This study reviewed the impact of telemedicine on treatment retention in Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine treatment program during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Electronic health records of active patients in MOUD with buprenorphine treatment program were reviewed from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. Data were divided into four groups of 3-months’ time points to calculate and compare treatment retention in the baseline, pre-COVID, and in-COVID groups. The percentage of treatment retention with a 95% confidence interval was calculated using University of California San Franciso- Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UCSF-CTSI) sample size calculator tool. This study presents data suggesting that telemedicine is efficacious in retaining patients in MOUD. Telemedicine is an alternative to face-to-face treatment delivery for MOUD with buprenorphine treatment. It should be available to provide services after the pandemic as well.

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Post-treatment (1/27/ 2020) Apathy T-score: 33 47 Disinhibition T-score: 35 43 Executive Dysfunction Tscore: 34 43 FrSBe e Subscale Description Apathy (A) Problems with initiation, psychomotor retardation, spontaneity, drive, persistence, loss of energy and interest, lack of concern about self-care and/or blunted affective expression. Disinhibition (D) Problems with inhibitory control such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, socially inappropriate behavior and poor conformity to social conventions. Executive Dysfunction (E) Problems with sustained attention, working memory, organization, planning, future orientation, sequencing, problem solving, insight, mental flexibility, self-monitoring of ongoing behavior and/or the ability to benefit from feedback or modify behavior following errors.

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Depression can be disabling, and standard treatments are often ineffective. rTMS is a safe and effective brain stimulation modality. rTMS is often used in combination with other evidence-based strategies to improve treatment outcomes.We are introducing a novel combination approach of rTMS with music. Our goal is to present proof of concept and provide a theoretical framework on why this combination may be superior. We reviewed existing literature on music’s benefits in treating depression as well as evidence base on music’s effects on the brain. We have delivered the combination treatment of music and rTMS to 9 adult patients with severe treatment-resistant MDD. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to measure the response. Response and remission rates were 89% and 56%, respectively. The mean change in the total HAM-D score was -15.3 (SD=3.6). Music’s powerful effects on the brain make it an invaluable tool for using in combination with rTMS. In addition to being augmentative to the rTMS course, music can also provide a “priming effect,” whereby underlying brain activity is altered in a way that it improves beneficial effects of stimulation. This combination method is safe, convenient, and easy to set up and deliver.