Telehealth data ‘very limited’
Commenting on the research, Lewei (Allison) Lin, MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, noted that “there is such limited information” about the use of telehealth for patients with SUD.
“These insights are helpful for us to start understanding the things that need to be considered, including clinician attitudes and perceptions,” said Dr. Lin, who was not involved with the studies.
“It will be key to have data as use of telemedicine increases during COVID-19 to help us see exactly how it should be used and to better understand the actual impacts and whether or not it is increasing accessibility, and for which patients,” she added.
David Kan, MD, chief medical officer at Bright Heart Health, San Ramon, Calif., has had experience with telehealth for SUD and has found that conducting pill counts with his patients has not been a problem.
“The Shell poster covers telemedicine well,” Dr. Kan said in an interview.
However, “I disagree with their point that diversion prevention is harder via telemedicine. In my experience, it is easier, as you can do pill or wrapper counts almost on demand. You can also do daily observed dosing with pill counts if diversion is suspected,” he said.
Dr. Kan also suggested ways to cope with problems involving privacy. “Privacy concerns are always an issue but can be mitigated with headphones and a scan of the room with the telehealth technology if a privacy concern arises.”
He acknowledged that in-person meetings, especially through well-established programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), will always be important. But he pointed out that people are finding ways to meet safely and have in-person connections.
“The AA has been providing virtual recovery meetings long before COVID. The common complaint is the loss of fellowship associated with recovery groups. I don’t know of a way to get around this short of vaccines,” Dr. Kan said. However, “people have adapted impressively with masked outdoor meetings and other forms of safe gathering.”
The investigators, Dr. Lin, and Dr. Kan reported no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article originally appeared on Medscape.com.