Introduction to Improving Telehealth and Virtual Care for Pain Management and Opioid/Substance Use Disorder
The meeting series on “Improving Telehealth and Virtual Care for Pain Management and Opioid/Substance Use Disorder” explores strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for individuals dealing with pain and substance use disorders (SUDs).
The first meeting in the series took place December 17, 2021, bringing together over 50 experts from various sectors, including health professionals, industry leaders, federal agencies, advocacy groups, academia, and research institutions.
The primary objectives of this meeting were to:
- Assess the Current Landscape: Examine the existing state of telehealth and virtual care in the context of pain management and SUD treatment.
- Identify Challenges and Opportunities: Discuss the barriers hindering effective telehealth delivery and explore potential opportunities for improvement.
- Strategize Future Directions: Develop actionable strategies to integrate telehealth into pain management and SUD care, ensuring equitable access and high-quality treatment outcomes.
Key discussion points included the need for standardized telehealth practices, addressing regulatory and reimbursement challenges, ensuring patient privacy and data security, and leveraging technology to provide patient-centered care.
The proceedings from this meeting offer insights and recommendations for policy makers, health care providers, and stakeholders committed to advancing telehealth solutions in pain management and SUD treatment.
