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Video DOT Improves Methadone Adherence Rates in Study
Remote observation of methadone doses using asynchronous video-based directly observed therapy (DOT) could allow opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment programs to improve patients’ medication adherence rates, according to a recent pilot study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Findings were published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.
The study, which took place over 5 months at 3 opioid treatment programs in Washington state, used a patient-facing mobile medication engagement app developed by emocha Health, as well as a provider-facing portal to provide daily DOT for OUD patients receiving methadone.
Among participants, 88% continued in the trial for at least 60 days and 61% received increased take-home dosing privileges, which eliminated the need for additional in-person visits. The study also found that pilot participants using the platform had a higher number of days with an observed dose of methadone (average of 53.15 days) compared to those who did not use the platform (16.64 days).
“Our findings suggest it is feasible for counselors and patients to use this app, which provided confirmation of treatment while allowing them to not come to the clinic daily and to live their lives more fully,” study senior author Judith Tsui, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, said in a news release.
Study lead author Kevin Hallgren, a UW associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, added that in addition to improving adherence rates, adoption of video DOT could reduce potential exposure to diseases including COVID-19. The pilot study was made possible when the onset of the pandemic led to an easement of medication take-home restrictions, which allowed patients to receive more frequent methadone doses to limit in-person interactions.
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