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Chiccarelli E, North S, Pasternak RH. Innovative Strategies for Addressing Adolescent Health in Primary Care Through Telehealth. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:693-706. [PMID: 39003011 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
With recent gains in telehealth access across health sectors, this editorial explores adolescent-specific health issues where innovative use of virtual care is improving outcomes and access for adolescents. These include contraception, obesity, gender-affirming care, mental health, and eating disorder care. Clinicians caring for adolescents should be aware of advances in this field to maximize opportunities for their patients to receive evidence-based care in a manner that supports health equity and confidentiality concerns while understanding the evolving regulatory landscape of telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Chiccarelli
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3100 Schofield Road, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
| | - Steve North
- Center for Rural Health Innovation, 167 Locust Street, Spruce Pine, NC 28777, USA
| | - Ryan H Pasternak
- Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Childrens Mercy Kansas City, 3101 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
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2
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Heidari O, Winiker AK, Pollock S, Sodder S, Tsui JI, Tobin KE. A qualitative exploration of the use of telehealth for opioid treatment: Implications for nurse-managed care. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:2707-2718. [PMID: 38500003 PMCID: PMC11176020 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
AIM To characterise experiences with telehealth for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) services among patients, prescribers, nurses and substance use counsellors to inform future best practices. DESIGN We engaged a qualitative descriptive study design. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with prescribers (nurse practitioners and physicians, n = 20), nurses and substance use counsellors (n = 7), and patients (n = 20) between June and September 2021. Interviews were verbatim transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. RESULTS Among both providers and patients, four themes were identified: (1) Difficulties with telehealth connection (2) Flexibility in follow-up and retention, (3) Policy changes that enabled expanded care, (4) Path forward with telehealth. Two additional findings emerged from provider interviews: (1) Expansion of nurse-managed office-based opioid treatment, and (2) Novel methods to engage patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients and providers continued to view telehealth as an acceptable means for delivery and management of MOUD, particularly when utilised in a hybrid manner between in-person visits. Nurse-managed care for this service was evident as nurses extended the breadth of services offered and utilised novel methods such as text messages and management of 'call-in' lines to engage patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Use of telehealth for MOUD should be incorporated into practice settings to reach patients in a flexible manner. Nurses in particular can use this medium to extend office-based opioid treatment by conducting assessments and expanding capacity for other wrap-around services. IMPACT We identify recommendations for best practices in the use of telehealth for opioid use disorder management and highlight the value of nurse-managed care. REPORTING METHOD The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patients with opioid use disorder and prescribers with experience using telehealth were interviewed for this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omeid Heidari
- School of Nursing, Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Abigail K Winiker
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah Pollock
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shereen Sodder
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Harborview Medical Center, School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karin E Tobin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Rishworth A, King B, Holmes LM. Digital geographies of care: Telehealth landscapes of addiction treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Place 2024; 89:103296. [PMID: 38917673 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103296] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created new digital health care landscapes for the management of substance use and misuse. While telehealth was prohibited for addiction treatment prior to the pandemic, the severity of COVID-19 precipitated telehealth expansion for the delivery of individual and group-based treatment. Research has highlighted benefits and challenges of telehealth; however, little is known about the impacts of telehealth on the quality, use, and effectiveness of treatment. Fewer studies examine how these emerging digital geographies of care transform the spaces and landscapes of substance misuse. This article examines how telehealth affects landscapes of opioid use disorder care in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings reveal that while telehealth extends access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), it also creates new care inequities within and between providers and clientele that can undermine effective care and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rishworth
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Brian King
- Department of Geography, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, University Park, PA, United States.
| | - Louisa M Holmes
- Department of Geography, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, University Park, PA, United States.
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Endo Y, Woldesenbet S, Tsilimigras DI, Munir MM, Khalil M, Khan MMM, Altaf A, Rashid Z, Catalano G, Chatzipanagiotou OP, Pawlik TM. Effect of telemedicine use on medical spending and health care utilization among patients with gastrointestinal cancer. J Gastrointest Surg 2024:S1091-255X(24)00503-1. [PMID: 38901553 DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2024.06.009] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to assess the impact of telemedicine on healthcare utilization and medical expenditures among patients with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed GI cancer from 2013 to 2020 were identified from the IBM MarketScan database (IBM Watson Health) . Healthcare utilization, total medical outpatient insurance payments within 1 year post-diagnosis, and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses among telemedicine users and non-users were assessed after propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS Among the 32,677 patients with GI cancer (esophageal, n = 1862, 5.7%; gastric, n = 2009, 6.1%; liver, n = 2929, 9.0%; bile duct, n = 597, 1.8%; pancreas, n = 3083, 9.4%; colorectal, n = 22,197, 67.9%), a total of 3063 (9.7%) utilized telemedicine. After PSM (telemedicine users, n = 3064; non-users, n = 3064), telemedicine users demonstrated a higher frequency of clinic visits (median: 5.0 days, IQR 4.0-7.0 vs non-users: 2.0 days, IQR 2.0-3.0, P < .001) and fewer potential days missed from daily activities (median: 7.5 days, IQR 4.5-12.5 vs non-users: 8.5 days, IQR 5.5-13.5, P < .001). Total medical spending per month and utilization of emergency room (ER) visits for telemedicine users were higher vs non-users (median: $10,658, IQR $5112-$18,528 vs non-users: $10,103, IQR $4628-$16,750; 46.8% vs 42.6%, both P < .01), whereas monthly OOP costs were comparable (median: $273, IQR $137-$449 for telemedicine users vs non-users: $268, IQR $142-$434, P = .625). CONCLUSION Telemedicine utilization was associated with increased outpatient clinic visits yet reduced potential days missed from daily activities among patients with GI cancer. Telemedicine users tended to have more ER visits and total medical spending per month, although monthly OOP costs were comparable with non-users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mujtaba Khalil
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi Khan
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Abdullah Altaf
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Zayed Rashid
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Giovanni Catalano
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Odysseas P Chatzipanagiotou
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States.
