Guidance for Treating Patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) with Buprenorphine- Naloxone (B/N) in the COVID-19 Era via Telehealth: A Review of Previous Evidence, New COVID-19 OUD Treatment Guidelines, and a Case Report of their Application

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline primary care providers care face the challenge of providing access to the evidence-based medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Telehealth has emerged as an approach to enhance access to treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone (B/N) to support patients' recovery while keeping them and their providers safe. Lessons learned: In this case report of a telehealth company's response to the pandemic, we share lessons learned in treating patients with OUD during the COVID-19 pandemic that consider the evidence base, new COVID-19 related guidelines and their application. Conclusion: Understanding the evidence and current COVID-19-related guidelines can help frontline primary care providers employ new approaches to support patients with OUD by providing B/N in a safe way that minimizes COVID-19 exposure risk and maximizes recovery support.