Emerging research from Workit Labs
Workit’s research team completed the first study assessing telemedicine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) among rural Americans post-COVID. This study, the largest sample of American OUD patients in rural areas to date, showed significant results which support the use of Workit Health’s telemedicine program to treat OUD.
Reaching rural areas
Metrics that matter
3-month retention
Compare this to 50% 3-month retention rates reported in extant studies on telemedicine-delivered OUD treatment among patients living in both rural and rural/non-rural areas.
Adherence
Urinary drug tests showed 99% of participants tested positive for buprenorphine at all time points, demonstrating strong adherence to the treatment program and very little diversion.
Tested Negative for Other substances
Workit Health's focus on harm reduction encouraged participation and allowed participants to remain active and engaged without fear of dismissal, despite ~20% of participants testing positive for unexpected substances in their urinary drug screens.
Areas of research focus
Our current areas of study include:
- Updating and optimizing alcohol use disorder treatment for the digital age.
- Advancing whole-person care through telehealth, including co-occurring disorders that are often comorbid with substance use disorder. Including perinatal care, hepatitis C, HIV prevention, mental health, and chronic pain.
- Expanding access to care and improving retention rates among pregnant people receiving treatment for OUD through telehealth.
- Innovating technological and digital supports to enhance treatment—including gamification and automation—without sacrificing personal connection.
Download our publications
Retention in Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Among Rural Populations: A Retrospective Cohort Study
May 15, 2023
Published in Telemedicine and e-Health
Retention in Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Among Rural Populations
April 14, 2023
Poster presented at the American Society of Addiction Medicine 54th Annual Conference
