most individuals. Individuals with the most severe substance use issues may be willing to engage in text-based support without synchronous meetings with a provider. This approach may offer a less intensive method to engage individuals in treatment who may not otherwise access services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Tauscher
- BRiTE Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; School of Human Development and Organizational Studies, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - M Kristina DePue
- Department of Human Development, Family Science, and Counseling, University of Nevada- Reno, Reno, NV, USA; School of Human Development and Organizational Studies, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Swank
- School of Human Development and Organizational Studies, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Educational, School, and counseling Psychology, College of Education & Human Development, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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23
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, federal law required in-person evaluation before buprenorphine initiation. Regulatory changes during the pandemic allow for buprenorphine initiation by audio-only or audiovisual telehealth. Little is known about treatment engagement after buprenorphine initiation conducted via audio-only telehealth. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 94 individuals who received initial treatment through an audio-only encounter between April 2020 and February 2021 was performed. Participant demographics, substance use history, withdrawal symptoms, 30-day treatment engagement, and adverse outcomes were determined by an electronic chart and REDcap database review. Subsequent buprenorphine prescriptions filled within 30 days of the initial encounter were tracked through the Rhode Island Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. RESULTS Buprenorphine was prescribed for 94 individuals. Most (92 of 94 [97.9%]) filled their prescription within 30 days. Most had previously taken buprenorphine, including prescribed (42 of 92 [45.7%]) and nonprescribed (58 of 92 [63.0%]). Two thirds were in opioid withdrawal at the time of the call (61 of 92 [66.3%]) with a mean Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale of 26.8 (range, 4-57). Four individuals experienced precipitated withdrawal (4 of 94 [4.3%]), and 2 reported persistent withdrawal at their follow-up visit (2 of 94 [2.1%]). More than 70% filled a subsequent prescription for buprenorphine within 30 days of the end of their hotline prescription (65 of 92 [70.7%]), on average of 5.88 days (range, 0-28) after completion of their telehealth prescription. CONCLUSIONS Expanding telehealth-delivered buprenorphine care has the potential to address treatment gaps and facilitate delivery of on-demand services during peak motivation. This evaluation of audio-only buprenorphine initiation found high rates of unobserved buprenorphine initiation and treatment continuation with low rates of complications.
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24
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Sistad RE, Enggasser J, Livingston NA, Brief D. Comparing substance use treatment initiation and retention between telehealth delivered during COVID-19 and in-person treatment pre-COVID-19. Am J Addict 2023; 32:301-308. [PMID: 36645267 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A large portion of veterans referred to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment do not attend their first appointment or leave treatment prematurely. Telehealth options may increase access to care and treatment attendance. This study compared treatment initiation and retention between in-person treatment pre-COVID-19 and telehealth treatment during COVID-19 in a VA hospital outpatient alcohol and drug treatment clinic. METHODS Electronic health record data were collected on 373 veterans out of 481 referrals. Mixed logistic and negative binomial regression models were used for estimating the effect of treatment modality on treatment initiation and retention, respectively. RESULTS The odds of initiating treatment were 2.6 times greater when referred to a telehealth appointment during COVID-19 compared to an in-person appointment pre-COVID-19. Months retained in treatment postinitiation was similar between treatment modalities. Each month in treatment corresponded to a subsequently lower rate of treatment session attendance and by the fourth month, the average number of sessions attended was significantly lower for those receiving in-person treatment compared to those receiving telehealth treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE The odds of initiating SUD treatment and rate of treatment attendance over time was greater for services delivered via telehealth during COVID-19 compared to in-person pre-COVID-19. Extending telehealth services as an option for individual and group SUD treatment may promote treatment initiation and potentially higher rate of attendance over time. This study provides additional evidence for the feasibility and utility of rapidly expanding telehealth for veterans seeking outpatient substance use treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Sistad
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
| | - Justin Enggasser
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Massachusetts, Boston, USA.,Pear Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas A Livingston
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Massachusetts, Boston, USA.,Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
| | - Deborah Brief
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Massachusetts, Boston, USA
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25
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Tofighi B, Lopez R, Araujo G, Lee JD, Samuels EA, Wightman RS, Butner J. Provider and administrator attitudes and experiences with implementing telebuprenorphine during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods survey. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2023; 29:347-353. [PMID: 39005537 PMCID: PMC11244434 DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2023.2166609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This mixed-methods study assessed buprenorphine provider and administrator perceptions and experiences in offering telebuprenorphine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June 2021 and September 2021 among telebuprenorphine providers and administrators (N=16) and assessed for program design and implementation strategies, clinical workflow, patient-level factors influencing program entry and retention, and challenges and solutions to improving clinical care. Results Clinician (n=15) and administrator (n=1) participants identified changes to clinical workflow, including increased administrative tasks to confirm patient receipt of prescribed medications, completion of referrals to community- or specialty treatment, and locating available pharmacies and laboratory services. Challenges consisted of staff redeployment to COVID-19 related responsibilities, prior authorization requirements for buprenorphine prescriptions, billing structures that under-reimbursed for telephone or video visits, and concerns with changes in government regulations. Strategies to improving telebuprenorphine included offering "hotlines" to facilitate same-day visits, expanding between-visit support, establishing workflows with community pharmacies to ensure seamless dispensing of buprenorphine, co-location of behavioral health providers, and distributing donated mobile phones to patients. Suggested technologies for enhancing care included text messaging (75%) and smartphone applications (56.3%). Conclusions Findings from this study highlight considerable heterogeneity in the delivery of telebuprenorphine services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Tofighi
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health
| | - Rosalina Lopez
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
| | - Gabriela Araujo
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
| | - Joshua D Lee
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health
| | - Elizabeth A Samuels
- Brown Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Rachel S Wightman
- Brown Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Jenna Butner
