How COVID-19 Changed Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
The number of patients receiving buprenorphine continued to increase, but the delivery of care shifted to telehealth visits, suggesting that any reversal of COVID-19 policies must be carefully considered.
Imagine needing essential treatment for opioid use disorder and suddenly, the world shifts to telehealth. That's exactly what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM', host Claire Rasmussen dives into a national study that explores how policy changes in March 2020 impacted buprenorphine treatment within the Veterans Health Administration.
The study reveals that while the number of patients receiving buprenorphine increased, the way care was delivered transformed drastically, moving from in-person visits to telehealth. This shift raises critical questions about what might happen if these policies are reversed. But that's not all. Rasmussen also touches on other compelling research, including trends in cannabis use disorder diagnoses, three-year retention rates for buprenorphine treatment, and strategies for addressing adolescent substance use.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone affected by addiction, this episode is packed with crucial insights and practical takeaways. So, if you're curious about how the pandemic has reshaped addiction medicine or want to stay updated on the latest research, tune in to this episode. It's an enlightening listen that offers a blend of professional expertise and real-world implications.