Scoping review protocol: the use of telemedicine in providing opioid agonist treatment and related psychosocial supports.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The global opioid-related disease burden is significant. Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) can be effective in reducing illicit opioid use and fatal overdose, and improving multiple health and social outcomes. Despite evidence for its effectiveness, there are significant deficits in OAT globally. COVID-19 has required rapid adaptation of remote models of healthcare. Telemedicine is not used routinely in OAT, and little is known about the current levels of use and effectiveness. The objective of this review is to describe models of telemedicine and their efficacy.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review uses the review methodology described by Arksey and O'Malley and adapted by Levac et al. The search strategy developed by the medical librarian at the Irish

SUBMITTER: Crowley D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7722370 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature