Babak Tofighi, Rosalina Lopez, Gabriela Araujo, Joshua D Lee, Elizabeth A Samuels, Rachel S Wightman, Jenna Butner
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: This mixed-methods study assessed buprenorphine provider and administrator perceptions and experiences in offering telebuprenorphine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June 2021 and September 2021 among telebuprenorphine providers and administrators (N=16) and assessed for program design and implementation strategies, clinical workflow, patient-level factors influencing program entry and retention, and challenges and solutions to improving clinical care.
Results: Clinician (n=15) and administrator (n=1) participants identified changes to clinical workflow, including increased administrative tasks to confirm patient receipt of prescribed medications, completion of referrals to community- or specialty treatment, and locating available pharmacies and laboratory services. Challenges consisted of staff redeployment to COVID-19 related responsibilities, prior authorization requirements for buprenorphine prescriptions, billing structures that under-reimbursed for telephone or video visits, and concerns with changes in government regulations. Strategies to improving telebuprenorphine included offering "hotlines" to facilitate same-day visits, expanding between-visit support, establishing workflows with community pharmacies to ensure seamless dispensing of buprenorphine, co-location of behavioral health providers, and distributing donated mobile phones to patients. Suggested technologies for enhancing care included text messaging (75%) and smartphone applications (56.3%).
Conclusions: Findings from this study highlight considerable heterogeneity in the delivery of telebuprenorphine services.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Substance Use is a bimonthly international journal, publishing peer-reviewed, up-to-the-minute articles on a wide spectrum of issues relating to the use of legal and illegal substances. The Journal aims to educate, inform, update and act as a forum for standard setting for health and social care professionals working with individuals and families with substance use problems. It also informs and supports those undertaking research in substance use, developing substance use services, and participating in, leading and developing education and training programmes.