"The Sky Didn't Fall": Patient and Clinician Experiences With Increased Buprenorphine Prescription Lengths During Pandemic-related Telehealth Expansion

The authors aimed to explore patient and clinician experiences regarding changes in buprenorphine prescription lengths during the pandemic-related expansion of telehealth services, particularly in safety-net settings. Through interviews with patients and clinicians, they found that both groups generally viewed the increased prescription durations positively, with clinicians prioritizing medication access while navigating various factors influencing their decision-making. The study highlights the need for improved transparency in the criteria for extended prescriptions and suggests that continued flexibility in prescribing practices could enhance medication access.