Implementation of a Mobile Digital Tool Supporting Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Improves Retention:...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) retention is low due to systemic and individual barriers.
• Digital interventions show promise but lack robust evidence for improving MOUD treatment retention.
• Recovery Connect is a digital remote patient monitoring app integrated into a blended MOUD treatment model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Recovery Connect on patient retention in MOUD treatment.
• To assess the effect of the app on treatment continuance and medication adherence.
• To determine the role of app linkage and engagement in MOUD treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial was conducted across 9 outpatient MOUD clinics.
• Clinics were transitioned from usual care to a digitally enhanced model using Recovery Connect.
• Primary outcome was 30-day retention; secondary outcomes included treatment continuance and medication adherence.

Main Results:

• Clinics implementing Recovery Connect showed significantly higher 30-day retention rates (75.5% vs. 63.6%).
• Patients linked with the app demonstrated higher retention (81.3% vs. 72.0%), continuance, and adherence.
• Progressively higher app engagement levels were associated with significantly better 30-day retention.

Conclusions:

• Recovery Connect implementation significantly enhances patient retention and treatment continuity in MOUD care.
• Early app linkage and engagement strongly predict positive treatment outcomes.
• Blended digital-clinical models, including remote monitoring, improve care continuity and support recovery.