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Pro G, Cantor J, Willis D, Gu M, Fairman B, Baloh J, Montgomery BE. A multilevel analysis of changing telehealth availability in opioid use disorder treatment settings: Conditional effects of rurality, the number and types of medication for opioid use disorder available, and time, US, 2016-2023. J Rural Health 2024. [PMID: 38867390 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12854] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The opioid overdose crisis requires strengthening treatment systems with innovative technologies. How people use telehealth for opioid use disorder (OUD) is evolving and differs in rural versus urban areas, as telehealth is emerging as a local resource and complementary option to in-person treatment. We assessed changing trends in telehealth and medication for OUD (MOUD) and pinpoint locations of low telehealth and MOUD access. METHODS We used national data from the Mental health and Addiction Treatment Tracking Repository (2016-2023) to identify specialty outpatient SUD treatment facilities in the United States (N = 83,988). We modeled the availability of telehealth using multilevel multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for covariates. We included a 3-way interaction to test for conditional effects of rurality, the number of MOUD medication types dispensed, and year. We included two random effects to account for clustering within counties and states. FINDINGS We identified 495 facilities that offered both telehealth and all three MOUD medication types (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) in 2023, clustered in the eastern United States. We identified a statistically significant 3-way interaction (p < 0.0001), indicating that telehealth in facilities that did not offer MOUD shifted from more telehealth in rural facilities in earlier years to more telehealth in urban facilities in later years. CONCLUSIONS Treatment facilities that offer both telehealth and all three MOUD medication types may improve access for hard-to-reach populations. We stress the importance of continued health system strengthening and technological resources in vulnerable rural communities, while acknowledging a changing landscape of increased OUD incidence and MOUD demand in urban communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pro
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | | | - Don Willis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Community Health and Research, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Mofan Gu
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Brian Fairman
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jure Baloh
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Brooke Ee Montgomery
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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van Kessel R, Ranganathan S, Anderson M, McMillan B, Mossialos E. Exploring potential drivers of patient engagement with their health data through digital platforms: A scoping review. Int J Med Inform 2024; 189:105513. [PMID: 38851132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient engagement when providing patient access to health data results from an interaction between the available tools and individual capabilities. The recent digital advancements of the healthcare field have altered the manifestation and importance of patient engagement. However, a comprehensive assessment of what factors contribute to patient engagement remain absent. In this review article, we synthesised the most frequently discussed factors that can foster patient engagement with their health data. METHODS A scoping review was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar. Relevant data were synthesized within 7 layers using a thematic analysis: (1) social and demographic factors, (2) patient ability factors, (3) patient motivation factors, (4) factors related to healthcare professionals' attitudes and skills, (5) health system factors, (6) technological factors, and (7) policy factors. RESULTS We identified 5801 academic and 200 Gy literature records, and included 292 (4.83%) in this review. Overall, 44 factors that can affect patient engagement with their health data were extracted. We extracted 6 social and demographic factors, 6 patient ability factors, 12 patient motivation factors, 7 factors related to healthcare professionals' attitudes and skills, 4 health system factors, 6 technological factors, and 3 policy factors. CONCLUSIONS Improving patient engagement with their health data enables the development of patient-centered healthcare, though it can also exacerbate existing inequities. While expanding patient access to health data is an important step towards fostering shared decision-making in healthcare and subsequently empowering patients, it is important to ensure that these developments reach all sectors of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin van Kessel
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom; Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Digital Public Health Task Force, Association of School of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER), Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Michael Anderson
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Brian McMillan
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Elias Mossialos
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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7
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Reeves SL, Plegue M, Patel PN, Paulukonis ST, Horiuchi SS, Zhou M, Attell BK, Pace BS, Snyder AB, Plaxco AP, Mukhopadhyay A, Smeltzer MP, Ellimoottil CS, Hulihan M. Assessing Patterns of Telehealth Use Among People with Sickle Cell Disease Enrolled in Medicaid During the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e1971-e1979. [PMID: 38603584 PMCID: PMC11257828 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Telehealth can be defined as using remote technologies to provide health care. It may increase access to care among people with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study examined (1) telehealth use, (2) characteristics of telehealth use, and (3) differences between telehealth users and nonusers among people with SCD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of Medicaid claims among four states [California (CA), Georgia (GA), Michigan (MI), Tennessee (TN)] participating in the Sickle Cell Data Collection program. Study participants were individuals ≥1 year old with SCD enrolled in Medicaid September 2019-December 2020. Telehealth encounters during the pandemic were characterized by provider specialty. Health care utilization was compared between those who did (users) and did not (nonusers) use telehealth, stratified by before and during the pandemic. Results: A total of 8,681 individuals with SCD (1,638 CA; 3,612 GA; 1,880 MI; and 1,551 TN) were included. The proportion of individuals with SCD that accessed telehealth during the pandemic varied across states from 29% in TN to 80% in CA. During the pandemic, there was a total of 21,632 telehealth encounters across 3,647 users. In two states (MI and GA), over a third of telehealth encounters were with behavioral health providers. Telehealth users had a higher average number of health care encounters during the pandemic: emergency department (pooled mean = 2.6 for users vs. 1.5 for nonusers), inpatient (1.2 for users vs. 0.6 for nonusers), and outpatient encounters (6.0 for users vs. 3.3 for nonusers). Conclusions: Telehealth was frequently used at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by people with SCD. Future research should focus on the context, facilitators, and barriers of its implementation in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Reeves
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health
Evaluation and Research Center, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health,
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Melissa Plegue
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health
Evaluation and Research Center, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, USA
| | - Pooja N. Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health
Evaluation and Research Center, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, USA
| | - Susan T. Paulukonis
- Tracking California Program, Public Health Institute,
Oakland, California, USA
| | - Sophia S. Horiuchi
- Tracking California Program, Public Health Institute,
Oakland, California, USA
| | - Mei Zhou
- Georgia Health Policy Center, Andrew Young School of Policy
Studies, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brandon K. Attell
- Georgia Health Policy Center, Andrew Young School of Policy
Studies, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Betty S. Pace
- Department of Pediatrics: Hematology/Oncology, Medical
College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Angela B. Snyder
- Georgia Health Policy Center, Andrew Young School of Policy
Studies, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Allison P. Plaxco
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental
Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee,
USA
| | - Ayesha Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental
Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee,
USA
| | - Matthew P. Smeltzer
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental
Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee,
USA
| | - Chandy S. Ellimoottil
- Department of Urology, Medical School, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary Hulihan
- Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics,
