The effect of telephonic patient support on treatment for opioid dependence: Outcomes at one year follow-up

ObjectiveThe present study examined the impact of a telephonic patient support program known as HereToHelp™ (HTH) on compliance and treatment outcomes among opioid dependent (OD) patients new to buprenorphine treatment (BUP).MethodA total of 1426 OD patients new to BUP were randomized to receive BUP alone (standard care) or BUP plus the HTH patient support program. All patients completed the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) at the time of enrollment, and at 12 months post-enrollment.ResultsSubjects randomized to the HTH support program who accepted at least 3 care coach intervention calls were more compliant with BUP than the standard care group at month 12 (64.4% vs. 56.1%, χ2 = 5.09, p < .025). Compared to patients who were non-compliant with BUP, compliant patients reported significantly lower scores on all 7 of the ASI composite scores, indicating lower severity on addiction-related problems.ConclusionsThe HTH intervention seemed to improve patient treatment outcomes indirectly by improving compliance with BUP. Supplementing BUP with a structured, telephonic compliance-enhancement program is an effective way to improve compliance with medication which then improves patient outcomes.

► Patients accepting 3+ support calls were more medication compliant at 12 months.
► Medication compliant patients reported less problem severity.
► Medication compliant patients were more likely to seek substance abuse treatment.