A qualitative exploration of the use of telehealth for opioid treatment: Implications for nurse‐managed care

Abstract

AbstractAimTo characterise experiences with telehealth for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) services among patients, prescribers, nurses and substance use counsellors to inform future best practices.DesignWe engaged a qualitative descriptive study design.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with prescribers (nurse practitioners and physicians, n = 20), nurses and substance use counsellors (n = 7), and patients (n = 20) between June and September 2021. Interviews were verbatim transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method.ResultsAmong both providers and patients, four themes were identified: (1) Difficulties with telehealth connection (2) Flexibility in follow‐up and retention, (3) Policy changes that enabled expanded care, (4) Path forward with telehealth. Two additional findings emerged from provider interviews: (1) Expansion of nurse‐managed office‐based opioid treatment, and (2) Novel methods to engage patients.ConclusionsPatients and providers continued to view telehealth as an acceptable means for delivery and management of MOUD, particularly when utilised in a hybrid manner between in‐person visits. Nurse‐managed care for this service was evident as nurses extended the breadth of services offered and utilised novel methods such as text messages and management of ‘call‐in’ lines to engage patients.Implications for the profession and/or patient careUse of telehealth for MOUD should be incorporated into practice settings to reach patients in a flexible manner. Nurses in particular can use this medium to extend office‐based opioid treatment by conducting assessments and expanding capacity for other wrap‐around services.ImpactWe identify recommendations for best practices in the use of telehealth for opioid use disorder management and highlight the value of nurse‐managed care.Reporting methodThe consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.Patient or Public ContributionPatients with opioid use disorder and prescribers with experience using telehealth were interviewed for this study.