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Vakkalanka JP, Gadag K, Lavin L, Ternes S, Healy HS, Merchant KAS, Scott W, Wiggins W, Ward MM, Mohr NM. Telehealth Use and Health Equity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:1205-1220. [PMID: 38227387 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0588] [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: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), telehealth utilization accelerated to facilitate health care management and minimize risk. However, those with mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUD)-who represent a vulnerable population, and members of underrepresented minorities (e.g., rural, racial/ethnic minorities, the elderly)-may not benefit from telehealth equally. Objective: To evaluate health equality in clinical effectiveness and utilization measures associated with telehealth for clinical management of mental health disorders and SUD to identify emerging patterns for underrepresented groups stratified by race/ethnicity, gender, age, rural status, insurance, sexual minorities, and social vulnerability. Methods: We performed a systematic review in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL through November 2022. Studies included those with telehealth, COVID-19, health equity, and mental health or SUD treatment/care concepts. Our outcomes included general clinical measures, mental health or SUD clinical measures, and operational measures. Results: Of the 2,740 studies screened, 25 met eligibility criteria. The majority of studies (n = 20) evaluated telehealth for mental health conditions, while the remaining five studies evaluated telehealth for opioid use disorder/dependence. The most common study outcomes were utilization measures (n = 19) or demographic predictors of telehealth utilization (n = 3). Groups that consistently demonstrated less telehealth utilization during the PHE included rural residents, older populations, and Black/African American minorities. Conclusions: We observed evidence of inequities in telehealth utilization among several underrepresented groups. Future efforts should focus on measuring the contribution of utilization disparities on outcomes and strategies to mitigate disparities in implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Priyanka Vakkalanka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Khyathi Gadag
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lauren Lavin
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sara Ternes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Heather S Healy
- Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kimberly A S Merchant
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Wakina Scott
- Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Whitney Wiggins
- Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcia M Ward
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Nicholas M Mohr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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9
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Ward MM, Bhagianadh D, Carter KD, Ullrich F, Marcin JP, McCord C, Law KB, Nelson EL, Merchant KAS. Comparison of Treatment Modality Crossovers in Telehealth and In-Person Behavioral Health Treatment in Rural Communities. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:677-684. [PMID: 37751202 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0220] [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: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Treatment crossovers occur when one mode of treatment is begun and then a different mode of treatment is utilized. Treatment crossovers are frequently examined in randomized controlled trials, but have been rarely noted or quantitatively evaluated in usual care treatment studies. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the extent of modality crossovers during behavioral health treatment. Methods: The nonrandomized, prospective, multisite research design involved two active treatment groups-a telehealth treatment cohort and an in-person treatment cohort. Treatment modality (telehealth or in person) during each encounter was compared overall and across two time periods (pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic) between the telehealth cohort and the in-person cohort. Results: Overall, modality crossovers were relatively uncommon (6.3%). However, patients in the in-person treatment cohort were more than twice as likely to have an encounter through telehealth (8.5%) than patients in the telehealth treatment cohort were to have an in-person encounter (3.4%) even though they had the same average number of encounters. The occurrence of off-mode encounters was particularly influenced by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: In this multisite usual care study comparing telehealth and in-person behavioral health treatment, modality crossovers were more common in the in-person cohort than the telehealth cohort, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because telehealth availability has increased, crossovers are likely to increase in patients receiving multiple encounters for behavioral or chronic conditions and their occurrence should be noted by both researchers and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia M Ward
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Divya Bhagianadh
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Knute D Carter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Fred Ullrich
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - James P Marcin
- Department of Pediatrics, Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Carly McCord
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Kari Beth Law
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Eve-Lynn Nelson
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Kimberly A S Merchant
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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10
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Kozelka EE, Acquilano SC, Al-Abdulmunem M, Guarino S, Elwyn G, Drake RE, Carpenter-Song E. Digital Mental Health and Its Discontents: Assumptions About Technology That Create Barriers to Equitable Access. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:299-302. [PMID: 38050440 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the potential of digital mental health interventions to aid recovery for people with serious mental illness, access to these digital tools remains a key barrier. In this column, the authors discuss three key assumptions that shape the integration of digital mental health tools into community health settings: clinical context, digital literacy, and financial burden. Clinical contexts have shifted with the increased use of telehealth, altering intervention environments; access to a mobile device is not the same as digital literacy; and digital mental health care is not necessarily affordable. Context-centered study design through ethnography will facilitate transfer of digital resources to real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen E Kozelka
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, Burlington (Kozelka); Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Acquilano, Elwyn); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Al-Abdulmunem, Drake); Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Manchester, New Hampshire (Guarino); Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City (Drake); Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire (Carpenter-Song)
| | - Stephanie C Acquilano
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, Burlington (Kozelka); Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Acquilano, Elwyn); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Al-Abdulmunem, Drake); Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Manchester, New Hampshire (Guarino); Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City (Drake); Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire (Carpenter-Song)
| | - Monirah Al-Abdulmunem
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, Burlington (Kozelka); Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Acquilano, Elwyn); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Al-Abdulmunem, Drake); Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Manchester, New Hampshire (Guarino); Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City (Drake); Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire (Carpenter-Song)
| | - Sue Guarino
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, Burlington (Kozelka); Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Acquilano, Elwyn); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Al-Abdulmunem, Drake); Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Manchester, New Hampshire (Guarino); Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City (Drake); Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire (Carpenter-Song)
| | - Glyn Elwyn
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, Burlington (Kozelka); Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Acquilano, Elwyn); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Al-Abdulmunem, Drake); Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Manchester, New Hampshire (Guarino); Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City (Drake); Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire (Carpenter-Song)
| | - Robert E Drake
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, Burlington (Kozelka); Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Acquilano, Elwyn); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Al-Abdulmunem, Drake); Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Manchester, New Hampshire (Guarino); Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City (Drake); Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire (Carpenter-Song)
| | - Elizabeth Carpenter-Song
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, Burlington (Kozelka); Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Acquilano, Elwyn); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Al-Abdulmunem, Drake); Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Manchester, New Hampshire (Guarino); Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City (Drake); Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire (Carpenter-Song)