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health
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26
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Hailu R, Mehrotra A, Huskamp HA, Busch AB, Barnett ML. Telemedicine Use and Quality of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2252381. [PMID: 36692880 PMCID: PMC10038015 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.52381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Little is known about the potential implications of the rapid transition to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). OBJECTIVE To examine the association between telemedicine adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicators of OUD treatment quality. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study analyzed deidentified administrative claims data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse. Claims for telemedicine visits were included for both the prepandemic period (March 14, 2019, to March 13, 2020) and pandemic period (March 14, 2020, to March 13, 2021). Patients with OUD and continuous enrollment in either commercial insurance or Medicare Advantage plans were included. Clinicians who provided office-based OUD care were included and categorized into low, medium, or high telemedicine use groups. Patients were attributed to the clinician (and corresponding telemedicine use group) from whom they received a plurality of OUD visits. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The 4 outcomes were all outpatient visits, OUD visits (in person vs telemedicine) within 90 days of an index visit, medications for OUD (MOUD) prescribing, and OUD-related clinical events (including drug overdose, inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation center stay, or injection drug use-related infections). RESULTS The analysis included 11 801 patients (mean [SD] age, 53.9 [15.7] years; 5902 males [50.0%]) who were treated by 1768 clinicians. Clinicians with low vs high telemedicine use conducted a mean (SD) of 2.1% (2.5%) vs 69.5% (18.6%) of their office visits virtually in the pandemic period. While telemedicine use for OUD increased significantly from the prepandemic to pandemic periods, total OUD visit volume (in person plus telemedicine) per patient episode remained stable among both high (2.6 to 2.7 visits per patient episode) and low (3.1 to 3.3 visits per patient episode) telemedicine use groups. In adjusted analyses comparing the prepandemic with pandemic periods, there was no differential change in MOUD initiation (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.84-1.19), MOUD days' supply (differential change in days' supply, -0.27; 95% CI, -1.84 to 1.30), or OUD-related clinical events (adjusted OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.73-1.24) among patients who were treated by clinicians in low vs high telemedicine use groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this study revealed that clinical outcomes were similar among patients who were treated by clinicians with high and low telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that telemedicine is a comparable alternative to in-person OUD care. There was no evidence that telemedicine was associated with increased access to or improved quality of OUD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Hailu
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Haiden A Huskamp
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alisa B Busch
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L Barnett
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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27
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Gainer DM, Wong C, Embree JA, Sardesh N, Amin A, Lester N. Effects of Telehealth on Dropout and Retention in Care among Treatment-Seeking Individuals with Substance Use Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:481-490. [PMID: 36710568 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2167496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth became a widely used method of delivering treatment for substance use disorders (SUD), but its impact upon treatment engagement and dropout remains unknown. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult SUD patients (n = 544) between October 2020 and June 2022 among a cohort of treatment-seeking patients at a nonprofit community behavioral health center in Southwestern Ohio. We estimated the likelihood of treatment dropout using survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models, comparing patients who used telehealth with video, telephone, or solely in-person services within the first 14 days of diagnosis. We also compared the likelihood of early treatment engagement. Results: Patients who received services through telehealth with video in the initial 14 days of diagnosis had a lower hazard of dropout, compared to patients receiving solely in-person services (0.64, 95% CI [0.46, 0.90]), while there was no difference in hazards of dropout between patients who received telephone and in-person services. Early use of telehealth, both via video (5.40, 95% CI [1.92, 15.20]) and telephone (2.12, 95% CI [1.05, 4.28]), was associated with greater odds of treatment engagement compared to in-person care. Conclusion: This study adds to the existing literature related to telehealth utilization and engagement in care and supports the inclusion of telehealth in SUD treatment programs for treatment-seeking individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Gainer
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Fairborn, Ohio, USA.,OneFifteen / Samaritan Behavioral Health, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Celeste Wong
- Verily Life Sciences, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jared A Embree
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Fairborn, Ohio, USA
| | - Nina Sardesh
- Verily Life Sciences, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amna Amin
- OneFifteen / Samaritan Behavioral Health, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Natalie Lester
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Fairborn, Ohio, USA.,Verily Life Sciences, South San Francisco, California, USA
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28
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Teck JTW, Zlatkute G, Perez A, Dritschel H, Ghosh A, Potenza MN, Ambekar A, Ekhtiari H, Stein D, Khazaal Y, Arunogiri S, Torrens M, Ferri M, Galea-Singer S, Baldacchino A. Key implementation factors in telemedicine-delivered medications for opioid use disorder: a scoping review informed by normalisation process theory. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:50-64. [PMID: 36526346 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00374-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Telemedicine could improve access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Telemedicine-delivered MOUD (TMOUD) has expanded substantially in response to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person clinical contact, yet this expansion has not happened consistently across all health systems and countries. This Review aims to understand key factors in TMOUD implementation that might explain variations in uptake. We did a scoping review using three English language databases for articles reporting on the implementation of TMOUD services. 57 peer-reviewed articles were identified, subjected to open coding and thematic analysis, and further interpreted through normalisation process theory (NPT). NPT was originally used to evaluate telehealth innovations and has been applied extensively to describe, assess, and develop the implementation potential of a broad range of complex health-care interventions. By categorising our findings according to the four core NPT constructs of coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring, we aim to rationalise the current evidence base to show the workability of TMOUD in practice. We find that variations in TMOUD models in practice depend on organisations' attitudes towards risk, clinicians' tensions around giving up control over standard practices, organisation-level support in overcoming operational and technological challenges, and evaluation methods that might neglect a potential widening of the digital divide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tay Wee Teck
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK; Forward Leeds and Humankind Charity, Durham, UK.
