Effects of RME on Engagement in Buprenorphine Treatment

In an effort to assess and address patients' mental health needs, Cambridge Health Alliance has developed an innovative screening program (MindWell) using electronic computerized adaptive testing that will be used among telemedicine patients with opioid use disorder prescribed buprenorphine by Bicycle Health to evaluate needs related to mental health (CAT-MH) and social determinants of health (CAT-SDOH), as well as for stress (Perceived Stress Scale-PSS) and addiction (Brief Addiction Monitor- BAM). This automated screening with adaptive testing helps to identify those who need social services support (e.g. housing, legal, immigration, financial, food, transportation, etc.) or need further comprehensive mental health evaluation and treatment. Remote Motivational Enhancement (RME) sessions provide telehealth coaching sessions based on motivational interviewing (MI), which is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication designed to resolve ambivalence and strengthen intrinsic motivation for a person's commitment to behavior change by eliciting their own reasons for change in an environment of acceptance and compassion. It is an evidence-based and standardized approach that has demonstrated consistently positive clinical outcomes for engagement in wellness, healthcare, and addiction treatment, including effectively improving medical regimen adherence. This study will randomize Bicycle Health patients prescribed Buprenorphine/Naloxone (B/N) who have been screened the MindWell system to receive either standard care reviewing their screening results with their prescriber or they will receive the opportunity to additionally receive up to 3 RME sessions within a 14 day period. This study investigates the effects of the RME intervention on early engagement in psychosocial aspects of B/N telehealth treatment, rates of opioid overdose, and B/N treatment retention. This study will assess the impact of RME sessions on participants' capacity to achieve behavior change goals related to their individual SDOH needs, mental health symptoms, and/or wellness in OUD recovery goals.