Evaluation of Using Telehealth for Opioid Use Disorders in a Correctional Setting

This proposal seeks to study telehealth options to address the opioid-involved offenders engaging in Medical-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The applicant proposes to evaluate the use of telehealth for this population through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with opioid-involved offenders from the Vermont Department of Corrections. The RCT will consist of 800 participants who were designated for the Compassionate Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS) protocol at jail intake. Eligible participants will also serve sentences less than eight months, to allow an adequate post-release follow-up time. The main RCT outcomes are opioid overdose and recidivism. "Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF