Telehealth Rollback Puts Veterans Receiving Opioid Addiction Treatment at Risk
When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted federal policy changes increasing the use of telehealth delivery, one of those was the increased delivery of buprenorphine
COVID-19 Telehealth Changes Improve VA Treatment for Opioid-Use Disorder
Implementing new policies during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced barriers to telehealth delivery of buprenorphine treatment for opioid-use disorder for veterans seeking care, a new study reports.
Retention Rates Remain Low for Substance Use Disorder Programs
A common explanation for the high dropout rate and failure of a substance use disorder program is that patients fear symptoms of opioid withdrawal. A new study suggested that is for good reason, especially since patients who are exposed to full opioid agonists chronically are recommended to already be experiencing moderate withdrawal symptoms before they can get drugs to alleviate the symptoms. That’s why the FDA has approved new alternatives, including auricular stimulators, to help patients through the difficult withdrawal symptoms.
Hardin’s Mission Is Keeping Veterans Out of Criminal Justice System
Any interaction with the criminal justice system can be a frightening, confusing experience for those being charged. It can be especially difficult to navigate for men and women who are homeless or struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues.
VHA Has Better Noncardiac Surgical Outcomes Than Private Sector Hospitals
Perioperative outcomes at the VHA are consistently better than those in private sector hospitals, according to a new study.