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11
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Hughes PM, Easterly CW, Thomas KC, Shea CM, Domino ME. North Carolina Medicaid System Perspectives on Substance Use Disorder Treatment Policy Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Addict Med 2024; 18:e1-e7. [PMID: 38345239 PMCID: PMC10940189 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe perspectives from stakeholders involved in the Medicaid system in North Carolina regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment policy changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews in early 2022 with state agency representatives, Medicaid managed care organizations, and Medicaid providers (n = 22) as well as 3 focus groups of Medicaid beneficiaries with SUD (n = 14). Interviews and focus groups focused on 4 topics: policies, meeting needs during COVID, demand for SUD services, and staffing. RESULTS Overall, policy changes, such as telehealth and take-home methadone, were considered beneficial, with participants displaying substantial support for both policies. Shifting demand for services, staffing shortages, and technology barriers presented significant challenges. Innovative benefits and services were used to adapt to these challenges, including the provision of digital devices and data plans to improve access to telehealth. CONCLUSIONS Perspectives from Medicaid stakeholders, including state organizations to beneficiaries, support the continuation of SUD policy changes that occurred. Staffing shortages remain a substantial barrier. Based on the participants' positive responses to the SUD policy changes made during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, such as take-home methadone and telehealth initiation of buprenorphine, these changes should be continued. Additional steps are needed to ensure payment parity for telehealth services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Hughes
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Division of Research, UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC, Asheville, NC
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Caleb W. Easterly
- MD/PhD Program, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill
| | - Kathleen C. Thomas
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Christopher M. Shea
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill
| | - Marisa Elena Domino
- Center for Health Information and Research (CHiR), College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
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Cantor J, Schuler MS, Matthews S, Kofner A, Breslau J, McBain RK. Availability of Mental Telehealth Services in the US. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2024; 5:e235142. [PMID: 38306092 PMCID: PMC10837750 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.5142] [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: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Telehealth utilization for mental health care remains much higher than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic; however, availability may vary across facilities, geographic areas, and by patients' demographic characteristics and mental health conditions. Objective To quantify availability, wait times, and service features of telehealth for major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia throughout the US, as well as facility-, client-, and county-level characteristics associated with telehealth availability. Design, Settings, and Participants Cross-sectional analysis of a secret shopper survey of mental health treatment facilities (MHTFs) throughout all US states except Hawaii from December 2022 and March 2023. A nationally representative sample of 1938 facilities were contacted; 1404 (72%) responded and were included. Data analysis was performed from March to July 2023. Exposure Health facility, client, and county characteristics. Main Outcome and Measures Clinic-reported availability of telehealth services, availability of telehealth services (behavioral treatment, medication management, and diagnostic services), and number of days until first telehealth appointment. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess whether facility-, client-, and county-level characteristics were associated with each outcome. Results Of the 1221 facilities (87%) accepting new patients, 980 (80%) reported offering telehealth. Of these, 97% (937 facilities) reported availability of counseling services; 77% (726 facilities), medication management; and 69% (626 facilities) diagnostic services. Telehealth availability did not differ by clinical condition. Private for-profit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.75; 95% CI, 1.05-2.92) and private not-for-profit (aOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.42-3.39) facilities were more likely to offer telehealth than public facilities. Facilities located in metropolitan counties (compared with nonmetropolitan counties) were more likely to offer medication management services (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.11-3.00) but were less likely to offer diagnostic services (aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47-0.95). Median (range) wait time for first telehealth appointment was 14 (4-75) days. No differences were observed in availability of an appointment based on the perceived race, ethnicity, or sex of the prospective patient. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cross-sectional study indicate that there were no differences in the availability of mental telehealth services based on the prospective patient's clinical condition, perceived race or ethnicity, or sex; however, differences were found at the facility-, county-, and state-level. These findings suggest widespread disparities in who has access to which telehealth services throughout the US.
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Lum J, Sadej I, Pizer SD, Yee C. Telehealth Access and Substitution in the VHA. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:44-52. [PMID: 38393611 PMCID: PMC10937886 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08465-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to COVID-19, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) expanded telehealth availability, allowing veterans to receive care at home. We explore the extent of substitution of telehealth for in-person care among medical centers (facilities), providers, and patients. We explore the extent to which patient preferences drive telehealth utilization, and compare access to care (as measured by waiting times) for telehealth and in-person visits. METHODS We use VHA electronic health records to identify scheduled outpatient mental health (MH) appointments from January 2019 through February 2023 focusing on care delivered by social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. For each quarter, we compute the proportion of completed appointments that were delivered via phone or video by each facility, provider, and patient and show the changes in these proportions before, during, and after the onset of COVID-19. To explore patient preferences, we match providers of patients with high rates of telehealth utilization and examine the extent to which those providers deliver in-person care. To examine access to care, we compute waiting times for in-person, video, and phone new patient appointments. We investigate differences between urban and rural patients, and patients of different ages. KEY RESULTS Telehealth for MH grew dramatically in the VHA after the onset of COVID-19. While some facilities provided more telehealth than others, all facilities (as of early 2023) provided some telehealth MH services. Approximately 86% of individual providers provided telehealth, with 27% scheduling MH appointments almost exclusively as telehealth appointments and 59% providing a mix. Patients exhibited more polarization, with 36% scheduling only in-person visits for almost all their MH visits and 56% of them scheduling exclusively telehealth, and only 8% of them utilizing a mix of modalities. Of those who exclusively received telehealth care, a majority of them utilized video (80%) over phone (20%). Take-up of MH among younger patients was higher relative to older patients. Urban patients used telehealth more than rural patients. Patient preferences rather than provider preferences drove utilization of patients who almost exclusively utilized telehealth. Between April 2021 and February 2023, the average difference in waiting time for in-person and video appointments was less than 1 day, with comparable appointment volumes, suggesting that the supply of and demand for in-person and video were not different enough to merit waiting longer. Telehealth was chosen over in-person more among urban and younger patients, as older and rural patients exhibited higher willingness to wait for in-person over video appointments. By contrast, appointment volumes and waiting times for phone appointments were lower across all groups, suggesting that phone may not be as substitutable for in-person visits in MH. CONCLUSIONS We find that the VHA has made telehealth widely available, providing access to many veterans. While telehealth utilization has increased, face-to-face care persists for MH services, suggesting that one modality may not serve all purposes and preferences for care. Patient preferences drive the modality decision among those who exclusively use MH care via telehealth. For those who persist in mostly utilizing in-person care, there may be various factors influencing those preferences such as issues with limited internet connectivity, language barriers, and digital literacy, especially for older and rural patients who utilize in-person care more than those who are younger and more urban. Further investigation is required to investigate the optimal mix of modalities which may allow for potential increases in patient satisfaction, quality of care, and clinic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lum
