Breaking barriers: Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of telemedicine-assisted buprenorphine induction for opioid use disorder in India.

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine-assisted buprenorphine (BNX) induction (TABI) has the potential to reduce the treatment gap for opioid use disorder.

AIM

This study investigated the acceptability and feasibility of TABI in India. This was a retrospective study from a specialized addiction treatment center in a teaching hospital.

METHODS

TABI was introduced in November 2022; patients enrolled till May 2023 were included in the analysis. Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of patients who completed the TABI program, continued treatment for at least 3 months, and self-reported nonprescription opioid use during and after TABI. Acceptability was measured by patient satisfaction with TABI.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were enrolled: Fifty-three patients (88.3%) were retained during the TABI program, and 50 patients (83.3%) remained in treatment at the 3-month follow-up. Thirty-five patients (58.3%) reported using nonprescription opioids during TABI, and 28 patients (46.7%) reported such use after completing the program. Thirty-five (58.3%) were satisfied with the program, and 15 (25%) said they would recommend it to others. Patients who missed scheduled in-person appointments ( < .001) at 1 week, did not return unused BNX-naloxone ( < .001), and were not satisfied ( = .004) were more likely to report nonprescription opioid use. Those who attended the in-person follow-up at 1 week ( = .004) and were satisfied ( = .01) and did not use nonprescription opioids either during ( = .003) or after ( < .001) TABI were more likely to be retained in treatment at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

The study shows TABI's acceptability and feasibility in a specialized addiction treatment setting; further research is needed for broader applicability.