Effect of Telephonic Patient Support on Opioid Dependence

A recent study evaluated the impact of telephone patient support on treatment compliance and outcomes in opioid dependent patients (n = 1426) receiving buprenorphine therapy.²

Study subjects were randomized to receive buprenorphine alone or buprenorphine plus the telephonic patient support program.

Results showed that patients enrolled in the patient support program accepting at least 3 care coach intervention calls had better compliance with buprenorphine compared with the buprenorphine alone group at 12 months (64.4% vs 56.1%, respectively; P <.025).

Additionally, compliant patients reported lower Addiction Severity Index scores than noncompliant patients.

Authors concluded that the telephonic support program improved buprenorphine compliance and thus indirectly improved patient treatment outcomes.

Dr. Reed received her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and currently works as a medical editor in the greater Philadelphia area.

References

1. Ebbeling CB, Swain JF, Feldman HA, et al. Effects of dietary composition on energy expenditure during weight-loss maintenance. JAMA. 2012;307(24):2627-2634.

2. Jakicic JM, Tate DF, Lang W, et al. Effect of a stepped-care intervention approach on weight loss in adults: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2012;307(24):2617-2626.

3. Mohr DC, Ho J, Duffecy J, et al. Effect of telephone-administered vs face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy on adherence to therapy and depression outcomes among primary care patients: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2012;307(21):2278-2285.