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Izabela Sadej
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven D Pizer
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Yee
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Kelber MS, Smolenski DJ, Boyd C, Shank LM, Bellanti DM, Milligan T, Edwards-Stewart A, Libretto S, Parisi K, Morgan MA, Evatt DP. Evidence-based telehealth interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Telemed Telecare 2024:1357633X231224491. [PMID: 38254285 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231224491] [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: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The goal of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of behavioral health care treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety delivered via telehealth. METHODS We searched a combination of keywords related to telehealth, relevant mental health disorders, and evidence-based psychotherapies in three databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase) from database inception to April 2022. We included randomized controlled trials published in English wherein at least one arm received an evidence-based psychotherapy via telehealth. To be included, studies also had to enroll an adult population with symptoms or diagnosis of PTSD, depressive disorder, or anxiety disorder. RESULTS Moderate quality of evidence was consistent with only small differences, if any, in efficacy between video teleconferencing (VTC) and in-person delivery for patients with PTSD (d = 0.06, 95% CI -0.17, 0.28). However, for those with depression, in-person delivery was associated with better outcomes compared to VTC (d = 0.28, 95% CI 0.03, 0.54; low quality of evidence). We also found that evidence-based treatments delivered over telephone were more efficacious for depression compared to treatment as usual (d = -0.47, 95% CI -0.66, -0.28; very low quality of evidence). Very low quality of evidence supported the use of telehealth versus waitlist for anxiety (d = -0.48, 95% CI -0.89, -0.09). CONCLUSIONS A synthesis across 29 studies indicates that the efficacy of telehealth for delivery of evidence-based behavioral health interventions varies by target diagnosis and telehealth modality. More research is needed on the efficacy of telehealth treatments for depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija S Kelber
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Derek J Smolenski
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Courtney Boyd
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Lisa M Shank
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Dawn M Bellanti
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Tiffany Milligan
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | | | - Salvatore Libretto
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Kelly Parisi
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Maria A Morgan
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Daniel P Evatt
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA, USA
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15
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Wibberly KH. Preparing mental health providers for the future: the case for moving beyond the elective telehealth course to integrating telehealth training throughout the curriculum. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1301569. [PMID: 38235285 PMCID: PMC10792033 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1301569] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and the consequent surge in telehealth adoption, the mental healthcare landscape has undergone a profound transformation propelled by rapid technological advancements. This paradigm shift necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of the training methodologies for mental health providers. To effectively leverage the potential of telehealth and empower mental health professionals with the requisite skills for utilizing digital tools, a comprehensive integration of telehealth into graduate program curricula is imperative. This article proposes practical strategies for seamlessly incorporating telehealth into both the theoretical and practical facets of graduate education. These strategies encompass a holistic understanding of technological platforms, ethical considerations, legal and regulatory frameworks, cultural competence, digital equity challenges, as well as clinical assessment and therapeutic approaches. The author concludes by issuing a call to action, urging mental health professions training programs and their accrediting bodies to proactively redefine their approach, ensuring mental health providers are adequately prepared for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Hsu Wibberly
- Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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16
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Forster SE, Torres TM, Steinhauer SR, Forman SD. Telehealth-Based Contingency Management Targeting Stimulant Abstinence: A Case Series From the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2024; 85:26-31. [PMID: 37796622 PMCID: PMC10846603 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.23-00016] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Contingency management (CM) is the gold standard treatment for stimulant use disorder but typically requires twice- to thrice-weekly in-person treatment visits to objectively verify abstinence and deliver therapeutic incentives. There has been growing interest in telehealth-based delivery of CM to support broad access to this essential intervention--a need that has been emphatically underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we present observations from initial efforts to develop and test a protocol for telehealth-based delivery of prize-based CM treatment incentivizing stimulant abstinence. METHOD Four participants engaged in hybrid courses of CM, including one or more telehealth-based treatment sessions, involving self-administered oral fluid testing to confirm abstinence. Observations from initial participants informed iterative improvements to telehealth procedures, and a 12-week course of telehealth-based CM was subsequently offered to two additional participants to further evaluate preliminary feasibility and acceptability. RESULTS In most cases, participants were able to successfully join telehealth treatment sessions, self-administer oral fluid testing, and share oral fluid test results to verify stimulant abstinence. However, further improvements in telehealth-based toxicology testing may be necessary to interpret test results accurately and reliably, especially when colorimetric immunoassay results reflect substance concentrations near the cutoff for point-of-care testing devices. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings suggest that telehealth-based CM is sufficiently feasible and acceptable to support future development, in particular through improved methods for remote interpretation and verification of test results. This is especially important in CM, wherein accurate and reliable detection of both early and sustained abstinence is crucial for appropriate delivery of therapeutic incentives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Forster
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, & Clinical Center (MIRECC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Taylor M. Torres
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, & Clinical Center (MIRECC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Stuart R. Steinhauer
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, & Clinical Center (MIRECC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven D. Forman
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, & Clinical Center (MIRECC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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17
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Matthews EB, Lushin V, Rzewinski J. Patterns & Predictors of Telehealth Utilization Among Individuals Who Use Substances: Implications for the Future of Virtual Behavioral Health Services. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:148-153. [PMID: 37410213 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01166-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Telehealth dramatically expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there remains a dearth of literature examining how this service modality is utilized by individuals who use substances. This study examined patterns of telehealth use and individual level sources of variation among clients receiving counseling in an outpatient substance use clinic in early 2021 (n = 370). Univariate statistics described the percentage of counseling visits delivered via telehealth. OLS regression explored individual level demographic and clinical characteristics that predicted greater telehealth utilization. Overall, more than two thirds (86%) of counseling visits were conducted via telehealth. Individuals with unstable housing or with a co-occurring serious mental illness used less telehealth. Findings suggest that while telehealth appears to be an acceptable way to deliver substance use counseling, patterns varied among vulnerable subgroups. As telehealth becomes further integrated into behavioral health services delivery, it is critical to uncover sources of this variation and identify potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B Matthews
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, 113 W. 60th st. 7th Fl, New York, NY, 10023, USA.