| | - Giedre Zlatkute
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Alberto Perez
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Heidi Dritschel
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Abhishek Ghosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Atul Ambekar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Dan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Research Center, Institute of Mental Health, Montréal University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marta Torrens
- School of Medicine, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVIC-UCC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marica Ferri
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susanna Galea-Singer
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK; NHS Fife Addiction Services, Leven, UK
| | - Alex Baldacchino
- DigitAS Project, Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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29
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Corneli A, Perry B, Des Marais A, Choi Y, Chen H, Lilly R, Ayers D, Bennett J, Kestner L, Meade CS, Sachdeva N, McKellar MS. Participant perceptions on the acceptability and feasibility of a telemedicine-based HIV PrEP and buprenorphine/naloxone program embedded within syringe services programs: a qualitative descriptive evaluation. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:132. [PMID: 36463214 PMCID: PMC9719634 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00718-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for HIV and opioid overdose. We piloted PARTNER UP, a telemedicine-based program to provide PWID with access to both oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) through two syringe services programs (SSPs) in North Carolina. We conducted a qualitative evaluation to assess the acceptability and feasibility of PARTNER UP from the participant perspective. METHODS PARTNER UP participants met with a provider for an initial in-person visit at the SSP, followed by weekly telemedicine visits in month 1 and then monthly telemedicine visits until program end at month 6. Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted in-depth interviews with a subsample of PARTNER UP participants at 1 month and 4 months. Informed by the technology acceptance model, we assessed participant perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of PARTNER UP, as well as their intent to continue to use the program's components. We audio-recorded all interviews with participants' permission and used applied thematic analysis to analyze the verbatim transcripts. RESULTS We interviewed 11 of 17 people who participated in PARTNER UP-10 in the month 1 interview and 8 in the month 4 interview. Nearly all participants were motivated to join for consistent and easy access to buprenorphine/naloxone (i.e., MOUD); only a few joined to access PrEP. Most were comfortable accessing healthcare at the SSP because of their relationship with and trust toward SSP staff, and accessing services at the SSP was preferred compared with other healthcare centers. Some participants described that telemedicine allowed them to be honest and share more information because the visits were not in-person and they chose the location, although the initial in-person meeting was helpful to build provider trust and rapport. Most participants found the visit schedule to be feasible, although half described needing to reschedule at least once. Nearly all participants who were interviewed intended to continue with MOUD after the program ended, whereas none were interested in continuing with PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Participant narratives suggest that the PARTNER UP telemedicine program was acceptable and feasible. Future studies should continue to explore the benefits of embedding both PrEP and MOUD into SSPs with larger numbers of participants. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04521920.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Corneli
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - Brian Perry
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Andrea Des Marais
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Yujung Choi
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Hillary Chen
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Rebecca Lilly
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC USA ,Present Address: Port City Harm Reduction, Wilmington, NC USA
| | - Denae Ayers
- Queen City Harm Reduction, Charlotte, NC USA
| | - Jesse Bennett
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC USA
| | | | - Christina S. Meade
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - Nidhi Sachdeva
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Present Address: North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Mehri S. McKellar
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
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Morin KA, Dabous JR, Vojtesek F, Marsh D. Evaluating the association between urine drug screening frequency and retention in opioid agonist treatment in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060857. [PMID: 36223960 PMCID: PMC9562722 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate how urine drug screening (UDS) frequency is associated with retention in opioid agonist treatment (OAT). METHODS Data for this retrospective cohort study of 55 921 adults in OAT in Ontario, Canada, were derived from administrative sources between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015. All patient information was linked anonymously across databases using encrypted health card numbers. Descriptive statistics were calculated for comparing UDS frequency groups using standardised differences (d) where d less than 10% indicated a statistically significant difference. A logistic regression model was then used to calculate ORs adjusting for baseline covariates, including sex, age, location of residence, income quintile, mental disorders, HIV status and deep tissue infections. RESULTS Over 70% of the cohort had four or more UDS tests per month (weekly or more UDS). Significant associations were observed between UDS frequency and 1-year treatment retention in OAT biweekly (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.20, 95% CI 2.75 to 3.75); weekly UDS (aOR=6.86, 95% CI 5.88 to 8.00) and more than weekly (aOR=8.03, 95% CI 6.87 to 9.38) using the monthly or less groups as the reference. CONCLUSION This study identified an association between weekly UDS and 1-year treatment retention in OAT. There is an active discussion within Canada about the utility of UDS. The lack of evidence for the impact of UDS on retention has left it open to some to argue they simply provide a barrier to patient engagement. Therefore, it is timely of this study to demonstrate that more frequent urine testing is not associated with a reduction in treatment retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Morin
- ICES North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine-East Campus, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - John R Dabous
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine-East Campus, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frank Vojtesek
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine-East Campus, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Marsh
- ICES North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine-East Campus, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Hedden L, McCracken RK, Spencer S, Narayan S, Gooderham E, Bach P, Boyd J, Chakanyuka C, Hayashi K, Klimas J, Law M, McGrail K, Nosyk B, Peterson S, Sutherland C, Ti L, Yung S, Cameron F, Fernandez R, Giesler A, Strydom N. Advancing virtual primary care for people with opioid use disorder (VPC OUD): a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067608. [PMID: 36167365 PMCID: PMC9516147 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of COVID-19 introduced a dual public health emergency in British Columbia, which was already in the fourth year of its opioid-related overdose crisis. The public health response to COVID-19 must explicitly consider the unique needs of, and impacts on, communities experiencing marginalisation including people with opioid use disorder (PWOUD). The broad move to virtual forms of primary care, for example, may result in changes to healthcare access, delivery of opioid agonist therapies or fluctuations in co-occurring health problems that are prevalent in this population. The goal of this mixed-methods study is to characterise changes to primary care access and patient outcomes following the rapid introduction of virtual care for PWOUD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will use a fully integrated mixed-methods design comprised of three components: (a) qualitative interviews with family physicians and PWOUD to document experiences with delivering and accessing virtual visits, respectively; (b) quantitative analysis of linked, population-based administrative data to describe the uptake of virtual care, its impact on access to services and downstream outcomes for PWOUD; and (c) facilitated deliberative dialogues to co-create educational resources for family physicians, PWOUD and policymakers that promote equitable access to high-quality virtual primary care for this population. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval for this study has been granted by Research Ethics British Columbia. We will convene PWOUD and family physicians for deliberative dialogues to co-create educational materials and policy recommendations based on our findings. We will also disseminate findings via traditional academic outputs such as conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Hedden
- Simon Fraser University Faculty of Health Sciences, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rita K McCracken
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Spencer
- Simon Fraser University Faculty of Health Sciences, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shawna Narayan
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ellie Gooderham
- Simon Fraser University Faculty of Health Sciences, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paxton Bach
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jade Boyd
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christina Chakanyuka
- Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria School of Nursing, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- Simon Fraser University Faculty of Health Sciences, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jan Klimas
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Law
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kimberlyn McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Simon Fraser University Faculty of Health Sciences, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sandra Peterson
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christy Sutherland
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Seles Yung
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fred Cameron
- SOLID Outreach Society, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Amanda Giesler
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nardia Strydom
- Department of Primary Care, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Bosse JD, Hoffman K, Wiest K, Todd Korthuis P, Petluri R, Pertl K, Martin SA. Patient evaluation of a smartphone application for telehealth care of opioid use disorder. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:50. [PMID: 36085078 PMCID: PMC9462609 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with opioid use disorder (OUD) face barriers to entering and remaining in life-saving treatment (e.g., stigma, detrimental interactions with health care, and privacy concerns). Telehealth and related technology can reduce barriers to entering and staying in care. Patient feedback is critical to the development of these newer treatment approaches to ensure they are usable and do not inadvertently recreate treatment barriers. Purpose Evaluate the perceived usability of existing and planned features of a mobile application (app) that facilitates delivery of OUD treatment via telehealth. Methods People with current or prior experience with OUD treatment were eligible for the study. Participants (n = 31; 55% women) provided feedback on an interactive prototype demonstration via individual qualitative interviews and completed a quantitative survey on the app’s perceived usability. Descriptive statistics summarized the usability survey. We analyzed qualitative interview transcripts to elicit common themes. Results Participants were primarily white (77%) with a mean age of 42.2 years (range 22–69). Participants rated the six major features of the current app as helpful (median response 5 out of 5) and appreciated the flexibility of conducting a visit from a place of their choosing. Participants regarded the five proposed components of the app, such as daily affirmations and medication treatment-related reminders (e.g., pick up medication at pharmacy, medication schedule), as useful features with medians 5 out of 5, and reported they would recommend the app to others for OUD care. Participant qualitative interviews provided additional information on perceived usability of existing and proposed app features. Conclusion Our study suggests that an appealing, easy-to-use app—with tools and features that effectively support care—could circumvent existing barriers and foster sustained recovery. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13722-022-00331-4.
