Retention in Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

This document is a retrospective cohort study that examines retention in care and adherence to buprenorphine among rural patients receiving telemedicine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Conducted from April 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022, the study involved 1,816 rural adults diagnosed with OUD across 14 states. The findings indicate that retention rates at 1, 3, and 6 months were 74.8%, 61.5%, and 52.3%, respectively, while adherence to buprenorphine was 69.0%, 56.0%, and 49.2% at the same intervals. The study highlights the effectiveness of telemedicine as a viable alternative to traditional in-person treatment for OUD, particularly in rural populations. It also identifies factors influencing retention in care, such as age, rurality, and insurance status. This study contributes valuable insights into the outcomes of telemedicine for OUD treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and underscores the importance of innovative care models in addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas.