Patient Experiences with Provision of Telehealth Addiction Treatment Services

Authors

• Kaleigh Spollen, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Shane Nieves, MPH, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Gregory Jaffe, MD, MSEd, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Vanessa Short, PhD, MPH, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a nationwide public health crisis, and deaths from opioids have risen significantly since 1999. In recent years, telehealth has emerged as a novel modality for SUD treatment. This study aims to evaluate patient experiences with a telehealth program for SUD, identifying barriers and facilitators to participation in the program, as well as opportunities for program improvement.

Methods: This qualitative study comprises an online survey and semi-structured interview. Individuals 18 years of age or older who have attended at least one session of Jefferson’s telemedicine program for SUD treatment were enrolled in the study. Participants completed a survey, measuring demographic characteristics and history of participation in SUD treatment, followed by a semi-structured interview, including questions about perceived barriers and facilitators to participation, satisfaction, and opportunities to enhance feasibility and acceptability. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, using a hybrid inductive-deductive coding approach, will be used to analyze survey and interview data, respectively.

Results: Six participants have been enrolled and four interviews have been completed. Preliminary data suggests satisfaction with the program, with perceived facilitators to participation including convenience, lack of logistical challenges (e.g. transportation), and positive relationship with the provider. Perceived barriers are associated with technology difficulties.

Conclusion: Early findings build upon the burgeoning literature in telehealth treatment for SUD. Our study aims to reveal strengths and gaps in the delivery of virtual SUD treatment, to inform future iterations of this model. Next steps in this project will include continued conduction of interviews and subsequent data analysis.

Recommended Citation

Spollen, Kaleigh; Nieves, MPH, Shane; Jaffe, MD, MSEd, Gregory; and Short, PhD, MPH, Vanessa, "Patient Experiences with Provision of Telehealth Addiction Treatment Services" (2026). Phase 1. Paper 2.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/si_phr_2028_phase1/2

Language

English