Guidance Urged for Telehealth Buprenorphine Treatment During Pregnancy

Telehealth has made buprenorphine treatment simple to access for some people diagnosed with opioid use disorder. But clinicians still need clearer direction on how to properly administer remote care during the time period of pregnancy and after childbirth. A report in Psychiatric Times highlighted the need for more research with telehealth becoming a more prominent part of addiction care.

Buprenorphine Treatment During Pregnancy

Buprenorphine is a medication that’s designed to treat opioid use disorder by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. During a woman’s pregnancy and the postpartum period, staying on an effective opioid withdrawal medication can help stabilize physical health, and also reduce the risk of returning to opioid use.

Getting to appointments isn’t always easy for expectant or new parents as travel may be difficult, childcare can be expensive and time away from work may not be an option. Some people also worry about the stigma surrounding addiction. Telehealth can remove some of these obstacles and make it easier to stay in treatment.

Researchers say there are important questions that remain unanswered. Do patients consistently stay engaged with the remote treatment process? How consistently do they continue their medication, and how well do providers coordinate care. Researchers also need to understand what the outcomes are for parents and infants and when an in-person examination becomes necessary.

Coordinating Care Across Pregnancy and Postpartum

Remote appointments can make these services more accessible, but they don’t automatically keep everyone on the same page. A patient may have urgent medical needs, or face problems such as housing instability or intimate partner violence. Providers need ways to recognize those concerns and connect patients with appropriate help.

Researchers cited by Psychiatric Times say clinicians need practical recommendations for managing telehealth treatment. These recommendations could cover the first assessment, follow-up visits, toxicology testing, prescriptions and emergency plans. Guidance should also explain when providers need to arrange an in-person visit or consult another member of the care team.

When Is Telehealth the Right Choice?

Remote treatment isn’t inherently less effective or less appropriate than an office visit. For someone who lives far from a provider or struggles to find childcare, it may be the most workable option. Another patient may need a mix of virtual appointments and in-person care.

The decision depends on clinical needs, a person’s stability and the services available nearby. Clearer guidance could help clinicians make those decisions without creating unnecessary barriers for patients who benefit from remote care.

Medication treatment also serves a different purpose from detox alone. Alcohol and opioid withdrawal carry different risks, but during pregnancy, stopping opioid medication without medical guidance can lead to withdrawal and increase the risk of returning to opioid use. That can raise the risk of overdose and other complications.

Pregnant and postpartum patients should never under any circumstances stop buprenorphine on their own. Instead, they should meet with qualified healthcare professionals and discuss medication changes . A treatment plan should account for both the parent’s health and the needs of the infant.

Finding Detox and Ongoing Opioid Treatment

Detox.com offers an extensive amount of information about withdrawal, medically supervised detox and medication-supported treatment. Its resources can help people learn more about treatment options, and the steps involved in moving from withdrawal management to ongoing care. You can call 800-996-6135Sponsored to get connected with a treatment advisor.