Telehealth Addiction Treatment May Reduce Structural Stigma Due To Use Of Consumer-Centered Clinical Policies

Consumers with opioid use disorder (OUD) who received medication assisted OUD treatment via telehealth during COVID-19 reported experiencing less structural stigma during treatment, in part due to the use of consumer-centered policies giving consumers more control of how they accessed treatment. . In general, consumers said telehealth gave them improved control over the treatment environment and flexibility over appointment times. They perceived greater trust and respect from the clinical professional. Consumer perceptions of stigma due to structural factors, clinical concerns, and personal issues during telehealth treatment were gathered in a small survey of consumers treated by a health system . . .