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Pijl EM, Alraja A, Duff E, Cooke C, Dash S, Nayak N, Lamoureux J, Poulin G, Knight E, Fry B. Barriers and facilitators to opioid agonist therapy in rural and remote communities in Canada: an integrative review. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:62. [PMID: 36028837 PMCID: PMC9412807 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People living in rural and remote communities in Canada are often disproportionately impacted by opioid use disorder. When compared to urban centres, rural and remote populations face additional barriers to treatment, including geographical distance as well as chronic shortages of health care professionals. This integrative review of the literature was conducted to explore the facilitators and barriers of OAT in rural and remote Canadian communities. Methods A search of the literature identified relevant studies published between 2001 and 2021. Results The search strategy yielded 26 scholarly peer-reviewed publications, which explored specific barriers and facilitators to rural and remote OAT in Canada, along with two reports and one fact sheet from the grey literature. Most of the scholarly articles were descriptive studies (n = 14) or commentaries (n = 9); there were only three intervention studies. Facilitators and barriers to OAT programs were organized into six themes: intrapersonal/patient factors, social/non-medical program factors, family/social context factors (including community factors), infrastructure/environmental factors, health care provider factors, and system/policy factors. Conclusions Although themes in the literature resembled the social-ecological framework, most of the studies focused on the patient-provider dyad. Two of the most compelling studies focused on community factors that positively impacted OAT success and highlighted a holistic approach to care, nested in a community-based holistic model. Further research is required to foster OAT programs in rural and remote communities.
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Hohman JA, Martinez KA, Anand A, Rood M, Martyn T, Rose S, Rothberg MB. Use of Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine to Access Mental Health Services. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:2759-2767. [PMID: 35091925 PMCID: PMC8799413 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has contributed to growing demand for mental health services, but patients face significant barriers to accessing care. Direct-to-consumer(DTC) telemedicine has been proposed as one way to increase access, yet little is known about its pre-pandemic use for mental healthcare. OBJECTIVE To characterize patients, providers, and their use of a large nationwide DTC telemedicine platform for mental healthcare. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING Mental health encounters conducted on the American Well DTC telemedicine platform from 2016 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS Patients and physicians. MAIN MEASURES Patient measures included demographics, insurance report, and number of visits. Provider characteristics included specialty, region, and number of encounters. Encounter measures included wait time, visit length and timing, out-of-pocket payment, coupon use, prescription outcome, referral receipt, where care otherwise would have been sought, and patient satisfaction. Factors associated with five-star physician ratings and prescription receipt were assessed using logistic regression. KEY RESULTS We analyzed 19,270 mental health encounters between 6708 patients and 1045 providers. Visits were most frequently for anxiety (39.1%) or depression (32.5%), with high satisfaction (4.9/5) across conditions. Patients had a median 2.0 visits for psychiatry (IQR 1.0-3.0) and therapy (IQR 1.0-5.0), compared to 1.0 visit (IQR 1.0-1.0) for urgent care. High satisfaction was positively correlated with prescription receipt (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.54-2.32) and after-hours timing (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.36). Prescription rates ranged from 79.6% for depression to 32.2% for substance use disorders. Prescription receipt was associated with increased visit frequency (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.57-2.42 for ≥ 3 visits). CONCLUSIONS As the burden of psychiatric disease grows, DTC telemedicine offers one solution for extending access to mental healthcare. While most encounters were one-off, evidence of some continuity in psychiatry and therapy visits-as well as overall high patient satisfaction-suggests potential for broader DTC telemental health use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Hohman
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Cleveland Clinic Community Care, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Kathryn A Martinez
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amit Anand
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Behavioral Health, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mark Rood
- Cleveland Clinic Community Care, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Trejeeve Martyn
- Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Susannah Rose
- Office of Patient Experience, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Michael B Rothberg
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Cleveland Clinic Community Care, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Mattocks KM, Moore DT, Wischik DL, Lazar CM, Rosen MI. Understanding opportunities and challenges with telemedicine-delivered buprenorphine during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 139:108777. [PMID: 35346533 PMCID: PMC8949846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a debilitating illness that remains a serious public health issue in the United States. Use of telemedicine to deliver medications for the treatment of OUD (MOUD) was limited until the confluence of the COVID-19 and opioid addiction epidemics in spring 2020. Starting in spring 2020, the Department of Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) transitioned from in-person to mostly telemedicine-delivered OUD care to reduce COVID-19 transmission among veterans and providers. To gain a nuanced understanding of provider perspectives on MOUD care delivery using telemedicine, we conducted semi-structured interviews with VHA providers who were using telehealth to deliver MOUD care. METHODS We conducted semi-structed Zoom interviews with VA clinicians at nine VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) in eight states. Potential study participants were identified as providers who were involved in referrals and provision of buprenorphine treatment for chronic pain and opioid addiction. Audio-recordings of all interviews were transcribed and entered into Atlas. Ti qualitative analysis software. The study team analyzed the transcripts for major themes related to tele-prescribing practices for buprenorphine. RESULTS Twenty-three VA providers participated in the study, representing 32% of all providers invited to participate in the study. The research team identified the following four themes: (1) COVID-19 spurred a seismic shift in OUD treatment; (2) Video calls provided a rare window into veterans' lives; (3) Providers experienced numerous challenges to virtual visits; and (4) Providers wrestled with paternalism and trust. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic accelerated the movement toward harm reduction approaches. Prior to the pandemic, stringent requirements existed for patients receiving MOUD care. Providers in this study reflected on the need for these requirements (e.g., in-person visits, toxicology screens) and how reducing this monitoring implied more trust in patients' autonomous decisions. Providers' observation that videoconferencing offered them a window into patients' lives may offer some ways to improve rapport, and research should explore how best to incorporate the additional information conveyed in virtual visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, MA, United States of America; University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America.
