From access to sustainability: understanding telemedicine-based buprenorphine induction through a RE-AIM lens

Telemedicine-Assisted Buprenorphine Induction (TABI) is a hybrid treatment model combining in-person initiation with remote follow-up, developed to improve access to opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OAMT) in India. While clinical trials demonstrated its non-inferiority to standard care, process evaluations are essential to understand contextual factors influencing its implementation and sustainability.

A qualitative process evaluation, guided by the RE-AIM framework, was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial comparing TABI with in-person induction. Fourteen patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who underwent TABI in the previous three months and four TABI providers were interviewed using semi-structured guides. Thematic analysis was conducted iteratively, and data saturation was confirmed at the 14th patient interview. Data were analyzed using the framework method, combining deductive coding based on RE-AIM domains.

TABI improved treatment reach by reducing travel and time barriers, although digital literacy challenges, network instability, and providers' bias for judging clinical suitability might constrain implementation. Participants reported positive outcomes, including reduced opioid use and functional improvements. Adoption was supported by family engagement and provider trust but hindered by stigma and technological barriers. Implementation fidelity was largely maintained, with providers adapting workflows to address connectivity disruptions. Sustainability was linked to structured follow-up, hybrid care reinforcement, and motivational interventions.

TABI is an acceptable, feasible, and effective model for OAMT delivery in low-resource settings. Future scale-up should address digital inequities, strengthen psychosocial and motivational supports, embed periodic in-person reinforcement, and integrate stigma-reduction strategies to optimize long-term treatment outcomes.

Not applicable.