INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Telehealth Intervention on Medication Adherence for Patients with Substance Use Disorder in a Rural Community Pharmacy

Scott M. Sexton, PharmD

University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3165-1618

Janice T. Nguyen, PharmD

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7941-2651

Jonni Williams, PharmD

Family Health Care

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6216-0272

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v16i2.6666

Keywords: substance use disorder, telehealth, rural, adherence, medication

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Abstract

Background: Substance use disorder has significantly affected the lives of individuals throughout the United States. Pharmacists are well-positioned to assist with medication adherence and other medication-related problems related to substance use disorder treatment. With virtual care becoming readily available, telehealth helps patients to achieve the care they need and helps to overcome the barriers to accessing in-person patient appointments.

Objective: To assess the impact of a pharmacist-led telehealth intervention on medication adherence for patients with substance use disorder currently enrolled in a treatment program. The secondary objectives were to evaluate patient relapse rates and determine overall patient satisfaction with pharmacist-driven telehealth services.

Methods: The pharmacist-led telehealth program held up to 5 monthly appointments with patients who were seeing a physician for treatment of substance use disorder. Following these appointments, data related to medication adherence, relapse rates, social determinants of health, and patient satisfaction were collected.

Results: Six patients enrolled in the substance use disorder telehealth service and completed at least one appointment. Five of these patients completed the full program. A majority of these patients were being treated for opioid use disorder and were taking suboxone. Five of the six patients met adherence goals of 80-100%, with all patients improving adherence from their first visit to their last visit.

Conclusion: The implementation of a pharmacist-led intervention of support services for patients with substance use disorder improved medication adherence. The pharmacists were able to address additional issues such as side effects, social determinants of health, and medication cost at these telehealth appointments.