| | - Viktor Lushin
- Long Island University Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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18
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Pro G, Fairman B, Baloh J, Willis D, Montgomery BEE. Temporal Trends in Telehealth Availability in Mental Health Treatment Settings: Differences in Growth by State Rurality, 2015-2020. J Urban Health 2023; 100:1149-1158. [PMID: 38012502 PMCID: PMC10728410 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00795-y] [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] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
We sought to investigate temporal trends in telehealth availability among outpatient mental health treatment facilities and differences in the pace of telehealth growth by state urbanicity and rurality. We used the National Mental Health Services Survey (2015-2020) to identify outpatient mental health treatment facilities in the US (N = 28,989 facilities; 2015 n = 5,018; 2020 n = 4,889). We used logistic regression to model telehealth, predicted by time, state rurality (1 to 10% rural, 10 to < 20%, 20 to < 30%, or [Formula: see text] 30%), and their interaction, and adjusted for relevant covariates. We estimated the predicted probability of telehealth based on our model. We estimated effects with and without data from 2020 to assess whether the rapid and widespread adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the rural/urban trajectories of telehealth availability. We found that telehealth grew fastest in more urban states (year*rurality interaction p < 0.0001). Between 2015 and 2020, the predicted probability of telehealth in more urban states increased by 51 percentage points (from 9 to 61%), whereas telehealth in more rural states increased by 38 percentage points (from 23 to 61%). Predicted telehealth also varied widely by state, ranging from more than 75% of facilities (RI, OR) to below 20% (VT, KY). Health systems and new technological innovations must consider the unique challenges faced by urban populations and how best practices may be adapted to meet the growing urban demand. We framed our findings around the need for policies that minimize barriers to telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pro
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Southern Public Health and Criminal Justice Research Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Brian Fairman
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jure Baloh
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Don Willis
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Broome E E Montgomery
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Southern Public Health and Criminal Justice Research Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Bareis N, Tepper MC, Wang R, Tang F, Olfson M, Dixon LB, Kimhy D, Wall MM, Medalia A, Finnerty MT, Anderson A, Smith TE. Engagement of individuals with serious mental illness in outpatient mental health services and telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry Res 2023; 329:115497. [PMID: 37778232 PMCID: PMC10842636 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115497] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Questions remain regarding whether the transition and continued use of telehealth was associated with changes in treatment engagement among patients with serious mental illness (SMI). Using NYS Medicaid claims, we identified 116,497 individuals with SMI receiving outpatient mental health services from September 1, 2019-February 28, 2021 and a comparison cohort of 101,995 from September 1, 2017-February 28, 2019 to account for unmeasured and seasonal variation. We characterized engagement in three 6-month increments (T0-T1-T2) using clinically meaningful measures of high, partial, low, and none. Subgroup differences were compared, and telehealth users were compared to those with only in-person visits. Engagement, as characterized, was largely maintained during COVID. The 19.0 % with only in-person visits during COVID had different characteristics than telehealth users. Telehealth use was greater among younger people by T2 (33.1 %), women (57.7 %), non-Hispanic White people (38.9 %), and those with MDD (18.0 %), but lower among non-Hispanic Black people, in NYC, and those with schizophrenia or SUD. Most telehealth users were highly engaged (77.1 %); most using only in-person services had low engagement (47.5 %). The shift to telehealth preserved access to many outpatient services for this SMI population. Exploring reasons for not using telehealth may identify opportunities to increase care access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Bareis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA.
| | - Miriam C Tepper
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- New York State Office of Mental Health, New York, USA
| | - Fei Tang
- New York State Office of Mental Health, New York, USA
| | - Mark Olfson
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Lisa B Dixon
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - David Kimhy
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; MIRECC, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Melanie M Wall
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Alice Medalia
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas E Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA; New York State Office of Mental Health, New York, 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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Kapinos KA, DeYoreo M, Gracner T, Stein BD, Cantor J. Trends in Geographic Proximity to Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Am J Prev Med 2023; 65:618-626. [PMID: 37037326 PMCID: PMC10524906 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aims to assess the trends in the number and characteristics of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities within the county of residence of adults aged 50+ years over time. METHODS Using retrospective longitudinal data from the 1992-2018 Health and Retirement Study merged with the county-level data on all licensed treatment facilities in the country, linear mixed models were estimated to calculate geographic accessibility to SUD treatment, adjusted for person-level demographics, state-level controls, and calendar year-fixed effects. Analysis was conducted in 2022. RESULTS Overall, older adults experienced a decline in the average number of SUD treatment facilities within their counties of residence from 4.80 per 100,000 residents (95% CI=4.69, 4.92) in 1992 to 4.50 (95% CI=4.35, 4.64) in 2018. However, the number accepting Medicare increased from 0.26 (95% CI=0.21, 0.30) in 1992 to 1.88 (95% CI=1.80, 1.96) facilities per 100,000 (42% of facilities); Medicaid increased from 0.20 (95% CI=0.13, 0.26) in 1992 to 3.50 (95% CI=3.39, 3.62) facilities per 100,000 (78% of facilities) in 2018. Older adults living in more rural areas experienced the most growth in SUD treatment facilities per capita in their counties but with less significant growth in facilities offering medication for opioid use disorder than those living in more urban areas. CONCLUSIONS Despite increases in the number of SUD treatment facilities in rural areas, there has been less growth in nearby facilities offering evidence-based medication treatment for opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandice A Kapinos
- RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia; Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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22
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Ward MM, Ullrich F, Bhagianadh D, Nelson EL, Marcin JP, Carter KD, Law KB, McCord C, Neufeld J, Merchant KAS. Telehealth and In-Person Behavioral Health Services in Rural Communities Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multisite Prospective Cohort Study. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e47047. [PMID: 37721793 PMCID: PMC10508259 DOI: 10.2196/47047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread adjustments across the US health care system. Telehealth use showed a substantial increase in mental health conditions and services due to acute public health emergency (PHE) behavioral health needs on top of long-standing gaps in access to behavioral health services. How health systems that were already providing behavioral telehealth services adjusted services and staffing during this period has not been well documented, particularly in rural areas with chronic shortages of behavioral health providers and services. OBJECTIVE This study investigates patient and treatment characteristic changes from before the COVID-19 PHE to during the PHE within both telehealth and in-person behavioral health services provided in 95 rural communities across the United States. METHODS We used a nonrandomized, prospective, multisite research design involving 2 active treatment groups. The telehealth cohort included all patients who initiated telehealth treatment regimens during the data collection period. A comparison group included a cohort of patients who initiated in-person treatment regimen. Patient enrollment occurred on a rolling basis, and data collection was extended for 3 months after treatment initiation for each patient. Chi-square tests compared changes from pre-PHE to PHE time periods within telehealth and in-person treatment cohorts. The dependent measures included patient diagnosis, clinicians providing treatment services, and type of treatment services provided at each encounter. The 4780 patients in the telehealth cohort and the 6457 patients in the in-person cohort had an average of 3.5 encounters during the 3-month follow-up period. RESULTS The encounters involving anxiety, dissociative, and stress-related disorders in the telehealth cohort increased from 30% (698/2352) in the pre-PHE period to 35% (4632/12,853) in the PHE period (P<.001), and encounters involving substance use disorders in the in-person cohort increased from 11% (468/4249) in the pre-PHE period to 18% (3048/17,047) in the PHE period (P<.001). The encounters involving treatment service codes for alcohol, drug, and medication-assisted therapy in the telehealth cohort increased from 1% (22/2352) in the pre-PHE period to 11% (1470/13,387) in the PHE period (P<.001); likewise, encounters for this type of service in the in-person cohort increased from 0% (0/4249) in the pre-PHE period to 16% (2687/17,047) in the PHE period (P<.001). From the pre-PHE to the PHE period, encounters involving 60-minute psychotherapy in the telehealth cohort increased from 8% (190/2352) to 14% (1802/13,387; P<.001), while encounters involving group therapy in the in-person cohort decreased from 12% (502/4249) to 4% (739/17,047; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic challenged health service providers, and they adjusted the way both telehealth and in-person behavioral therapy services were delivered. Looking forward, future research is needed to explicate the interaction of patient, provider, setting, and intervention factors that influenced the patterns observed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia M Ward
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Fred Ullrich
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Divya Bhagianadh
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Eve-Lynn Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - James P Marcin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Knute D Carter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kari Beth Law
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Carly McCord
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan Neufeld
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Kimberly A S Merchant
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Lin J, Arnovitz M, Kotbi N, Francois D. Substance Use Disorders in the Geriatric Population: a Review and Synthesis of the Literature of a Growing Problem in a Growing Population. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37360959 PMCID: PMC10241125 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-023-00291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review Substance use disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in the geriatric population, necessitating an updated understanding of the existing literature. This review aims to describe the epidemiology, special considerations, and management of substance use disorders in older adults. Recent findings PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and PsychINFO databases were searched from their inception through June 2022 using the following keywords: "substance use disorder," "substance abuse," "abuse," "illicit substances," "illicit drugs," "addiction," "geriatric," "elderly," "older adults," "alcohol," "marijuana," "cannabis," "cocaine," "heroin," "opioid," and "benzodiazepine." Our findings suggest an increasing trend in substance use in older adults despite medical and psychiatric consequences when using such substances. The majority of older patients admitted to substance abuse treatment programs were not referred by healthcare providers, suggesting room for improvement in the screening and discussion of substance use disorders. Our review also suggests that there should be careful consideration of COVID-19 and racial disparities when screening, diagnosing, and treating substance use disorders in the older population. Summary This review provides updated information on epidemiology, special considerations, and management of substance use disorders in older adults. As substance use disorders become more prevalent in older adults, primary care physicians must be prepared to recognize and diagnose substance use disorders as well as collaborate with and refer patients to geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lin
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Mitchell Arnovitz
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY USA
| | - Nabil Kotbi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian/Westchester, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605 USA
| | - Dimitry Francois
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian/Westchester, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605 USA
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Gujral K, Van Campen J, Jacobs J, Kimerling R, Zulman DM, Blonigen D. Impact of VA's video telehealth tablets on substance use disorder care during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 150:209067. [PMID: 37164153 PMCID: PMC10164656 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth has the potential to improve health care access for patients but it has been underused and understudied for examining patients with substance use disorders (SUD). VA began distributing video-enabled tablets to veterans with access barriers in 2016 to facilitate participation in home-based telehealth and expanded this program in 2020 due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE Examine the impact of VA's video-enabled telehealth tablets on mental health services for patients diagnosed with SUD. METHODS This study included VA patients who had ≥1 mental health visit in the calendar year 2019 and a documented diagnosis of SUD. Using difference-in-differences and event study designs, we compared outcomes for SUD-diagnosed patients who received a video-enabled tablet from VA between March 15th, 2020 and December 31st, 2021 and SUD-diagnosed patients who never received VA tablets, 10 months before and after tablet-issuance. Outcomes included monthly frequency of SUD psychotherapy visits, SUD specialty group therapy visits and SUD specialty individual outpatient visits. We examined changes in video visits and changes in visits across all modalities of care (video, phone, and in-person). Regression models adjusted for several covariates such as age, sex, rurality, race, ethnicity, physical and mental health chronic conditions, and broadband coverage in patients' residential zip-code. RESULTS The cohort included 21,684 SUD-diagnosed tablet-recipients and 267,873 SUD-diagnosed non-recipients. VA's video-enabled tablets were associated with increases in video visits for SUD psychotherapy (+3.5 visits/year), SUD group therapy (+2.1 visits/year) and SUD individual outpatient visits (+1 visit/year), translating to increases in visits across all modalities (in-person, phone and video): increase of 18 % for SUD psychotherapy (+1.9 visits/year), 10 % for SUD specialty group therapy (+0.5 visit/year), and 4 % for SUD specialty individual outpatient treatment (+0.5 visit/year). CONCLUSIONS VA's distribution of video-enabled tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with higher engagement with video-based services for SUD care among patients diagnosed with SUD, translating to modest increases in total visits across in-person, phone and video modalities. Distribution of video-enabled devices can offer patients critical continuity of SUD therapy, particularly in scenarios where they have heightened barriers to in-person care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritee Gujral
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America; Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, United States of America.
| | - James Van Campen
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, United States of America
| | - Josephine Jacobs
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America; Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, United States of America
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, United States of America; National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, United States of America
| | - Donna M Zulman
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, United States of America; Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Daniel Blonigen
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
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Beck AK, Larance B, Baker AL, Deane FP, Manning V, Hides L, Kelly PJ. Supporting people affected by problematic alcohol, substance use and other behaviours under pandemic conditions: A pragmatic evaluation of how SMART recovery Australia responded to COVID-19. Addict Behav 2023; 139:107577. [PMID: 36528964 PMCID: PMC9741494 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107577] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid, reflexive transition from face-to-face to online healthcare. For group-based addiction services, evidence for the impact on service delivery and participant experience is limited. METHODS A 12-month (plus 2-month follow-up) pragmatic evaluation of the upscaling of online mutual-help groups by SMART Recovery Australia (SRAU) was conducted using The Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Data captured by SRAU between 1st July 2020 and 31st August 2021 included participant questionnaires, Zoom Data Analytics and administrative logs. RESULTS Reach: The number of online groups increased from just 6 pre-COVID-19 to 132. These groups were delivered on 2786 (M = 232.16, SD = 42.34 per month) occasions, to 41,752 (M = 3479.33, SD = 576.34) attendees. EFFECTIVENESS Participants (n = 1052) reported finding the online group meetings highly engaging and a positive, recovery supportive experience. 91 % of people with experience of face-to-face group meetings rated their online experience as equivalent or better. Adoption: Eleven services (including SRAU) and five volunteers delivered group meetings for the entire 12-months. IMPLEMENTATION SRAU surpassed their goal of establishing 100 groups. Maintenance: The average number of meetings delivered [t(11.14) = -1.45, p = 0.1737] and attendees [t(1.95) = -3.28, p = 0.1880] per month were maintained across a two-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS SRAU scaled-up the delivery of online mutual-help groups in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings support the accessibility, acceptability and sustainability of delivering SMART Recovery mutual-help groups online. Not only are these findings important in light of the global pandemic and public safety, but they demonstrate the potential for reaching and supporting difficult and under-served populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Beck
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Briony Larance
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Amanda L Baker
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia.
| | - Frank P Deane
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Victoria Manning
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Australia.
| | - Leanne Hides
- Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, Lives Lived Well Group, School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia.
| | - Peter J Kelly
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia.
