Telehealth sustains patient engagement in OUD treatment during COVID-19

The coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) has created significant economic and societal burden, with mortality currently exceeding 615,000 and millions of others affected worldwide. For those with opioid use disorder (OUD), however, the impact on this vulnerable population could be even more severe. The objective of this study was to outline our organizational telehealth adaptations that enabled virtual counseling, peer support, groups, and provider care during COVID-19 in one community-based opioid treatment program. We utilized an observational study design during March to June 2020, during the initial peak of COVID-19 in the U.S. After we closed our facility for the first five business days, we rapidly enacted virtual care with telehealth for peer coaching, counseling, groups, and provider visits. While we lost patient volume during the initial weeks, we observed an overall increase in patient engagement over time. Future state and federal policy should focus on maintaining less stringent policies around the use of telehealth, prescribing, and in-person exams for medication for OUD.