Buprenorphine and Telehealth: A New Era in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

By Staff Writer

August 7, 2023

Buprenorphine, the most frequently prescribed medication for opioid use disorder (OUD), is used to treat an estimated 1 to 2 million individuals annually. It’s a first-line treatment for OUD, highly effective at reducing opioid use, overdose, and all-cause mortality, and improving quality of life.

However, routine urine drug screening (UDS) to test for adherence to treatment and illicit substance use is inconsistent, despite its commonality in addiction treatment settings. There is a lack of consensus about testing schedules and how to respond to results, leading to great variation and inconsistencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed federal policy changes, allowing for expanded telehealth-based opioid treatment (TBOT). Studies have found that TBOT may be associated with improved patient outcomes relative to in-person treatment. However, there’s an urgent need for rigorous studies exploring UDS in remote care settings.

A recent study found that most patients completed a UDS in the first 30 days of care, and an overwhelming majority within the first 90 days of care, suggesting that drug testing is feasible over a telehealth treatment platform.

Findings suggest that buprenorphine delivered in TBOT settings is an effective treatment for OUD, with low rates of opioid use across all time points in care.

However, the digital divide could exacerbate existing disparities related to health care access. It’s crucial for TBOT platforms to consider the complex interplay between clinical suitability for remote care and socioeconomic and digital barriers.

This is the first study characterising UDS administration and results in an exclusively TBOT setting, a significant step towards identifying the optimal processes for UDS in remote care settings.

Reference url

Recent Posts

allopurinol Marfan syndrome orphan
       

Allopurinol Designated an Orphan Drug for Marfan Syndrome

🌟 What does the EMA’s orphan drug designation for allopurinol mean for those impacted by Marfan syndrome?

This groundbreaking move highlights a significant step forward in tackling rare diseases, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options. Allopurinol, traditionally used for gout, shows promise in addressing life-threatening aortic complications associated with Marfan syndrome, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Dive into the implications of this development for healthcare innovation, patient access, and the future of rare disease treatment!

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #Innovation #MarketAccess

marstacimab hemophilia B
                

NICE’s Approval of Marstacimab for Hemophilia B: Transforming Treatment Landscapes and Economic Implications

💡 Are we witnessing a paradigm shift in hemophilia treatment?

The recent recommendation from NICE for marstacimab as a novel therapy for severe hemophilia B is a game-changer. With its ability to provide effective prophylaxis while potentially lowering treatment costs, this could reshape patient care and health economics in this space.

Dive into the implications this has for patients and healthcare providers, and why marstacimab’s approval could be a pivotal moment for hemophilia management.

Explore the full article for deeper insights!

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcareInnovation #MarketAccess

HPV-related cancer trends
    

HPV-Related Cancer Trends in South Africa 2011-2021

🌍 Are we witnessing a rise in HPV-related cancer in South Africa?

A recent analysis of data from the South African National Cancer Registry highlights concerning trends: while cervical cancer rates are declining, there’s an alarming rise in non-cervical anogenital cancers. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced cancer prevention and access to efficient healthcare services in the country.

Dive into the findings and explore the implications for health systems and policies.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcareInnovation #GlobalHealth

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.