Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Patient and Provider Experiences with Opioid Use Disorder Care Delivered Via Telehealth

Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Patient and Provider Experiences with Opioid Use Disorder Care Delivered Via Telehealth

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and loosening of some opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment regulations in the U.S., there has been a rapid rise in the use of telehealth for buprenorphine induction, maintenance, and counseling (tele-bupe). Patients and providers hold generally positive views of tele-bupe and most support its continued use in some form, citing multiple benefits, including accessibility and convenience. Patients and providers differed in how they thought telehealth affects the clinical relationship, with providers expressing more concern about rapport-building and patients stating that being in their own environments during visits facilitated comfort and openness. The findings also suggest that providers are conflicted about when and for whom tele-bupe is appropriate.