Keywords

COVID-19, OAT, opioid agonist therapy, opioid use disorder, OUD, OUD treatment, rural Deep South, substance use disorder, SUD, telehealth

 

Authors

  1. Mumba, Mercy Ngosa PhD, RN
  2. Jaiswal, Jessica PhD
  3. Langner-Smith, Natalia MSW
  4. Mugoya, George T. PhD
  5. Brown, Whitnee DNP, RN, FNP-BC
  6. Davis, Lori L. MD

Abstract

Abstract: Substance use treatment inequities among rural populations are well documented and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, forcing healthcare providers to be creative in the delivery of treatment. Systematic reviews on the use of telehealth to treat patients with substance use disorder indicate that it is a promising alternative to in-person services. This article examines the evidence supporting the use of telehealth in treating patients with opioid use disorder and explores other promising options that can help overcome pandemic-related barriers to treatment.