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Parcesepe AM, Kulkarni SG, Grov C, Zimba R, You W, Westmoreland DA, Berry A, Kochhar S, Rane MS, Mirzayi C, Maroko AR, Nash D. Psychosocial Stressors and Maternal Mental Health in the U.S. During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:335-345. [PMID: 36625954 PMCID: PMC9838406 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03578-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID pandemic has had widespread impacts on maternal mental health. This research aims to examine the relationship between psychosocial stressors and symptoms of depression and anxiety and the extent to which emotional support or resilient coping moderates the relationship between psychosocial stressors and maternal mental health during the first wave of the COVID pandemic. METHODS This analysis includes data collected in October and November 2020 from a geographically and sociodemographically diverse sample of 776 mothers in the U.S. with children ≤ 18 years of age. Log binomial models were used to estimate the association between moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety and depression and psychosocial stressors. RESULTS Symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety and depression were reported by 37.5% and 37.6% of participants, respectively. Moderate (aRR 2.76 [95% CI 1.87, 4.07]) and high (aRR 4.95 [95% CI 3.40, 7.20]) levels of perceived stress were associated with greater risk of moderate or severe anxiety symptoms. Moderate and high levels of parental burnout were also associated with greater prevalence of moderate or severe anxiety symptoms in multivariable models. Results were similar when examining the relationship among stress, parental burnout, and depressive symptoms. Neither resilient coping nor social support modified the relationship between psychosocial stressors and mental health. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE Evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and parental burnout and improve the mental health of mothers are urgently needed. Strategies focused on bolstering coping and social support may be insufficient to improve maternal mental health during acute public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Parcesepe
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Sarah G Kulkarni
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Zimba
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - William You
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Drew A Westmoreland
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Berry
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shivani Kochhar
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madhura S Rane
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chloe Mirzayi
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew R Maroko
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Won NY, Palamar JJ, Mike SA, Fitzgerald ND, Cottler LB. A Qualitative Analysis of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel Experiences and Perceptions Responding to Drug Overdoses in the United States (US) During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 37:270-279. [PMID: 38148880 PMCID: PMC10751031 DOI: 10.56808/2586-940x.1045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Summary Background The purpose of this work was to describe the experiences of EMS personnel in responding to drug overdose-related calls and the impact the pandemic has had to help better inform current response and treatment efforts. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 99 EMS personnel across 18 areas throughout the United States that were designated as Early Warning Network sentinel sites by the National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded National Drug Early Warning System. Participants were asked about topics including the potential burdens from the pandemic and the opioid crisis. We coded the interview responses and identified themes through qualitative analysis. Multiple cycles of descriptive coding, recoding, subcoding, pattern-coding, and thematic coding of responses were conducted. Results Responses were categorized into the following themes: 1) being over-worked from increased call volume; 2) increased risk for personal harm when responding to patients; 3) compassion fatigue due to long hours and repeat calls for the same people; 4) conflicting perceptions of the utility of naloxone; 5) the need for better treatment options to respond to opioid crisis on top of COVID-19. Conclusions The burden of the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis on EMS personnel has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. These reports from EMS personnel throughout the US can help inform policy and procedures to better protect the mental health of EMS personnel and to ensure better care for patients with SUD. These experiences and recommendations may be of use for other countries as substance use and COVID-19 are global health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nae Y. Won
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Joseph J. Palamar
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, USA
| | - Stephen A. Mike
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Nicole D. Fitzgerald
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
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Goodyear T, Richardson C, Aziz B, Slemon A, Gadermann A, Daly Z, McAuliffe C, Pumarino J, Thomson KC, Jenkins EK. Mental distress and virtual mental health resource use amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Canada. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231173528. [PMID: 37163172 PMCID: PMC10164262 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231173528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This paper characterizes levels of mental distress among adults living in Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic and examines the extent of virtual mental health resource use, including reasons for non-use, among adults with moderate to severe distress. Methods Data are drawn from a cross-sectional monitoring survey (29 November to 7 December 2021) on the mental health of adults (N = 3030) in Canada during the pandemic. Levels of mental distress were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to examine virtual mental health resource use among participants with moderate to severe distress, including self-reported reasons for non-use. Results Levels of mental distress were classified as none to low (48.8% of participants), moderate (36.6%), and severe (14.6%). Virtual mental health resource use was endorsed by 14.2% of participants with moderate distress and 32% of those with severe distress. Participants with moderate to severe distress reported a range of reasons for not using virtual mental health resources, including not feeling as though they needed help (37.4%), not thinking the supports would be helpful (26.2%), and preferring in-person supports (23.4%), among other reasons. Conclusions This study identified a high burden of mental distress among adults in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic alongside an apparent mismatch between actual and perceived need for support, including through virtual mental health resources. Findings on virtual mental health resource use, and reasons for non-use, offer directions for mental health promotion and health communication related to mental health literacy and the awareness and appropriateness of virtual mental health resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Goodyear
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Chris Richardson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bilal Aziz
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Allie Slemon
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Anne Gadermann
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Zachary Daly
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Corey McAuliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Javiera Pumarino
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kimberly C Thomson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Emily K Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Mulvaney-Day N, Dean D, Miller K, Camacho-Cook J. Trends in Use of Telehealth for Behavioral Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considerations for Payers and Employers. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:1237-1241. [PMID: 36003014 PMCID: PMC9412131 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221112488e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Dean
- National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kay Miller
- IBM Watson Health, IBM, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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Henke RM. Knowing Well, Being Well: well-being born of understanding: Supporting Workforce Mental Health During the Pandemic. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:1213-1244. [PMID: 36003017 PMCID: PMC9523433 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221112488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Shapira B, Rosca P. Transformation of substance use disorder treatment services during COVID-19 - A lasting change? JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2070875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barak Shapira
- Division of Enforcement and Inspection, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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Shim RS, Tierney M, Rosenzweig MH, Goldman HH. Improving Behavioral Health Services in the Time of COVID-19 and Racial Inequities. NAM Perspect 2021; 2021:202110c. [PMID: 34901776 DOI: 10.31478/202110c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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