Telehealth Services Research

Implementation of a Collaborative Model of Integrated Medical and Behavioral Healthcare that Provides Chronic Disease Management via Telehealth

The Bicycle Health model of tele-OUD includes three primary pillars: patient-centered care, including chronic disease management and behavioral health; creation of tech-enabled systems and resources; and data-driven decision-making. The implementation studies being conducted focus on modifiable organization and provider-level factors that are central to collaborative and integrated care, as well as evolution of various technology platforms built specifically to support patients’ needs and treatment goals, including the pharmacy finder tool and buprenorphine induction tool.

Qualitative Analysis of Patient Experiences Receiving Tele-OUD Treatment

Temporary waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a rapidly evolving landscape for telehealth and treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). The Bicycle Health innovative model of biopsychosocial treatment of opioid use disorder via telehealth provides opportunity to significantly expand access to treatment for those who might have previously faced barriers to in-person care. Researchers from the RAND Corporation interviewed Bicycle Health patients to learn more about patient perspectives regarding the tele-OUD care model.

Implementation of the Novel Telehealth Patient Advisory Council (PAC)

Patient Advisory Councils or Boards have recently become a standard of care within organizations that provide in-person health services, as patient-centered systems seek to include the unique and invaluable perspectives of patients in care delivery, quality improvement, and innovation efforts. At Bicycle Health, we believe that innovation is driven by people with unique perspectives working towards a common goal. We recognize that placing our patients’ insights and experience at the forefront is essential for making meaningful change. Thus, our Patient Advisory Council (PAC) is a forum for Bicycle Health patients, loved ones, and staff to share ideas and work together to improve our program for current and future patients. Central to PFAC processes is creating an environment in which all voices are valued, and all perspectives are incorporated into our improvement efforts.

• Learn more: Bicycle Health Patient Advisory Council

Evaluation of Buprenorphine Diversion amongst Bicycle Health Patients

Urine drug testing is an essential component of OUD treatment. It is an objective way to show progress toward goals, maintain patient accountability, prevent diversion, and ensure safety of treatment. As Bicycle Health expands its novel biopsychosocial tele-OUD treatment model throughout the United States, our research team seeks to determine what proportion of Bicycle Health patients divert their buprenorphine, as well as motivations for their diversion. This research study will utilize the Genotox Laboratories patented ToxProtect ™ urine test, a DNA-based identification method for urine sample authentication that compares biomarkers in the donor’s buccal cells with biomarkers in the urine sample, coupled with a novel test for synthetic urine. These results will allow Bicycle Health providers and leadership to better tailor this innovative program to better meet the needs of patients, as well as allow methods of telehealth-based toxicology testing to be replicated and improved broadly. Ultimately, this leads to expansion of patient access to biopsychosocial tele-OUD care and improved quality of that care.