Virtual transitional pain service delivered via telehealth is effective in preventing new and persistent opioid use amongst post-surgical spine patients

Abstract

Opioid dependence is a national crisis, with 30 million patients annually at risk of becoming persistent opioid users after receiving opioids for post-surgical pain management. Translational Pain Services (TSP) demonstrate effectiveness for behavioral health improvements but its effectiveness in preventing persistent opioid use is less established, especially amongst opioid exposed patients. Prohibitive costs and accessibility challenges have hindered TPS program adoption. To address these limitations, we designed and implemented a remote telehealth TPS protocol focusing on preventing continued opioid use while improving behavioral health. Licensed therapists trained in the opioid-tapering CBT protocol delivered sessions reimbursed through standard payer reimbursement. Our prospective study evaluated the protocol's effectiveness on preventing persistent opioid use and behavioral health outcomes amongst both opioid naive and exposed patients In an opioid-naive cohort (n = 67), 100% completely tapered off opioids, while in an opioid-exposed cohort ( n = 19), 52% completely tapered off opioids, demonstrating promising results. In both cohorts, we observed significant improvements in behavioral health scores, including pain. This opioid-tapering digital TPS is effective, adoptable, and incurs no out-of-pocket cost for healthcare systems.