Examining use of telehealth in jails: linking women to community OUD services

Abstract Background Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a significant health care need for women, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system (CLS). There are no studies to date that focus on the utilization of telehealth as a platform for assessment and linkage to medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD) at community re-entry for women, despite the fact that women have unique risk factors that may contribute to opioid relapse in the community. The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to provide an overview of the innovative use of telehealth for linking incarcerated women to community MOUD treatment in the Kentucky-hub of the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN). Methods This study incorporates qualitative and quantitative data collection with MOUD providers, recovery staff involved in peer navigation services, and women who are incarcerated to understand perceptions of the use of telehealth prior to jail release as a linkage to community services. Results Findings from this study suggest overall support for the use of telehealth between community MOUD treatment providers and women who are incarcerated using videoconferencing technology. On average, there was very little variation in provider favorable feedback related to clinical engagement or in face-to-face comparability, as well as how telehealth allowed the participant to discuss personal and sensitive issues during the clinical assessment. Conclusions Study findings suggest benefits associated with the use of telehealth in increasing access to treatment for women with OUD. Jails are critical venues for telehealth interventions because they provide the opportunity to reach women who have been actively using illicit substances, often have advanced-stage substance use disorders which have compromised their health and mental health, and often have not been previously identified as needing treatment. Trial registration : This study was originally registered on 8/23/19, ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT04069624.