| | - David T Moore
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Dora Lendvai Wischik
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America; Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Christina M Lazar
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Marc I Rosen
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
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Sadek J, Saunders J. Treatment retention in opioid agonist therapy: comparison of methadone versus buprenorphine/naloxone by analysis of daily-witnessed dispensed medication in a Canadian Province. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:516. [PMID: 35908052 PMCID: PMC9338516 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The last decade has shown a remarkable increase in the rates of illicit opioid use in Canada and internationally, which is associated with large increases in opioid related morbidity and mortality. While the differences between methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone in terms of retention have been studied outside Canada, the unique location and design of this study, gives it a specific significance. OBJECTIVES This study aims to describe the relative treatment retention rates for first episode opioid replacement treatment between methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone for patients receiving daily witnessed dispensed medications in Nova Scotia. METHODS A longitudinal retrospective descriptive study analyzing secondary data from the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program on patients 18 years of age and older who started first episode opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder in Nova Scotia between 2014 and 2018. Treatment episode was defined as date of initial opioid agonist prescription until there is a gap of greater than 6 days without receiving opioid agonist medication at a pharmacy. RESULTS One thousand eight hundred sixty-seven of whom were analyzed as they had at least 1 day in treatment. There was significant treatment dropout within the first 2 weeks of treatment, which did not show a significant difference between OAT medication (23.4% of buprenorphine/naloxone; 22.2% methadone). Median duration of retention in treatment was 58 days for those treated with buprenorphine/naloxone and 101 days for patients treated with methadone. Multivariate cox proportional hazards model showed that buprenorphine/naloxone use as compared to methadone lead to increased hazard of treatment dropout by 62% (HR = 1.62). Hazard rate of treatment dropout for patients below 25 years of age was calculated. (HR 1.53). Median duration of retention in treatment for this subgroup of patients younger than age 25 was 37.5 days for patients treated with buprenorphine/naloxone and 69 days for patients treated with methadone. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that methadone is a numerically superior medication for opioid use disorder when the metric of treatment retention is viewed in isolation, for our population in Nova Scotia. However, the results should be interpreted carefully considering the number of limitations of this study. There are social/accessibility, pharmacologic/safety, and patient preference factors which are also key in decision making when prescribing opioid agonist therapy. These must all be considered when deciding on which medication to initiate for a patient beginning a new treatment episode with OAT for opioid use disorder. This study should stimulate further research into this important area in addiction medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sadek
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, 810 Maplewood Lane, Halifax, NS, B3H 4k3, Canada.
| | - Joseph Saunders
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Day N, Wass M, Smith K. Virtual opioid agonist treatment: Alberta's virtual opioid dependency program and outcomes. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:40. [PMID: 35902924 PMCID: PMC9330968 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Virtually delivered healthcare (telehealth, telemedicine) has the potential to reduce gaps in access to opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Barriers to accessing OAT such as lack of transportation, in-person induction requirements, employment demands and limited childcare options reduce treatment opportunities for clients. A completely virtual model of care has been developed in Alberta, Canada. This paper introduces the unique virtual clinic model and describes outcomes from that model. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted using datasets within existing electronic health records and databases from Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP). Outcome data were extracted at admission to ongoing care by Case Management within the VODP and at 3, 6 and 12 months for the duration of treatment. Utilization trends over three years were analyzed, including admissions, discharges and active client information. Data regarding clinical outcomes for clients engaged in ongoing care with the VODP were aggregated for analysis over four time periods, including treatment retention rates at 6 and 12 months. Results A total of 440 client records were included in the study sample. Descriptive analysis showed rapid growth in utilization over three fiscal years. Despite rapid growth in utilization, median wait days for treatment decreased from 6 to 0 days with the initiation of a Same Day Start service to support low barrier immediate access to treatment. Treatment retention rates for clients in ongoing care were comparable to published reports, with 90% of the study sample remaining in treatment over 6 months, and 58% showing retention over 12 months. Clients reported high levels of satisfaction (90%) and outcomes reflected reductions in drug use and overdose as well as improved social functioning. Conclusions The VODP model demonstrated high levels of client satisfaction, rapid growth in utilization and positive preliminary clinical outcomes. Entirely virtual delivery of opioid agonist therapy is a promising option to facilitate access to evidence based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the context of a fentanyl overdose crisis, particularly for individuals living in rural or underserved areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Day
- Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Ponoka, AB, Canada.,Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, P.O. Box 1000, T4J 1R8, Ponoka, AB, Canada
| | - Maureen Wass
- Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Ponoka, AB, Canada. .,Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, P.O. Box 1000, T4J 1R8, Ponoka, AB, Canada.
| | - Kelly Smith
- Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Ponoka, AB, Canada.,Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, P.O. Box 1000, T4J 1R8, Ponoka, AB, Canada
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Lambdin BH, Kan D, Kral AH. Improving equity and access to buprenorphine treatment through telemedicine at syringe services programs. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:51. [PMID: 35841036 PMCID: PMC9283820 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00483-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims In the United States, access to buprenorphine remains low and disparities regarding who receives treatment have emerged. Federal laws have regulated buprenorphine delivery, ultimately limiting its implementation more broadly. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal agencies acted quickly to remove a legal barrier, effectively allowing people with opioid used disorder (OUD) to initiate buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine. Leveraging this policy shift, a low barrier buprenorphine treatment initiative via telemedicine was started at syringe service programs in California. We assessed early findings from participants reached by this model of treatment. Methods In May 2020, buprenorphine treatment was offered through a virtual platform to SSP participants in California. SSP staff connected interested participants to virtual appointments with medical providers in a private location. During these visits, clinicians conducted clinical assessments for diagnosing participants with OUD and developed an unsupervised home induction plan for individuals who were eligible. Participants were prescribed a 7-day supply of up to 16 mg daily buprenorphine or 16 mg buprenorphine-2 mg naloxone and asked to return the following week if interested in continuing treatment. Results From May 2020 to March 2021, the SSP-buprenorphine virtual care initiative inducted 115 participants onto treatment with 87% of participants inducted on the same day as their referral. Of those inducted, 58% were between the ages of 30 and 49 and 28% were cisgender female. Regarding participants’ method of payment to reimburse buprenorphine costs, 92% of participants were covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Overall, 64% of participants returned for a second buprenorphine prescription refill. Conclusions These early findings suggest that this could be a promising approach to improve equity and access to buprenorphine treatment. We encourage policymakers to continue allowing buprenorphine delivery via telemedicine and researchers to study whether this approach improves equity and access to treatment throughout the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrot H Lambdin
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
| | - David Kan
- Bright Heart Health, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Alex H Kral
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
