Telemedicine for treating mental health and substance use disorders: reflections since the pandemic

Busch, Alisa B.; Sugarman, Dawn E.; Horvitz, Lisa; Greenfield, Shelly F.

doi:10.1038/s41386-021-00960-4

Cited by 44 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 17 publications

(16 reference statements)

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“…Finally, changes in treatment provision were documented. Studies reported reduced treatment provision early in the pandemic, but as the pandemic progressed [52] , [53] , [54] , providers were incorporating telemedicine and other techniques [55] , [56] .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More recently, take-home privileges have been expanded for methadone maintenance treatment. As the pandemic progressed, telehealth use in substance use treatment has become more acceptable [55] perceived as easy to use [76] and implement [56] . While buprenorphine in- duction can now be conducted via telehealth, several US jurisdictions lack a physician able to prescribe buprenorphine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Substance, use in relation to COVID-19: A scoping review

Kumar

Janmohamed

Nyhan

et al. 2022

Addictive Behaviors

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Background We conducted a scoping review focused on various forms of substance use amid the pandemic, looking at both the impact of substance use on COVID-19 infection, severity, and vaccine uptake, as well as the impact that COVID-19 has had on substance use treatment and rates. Methods A scoping review, compiling both peer-reviewed and grey literature, focusing on substance use and COVID-19 was conducted on September 15 2020 and again in April 15 2021 to capture any new studies. Three bibliographic databases (Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, PubMed) and several preprint servers (EuropePMC, bioRxiv, medRxiv, F1000, PeerJ Preprints, PsyArXiv, Research Square) were searched. We included English language original studies only. Results Of 1564 articles screened in the abstract and title screening phase, we included 111 research studies (peer-reviewed: 98, grey literature: 13) that met inclusion criteria. There was limited research on substance use other than those involving tobacco or alcohol. We noted that individuals engaging in substance use had increased risk for COVID-19 severity, and Black Americans with COVID-19 and who engaged in substance use had worse outcomes than white Americans. There were issues with treatment provision earlier in the pandemic, but increased use of telehealth as the pandemic progressed. COVID-19 anxiety was associated with increased substance use. Conclusions Our scoping review of studies to date during COVID-19 uncovered notable research gaps namely the need for research efforts on vaccines, COVID-19 concerns such as anxiety and worry, and low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) and under-researched topics within substance use, and to explore the use of qualitative techniques and interventions where ap- propriate. We also noted that clinicians can screen and treat individuals exhibiting substance use to mitigate effects of the pandemic. Funding Study was funded by the Institution for Social and Policy Studies, Yale University and The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy. DH was funded by a NIDA grant (R01DA048860). The funding body had no role in the design, analysis, or interpretation of the data in the study.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substance, use in relation to COVID-19: A scoping review

Kumar

Janmohamed

Nyhan

et al. 2022

Addictive Behaviors

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Given the increase in mental health symptoms during the pandemic, screening for symptoms and ensuring accessible treatment, including through telehealth, are essential even as the pandemic improves. 6 Such treatment will be needed to help mitigate long-term emotional and physical effects of mental health symptoms during the pandemic and to restore functioning and quality of life for older adults.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Symptoms Among US Adults

et al. 2021

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“…In the USA, mental health care delivered via telepsychiatry increased from less than 1% of visits (in-person and telepsychiatry) before the pandemic to 56% in December 2020 [29][30][31]. During the transition from face-to-face therapy to telepsychiatry, the volume of outpatient encounters initially decreased before rebounding to pre-pandemic levels [32]. However, the digital divide led to disparities in access to telepsychiatry (particularly video visits)-for instance, owing to a lack of broadband internet availability, inability to afford suitable devices, lack of digital literacy, cognitive deficits, or mistrust of technology [32][33][34].…”

Section: Telepsychiatrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychiatry in the Digital Age: A Blessing or a Curse?

Roth

Papassotiropoulos

Brühl

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Social distancing and the shortage of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of population aging on the healthcare system, as well as the rapid pace of digital innovation are catalyzing the development and implementation of new technologies and digital services in psychiatry. Is this transformation a blessing or a curse for psychiatry? To answer this question, we conducted a literature review covering a broad range of new technologies and eHealth services, including telepsychiatry; computer-, internet-, and app-based cognitive behavioral therapy; virtual reality; digital applied games; a digital medicine system; omics; neuroimaging; machine learning; precision psychiatry; clinical decision support; electronic health records; physician charting; digital language translators; and online mental health resources for patients. We found that eHealth services provide effective, scalable, and cost-efficient options for the treatment of people with limited or no access to mental health care. This review highlights innovative technologies spearheading the way to more effective and safer treatments. We identified artificially intelligent tools that relieve physicians from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on collaborative doctor–patient relationships. The transformation of traditional clinics into digital ones is outlined, and the challenges associated with the successful deployment of digitalization in psychiatry are highlighted.

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Telemedicine for treating mental health and substance use disorders: reflections since the pandemic

Cited by 44 publications

References 17 publications

Substance, use in relation to COVID-19: A scoping review

Substance, use in relation to COVID-19: A scoping review

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Symptoms Among US Adults

Psychiatry in the Digital Age: A Blessing or a Curse?

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