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Donnell A, Unnithan C, Tyndall J, Hanna F. Digital Interventions to Save Lives From the Opioid Crisis Prior and During the SARS COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Australian and Canadian Experiences. Front Public Health 2022; 10:900733. [PMID: 35903371 PMCID: PMC9314644 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.900733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe potential for digital initiatives for opioid harm reduction is boundless. Synthesized evidence on current interventions and their efficacy are emerging. This scoping review is an effort to aggregate Canadian and Australian digital health initiatives used to prevent opioid-related deaths and minimize harm, prior to and particularly during the pandemic of SARs-COVID-19, when the crisis escalated.MethodsThe Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews was used. Peer reviewed and gray literature published between January 2016 to October 2021 were included. Search translation was performed across CINAHL, Cochrane, SCOPUS, MEDLINE Complete, and ProQuest Public Health with consistent use of key search terms. Citation checks were also conducted. Studies included were written in English and reported on digital technologies to prevent opioid-related harm and/or mortality in participants aged 18 years or older in Australia and Canada.ResultsA total of 16 publications were included in the final analysis (Australia = 5; Canada = 11). The most frequently reported digital technologies were telehealth to support access to treatment (n = 3) and mobile applications for overdose monitoring and prevention (n = 3). Telehealth-delivered opioid replacement therapy demonstrated equal outcomes and treatment retention rates compared to in-person and mobile applications for overdose monitoring demonstrated lifesaving capability through direct linkages with emergency response services.ConclusionsDigital interventions to minimize opioid crisis related harm and overdose prevention are fast emerging in Australia and Canada. During the pandemic, the crisis escalated in both countries as a public health emergency, and different initiatives were trialed. Digital harm reduction solutions via mobile apps (or SaaS solutions) were found to have the potential to prevent accidental overdose deaths and save lives, if rendered through privacy preserved, secure and trust enabled methods that empower users. Knowledge sharing between the two countries, relating to suitable interventions, may add significant value in combatting the escalating opioid crisis in the post pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Donnell
- Program of Public Health, Department of Health, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Andrea Donnell
| | - Chandana Unnithan
- Program of Public Health, Department of Health, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Tyndall
- Library & Learning Services, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fahad Hanna
- Program of Public Health, Department of Health, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Kang AW, DeBritz AA, Hoadley A, DelaCuesta C, Walton M, Hurley L, Martin R. Barriers and poor telephone counseling experiences among patients receiving medication for opioid use disorders. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2607-2610. [PMID: 35279358 PMCID: PMC9203915 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the relaxation of regulations surrounding Medication for Opioid Use Disorders (MOUD) treatment, including a shift from in-person to telehealth counseling services adjunct to MOUD treatment. We examine how patient-level barriers impact their counseling experiences. METHODS We examine data from n = 264 participants who completed a cross-sectional survey regarding their experiences with telephone counseling adjunct to MOUD between July to November 2020. Variables examined include: convenience and satisfaction with telephone counseling, comfort and change in relationship with counselor, and how telephone counseling helped with anxiety, depression, anger, substance use, and recovery. Participants also listed the barriers they faced when using telephone counseling. RESULTS Thirty-one percent of the sample (n = 81) reported experiencing one or more barriers to telephone counseling. Satisfaction with counseling, perceived convenience, comfort, and beneficial effects of counseling on substance use were associated with increased odds of reporting no barriers (range of p.038 to <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Many participants reported barriers to telehealth counseling, and these barriers were in turn associated with poorer counseling experiences. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Many treatment providers plan to integrate telehealth service provision in their healthcare delivery model, but more research on patient-level barriers and its impact on treatment is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine W Kang
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States; Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.
| | - Audrey A DeBritz
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ariel Hoadley
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Courtney DelaCuesta
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Mary Walton
- CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., Cranston, RI, United States
| | - Linda Hurley
- CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., Cranston, RI, United States
| | - Rosemarie Martin
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
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Mitchell P, Samsel S, Curtin KM, Price A, Turner D, Tramp R, Hudnall M, Parton J, Lewis D. Geographic disparities in access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder across US census tracts based on treatment utilization behavior. Soc Sci Med 2022; 302:114992. [PMID: 35512612 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. with deaths from opioid overdose occurring at a higher rate in rural areas. The gaps in the provision of healthcare services have been exacerbated by the opioid crisis leaving vulnerable populations without access to preventative care and education, harm reduction, both chronic and acute treatment of the symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD), and long-term psychological support for those with OUD and their families. There has been a call in the literature -and a federal mandate-for increased access to opioid treatment facilities, but to date this access has not been operationalized using best practices in geography. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) with FDA-approved methadone or buprenorphine has been shown to increase treatment retention, reduce opioid use and associated health and societal harms, and reduce opioid related overdose, and as such is considered the most effective treatment for OUD. The objective of this study is to examine U.S. adults' spatial access to MOUD - specifically locations of certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and DATA-waived Buprenorphine providers. A gravity-based variant of the enhanced two-step floating catchment area model is employed, where friction of distance is based on previously published willingness to travel distances for patients visiting OTPs, to assess how opioid agonist treatment accessibility varies across the nation. Findings suggest that there are extensive 'treatment deserts' where there is little to no physical access to MOUD, especially in rural areas. The significance of this work lies in the incorporation of treatment utilization behavior in the access metric, and the continued confirmation of gaps in access to OUD services despite federal efforts to improve accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Mitchell
- Department of Geography, Laboratory for Location Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
| | - Steven Samsel
- Institute of Data & Analytics, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Kevin M Curtin
- Department of Geography, Laboratory for Location Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Ashleigh Price
- Department of Geography, Laboratory for Location Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Daniel Turner
- Department of Geography, Laboratory for Location Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Ryan Tramp
- Institute of Data & Analytics, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Matthew Hudnall
- Department of Information Systems, Operations Management, and Statistics, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Jason Parton
- Department of Information Systems, Operations Management, and Statistics, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Dwight Lewis
- Department of Management, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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Washio Y, Hayashi YP, Atreyapurapu S, Chang K, Ma T, Howard BN, van der Drift I, Browne FA, Wechsberg WM. A Scoping Review of Computer-Based and Telecommunication Technology Interventions to Address Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Smoking in Women. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1257-1272. [PMID: 35582861 PMCID: PMC10083725 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2076878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computer-based and telecommunication technology has become increasingly common to address addiction among women. This review assessed the effect of technology-based interventions on substance misuse, alcohol use, and smoking outcomes among women. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline was used to conduct the scoping review. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were used to search for peer-reviewed articles published in English on computer-based and telecommunication technology use to address substance misuse, alcohol use, and smoking among women. RESULTS A total of 30 articles were selected after the final full-text review from the U.S., England, Japan, and the Netherlands. The types of technology used in the interventions included computer software (standalone or web-based), mobile applications, video calling, phone, and text messaging. Intervention outcomes included alcohol and other substance misuse reduction as polysubstance misuse (n = 5), smoking cessation (n = 10), substance misuse reduction only (n = 6), and alcohol use reduction only (n = 9). The populations reached included women who were pregnant (n = 13), postpartum (n = 4), or non-pregnant (n = 14) ranging from adolescent to adulthood. Interventions that targeted polysubstance misuse showed statistically significant reductions (p < .05). CONCLUSION Although effective in reducing alcohol and other substance misuse, mixed findings were identified for other outcomes targeting a single substance. Technology-based interventions might maximize their effects by targeting polysubstance misuse and addressing associated contextual issues in the form of a computer-delivered module(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Washio
- Substance Use, Gender and Applied Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 U.S.A
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140 U.S.A
| | | | | | - Katie Chang
- Benten Technologies, Inc., Manassas, VA, U.S.A
| | - Tony Ma
- Benten Technologies, Inc., Manassas, VA, U.S.A
| | - Brittni N. Howard
- Substance Use, Gender and Applied Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 U.S.A
| | - Isa van der Drift
- Substance Use, Gender and Applied Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 U.S.A
| | - Felicia A. Browne
- Substance Use, Gender and Applied Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 U.S.A
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, U.S.A
| | - Wendee M. Wechsberg
- Substance Use, Gender and Applied Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 U.S.A
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, U.S.A
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, U.S.A
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Mark TL, Treiman K, Padwa H, Henretty K, Tzeng J, Gilbert M. Addiction Treatment and Telehealth: Review of Efficacy and Provider Insights During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:484-491. [PMID: 34644125 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Addiction treatment via telehealth expanded to unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to clarify whether the research evidence on the efficacy of telehealth-delivered substance use disorder treatment and the experience of providers using telehealth during the pandemic support continued use of telehealth after the pandemic and, if so, under what circumstances. METHODS Data sources included a literature review on the efficacy of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment, responses to a 2020 online survey from 100 California addiction treatment providers, and interviews with 30 California treatment providers and other stakeholders. RESULTS Eight published studies were identified that compared addiction treatment via telehealth with in-person treatment. Seven found telehealth treatment as effective but not more effective than in-person treatment in terms of retention, therapeutic alliance, and substance use. One Canadian study found that telehealth facilitated methadone prescribing and improved retention. In the survey results reported here, California addiction treatment providers said that more than 50% of their patients were being treated via telehealth for intensive outpatient treatment, individual counseling, group counseling, and intake assessment. They were most confident that individual counseling via telehealth was as effective as in-person individual counseling and less sure about the relative effectiveness of telehealth-delivered medication management, group counseling, and intake assessments. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth may help engage patients in addiction treatment by improving access and convenience. Additional research is needed to confirm that benefit and to determine how best to tailor telehealth to each patient's circumstances and with what mix of in-person and telehealth services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tami L Mark
- RTI International, Rockville, Maryland (Mark, Treiman), and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Henretty, Tzeng); Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Padwa, Gilbert)
| | - Katherine Treiman
- RTI International, Rockville, Maryland (Mark, Treiman), and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Henretty, Tzeng); Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Padwa, Gilbert)
| | - Howard Padwa
- RTI International, Rockville, Maryland (Mark, Treiman), and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Henretty, Tzeng); Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Padwa, Gilbert)
| | - Kristen Henretty
- RTI International, Rockville, Maryland (Mark, Treiman), and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Henretty, Tzeng); Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Padwa, Gilbert)
| | - Janice Tzeng
- RTI International, Rockville, Maryland (Mark, Treiman), and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Henretty, Tzeng); Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Padwa, Gilbert)
| | - Marylou Gilbert
- RTI International, Rockville, Maryland (Mark, Treiman), and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Henretty, Tzeng); Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Padwa, Gilbert)
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Tahsin F, Morin KA, Vojtesek F, Marsh DC. Measuring treatment attrition at various stages of engagement in Opioid Agonist Treatment in Ontario Canada using a cascade of care framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:490. [PMID: 35413980 PMCID: PMC9004214 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cascade of care framework is an effective way to measure attrition at various stages of engagement in Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). The primary objective of the study was to describe the cascade of care for patients who have accessed OAT from a network of specialized addiction clinics in Ontario, Canada. The secondary objectives were to evaluate correlates associated with retention in OAT at various stages and the impact of patients’ location of the residence on retention in OAT. Design A multi-clinic retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic medical record (EMR) data from the largest network of OAT clinics in Canada (70 clinics) from 2014 to 2020. Study participants included all patients who received OAT from the network of clinics during the study period. Measurements In this study, four stages of the cascade of care framework were operationalized to identify treatment engagement patterns, including patients retained within 90 days, 90 to 365 days, one to 2 years, and more than 2 years. Correlates associated with OAT retention for 90 days, 90 to 365 days, 1 to 2 years, and more than 2 years were also evaluated and compared across rural and urban areas in northern and southern Ontario. Results A total of 32,487 patients were included in the study. Compared to patients who were retained in OAT for 90 days, patients who were retained for 90 to 365 days, 1 to 2 years, or more than 2 years were more likely to have a higher number of treatment attempts, a higher number of average monthly urine drug screening and a lower proportion of positive urine drug screening results for other drug use. Conclusion Distinct sociodemographic and clinical factors are likely to influence treatment retention at various stages of engagement along the OAT continuum. Research is required to determine if tailored strategies specific to people at different stages of retention have the potential to improve outcomes of OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen A Morin
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.,ICES North, Sudbury, Canada.,Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Frank Vojtesek
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - David C Marsh
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada. .,ICES North, Sudbury, Canada. .,Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Canada. .,Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres, Markham, Canada.
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Ghose R, Forati AM, Mantsch JR. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Opioid Overdose Deaths: a Spatiotemporal Analysis. J Urban Health 2022; 99:316-327. [PMID: 35181834 PMCID: PMC8856931 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects of the opioid crisis have varied across diverse and socioeconomically defined urban communities, due in part to widening health disparities. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with a spike in drug overdose deaths in the USA. However, the extent to which the impact of the pandemic on overdose deaths has varied across different demographics in urban neighborhoods is unclear. We examine the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on opioid overdose deaths through spatiotemporal analysis techniques. Using Milwaukee County, Wisconsin as a study site, we used georeferenced opioid overdose data to examine the locational and demographic differences in overdose deaths over time (2017-2020). We find that the pandemic significantly increased the monthly overdose deaths. The worst effects were seen in the poor, urban neighborhoods, affecting Black and Hispanic communities. However, more affluent, suburban White communities also experienced a rise in overdose deaths. A better understanding of contributing factors is needed to guide interventions at the local, regional, and national scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Ghose
- Department of Geography, University Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Amir M Forati
- Department of Geography, University Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA.
| | - John R Mantsch
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53206, USA
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Delisle-Reda S, Bruneau J, Martel-Laferrière V. Telehealth for people who inject drugs: An acceptable method of treatment but challenging to access. J Addict Dis 2022; 40:514-517. [PMID: 35133229 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2035166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While telemedicine is seen as an emerging practice that will outlast the COVID-19 pandemic, it can reduce health services for those with limited internet and technological devices access or sufficient literacy. OBJECTIVE(S) The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using telehealth with people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS A survey on availability and accessibility of different methods of communication was administered to a sample of PWID from an ongoing longitudinal cohort in Montréal, Canada. RESULTS Among the 96 respondents, phone calls were generally considered acceptable (89.6%) although availability was low (50%). Acceptability and availability of social media were 26% and 41.7%, respectively. Internet-based communication applications were considered acceptable to use for telehealth in 28.1% of participants, even if not frequently available (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS Telehealth is an acceptable form of treatment for PWID, but may be challenging due to low availability of phone or internet access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Iacono TM. Modernizing regulations for treating opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAAPA 2022; 35:57-59. [PMID: 35076441 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000805844.19200.b3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The opioid epidemic has been the most significant public health crisis in the United States during the past 30 years. In 2021, it was second only to COVID-19. What happens when two epidemics collide and what should policy makers do about it? This article analyzes the burden of COVID-19 on patients with opioid addiction and discusses the beneficial policy changes that improve access to substance abuse care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Iacono
- Tara M. Iacono practices in psychiatric and addiction medicine at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Mental Health and Wellness Institute. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Lin LA, Fortney JC, Bohnert ASB, Coughlin LN, Zhang L, Piette JD. Comparing telemedicine to in-person buprenorphine treatment in U.S. veterans with opioid use disorder. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 133:108492. [PMID: 34175175 PMCID: PMC8627529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine-delivered buprenorphine (tele-buprenorphine) can potentially increase access to buprenorphine for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we know little about use in clinical care. METHODS This study was a retrospective national cohort study of veterans diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving buprenorphine treatment from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in fiscal years 2012-2019. The study examined trends in use of tele-buprenorphine and compared demographic and clinical characteristics in patients who received tele-buprenorphine versus those who received in-person treatment only. RESULTS Utilization of tele-buprenorphine increased from 2.29% of buprenorphine patients in FY2012 (n = 187) to 7.96% (n = 1352) in FY2019 in VHA veterans nationally. Compared to patients receiving only in-person care, tele-buprenorphine patients were less likely to be male (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73-0.98) or Black (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.45-0.65). Tele-buprenorphine patients were more likely to be treated in community-based outpatient clinics rather than large medical centers (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 2.67-3.17) and to live in rural areas (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI:1.92-2.35). The median days supplied of buprenorphine treatment was 722 (interquartile range: 322-1459) among the tele-buprenorphine patients compared to 295 (interquartile range: 67-854) among patients who received treatment in-person. CONCLUSIONS Use of telemedicine to deliver buprenorphine treatment in VHA increased 3.5-fold between 2012 and 2019, though overall use remained low prior to COVID-19. Tele-buprenorphine is a promising modality especially when treatment access is limited. However, we must continue to understand how practitioners and patient are using telemedicine and how these patients' outcomes compare to those using in-person care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewei A Lin
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - John C Fortney
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research and Development, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lara N Coughlin
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lan Zhang
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John D Piette
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Behavior Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Harris R, Rosecrans A, Zoltick M, Willman C, Saxton R, Cotterell M, Bell J, Blackwell I, Page KR. Utilizing telemedicine during COVID-19 pandemic for a low-threshold, street-based buprenorphine program. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 230:109187. [PMID: 34890927 PMCID: PMC8619879 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in federal policy during the COVID-19 pandemic allowing for the use of telemedicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) have facilitated innovative strategies to engage and retain people in treatment. Since 2018, the Baltimore City Health Department has operated a mobile street medicine program called Healthcare on The Spot (The Spot) that provides treatment for OUD and infectious diseases. This study describes the transition of The Spot's buprenorphine service to telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and one year treatment retention. METHODS Patients actively engaged in care at the time of transition to telemedicine and patients newly engaged in buprenorphine services through telemedicine were included in this descriptive analysis and assessed at one year for retention. RESULTS From March 16, 2020 to March 15, 2021, The Spot provided voice-only buprenorphine treatment services to 150 patients, 70.7% (n = 106) male and 80.0% (n = 120) Black; 131 were patients who transitioned from in person services and 19 were newly engaged via telemedicine. 80.7% (n = 121) of patients remained engaged in treatment at one year, 16.0% (n = 24) were lost to follow-up, and 3.3% (n = 5) were deceased. Patients newly engaged via telemedicine were more likely to be female and white than those retained from in person services. CONCLUSION The Spot's transition of patients from a street medicine program to telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has implications for future practice. Increased flexibility of service delivery, extended prescription length, and decreased UDT likely contributed to high retention rates and should inform the future structure of low-threshold buprenorphine programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Harris
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Amanda Rosecrans
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Zoltick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Catherine Willman
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ronald Saxton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret Cotterell
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joy Bell
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ingrid Blackwell
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Tofighi B, McNeely J, Yang J, Thomas A, Schatz D, Reed T, Krawczyk N. Outcomes of a NYC Public Hospital System Low-Threshold Tele-Buprenorphine Bridge Clinic at 1 Year. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1337-1340. [PMID: 35481461 PMCID: PMC10107046 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2069269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated clinical outcomes of a low barrier tele-buprenorphine bridge program for NYC residents with opioid use disorder (OUD) at 1 year during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods and materials: This retrospective analysis of the NYC Health + Hospitals (NYC H + H) Virtual Buprenorphine Clinic registry assessed baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, rates of referrals to community treatment, and induction-related adverse events among city residents with OUD, from March 2020 to the end of March 2021. Results: The program enrolled 199 patients, of whom 62.3% were provided same-day visits (n = 124). Patients were enrolled in the program for a median of 14 days (range 0-130 days). Referrals sources included hospital and clinic staff (n = 83, 47.7%), word of mouth (n = 30, 17.2%), and correctional health or reentry services (n = 30, 17.2%). Induction-related adverse events were mostly limited to precipitated withdrawal symptoms (n = 21, 5%). Roughly half of patients were referred to community treatment (n = 109, 54.8%) and of those 51.4% (n = 56/109) completed at least one visit in community treatment. Discussion: Our experience indicates that a low threshold tele-buprenorphine bridge program in place of a safe and feasible approach to facilitating entry in community treatment for underserved people who use opioids in a large metropolitan area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Tofighi
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Bellevue Hospital Center Division of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer McNeely
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Bellevue Hospital Center Division of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jenny Yang
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anil Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Schatz
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Bellevue Hospital Center Division of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,NYC Health + Hospitals Office of Behavioral Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Timothy Reed
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, New York, USA
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