#United States #Phoenix #Community Medical Services #Recovery Connect #Bright Therapeutics

Groundbreaking Study on Recovery Connect App in Opioid Treatment

A recent randomized controlled trial has shown that the Recovery Connect app — a pioneering tool in the management of opioid use disorder (OUD) — markedly improves treatment retention and continuity of care for patients. Developed by Bright Therapeutics in collaboration with Community Medical Services (CMS), this innovative application employs dynamic communication channels to assist individuals seeking recovery from opioid addiction.

Understanding the Study and Results

The study revealed compelling numbers, indicating that the introduction of Recovery Connect led to a 21% increase in patient retention and a 55% higher likelihood of patients maintaining their treatment for at least 30 days when they established a connection with their counselors through the app. Utilization of advanced features, including therapeutic check-ins and user-centered coping tools, creates a robust support framework for patients navigating their path toward recovery.

Nick Stavros, CEO of CMS, reported, "We believe strongly in evidence-based practices, and the effectiveness of Recovery Connect is a testament to comprehensive research and innovation in behavioral health. After several years of screening numerous digital solutions, we found this app to be the most effective."

The implications of the study are significant, showing that while traditional medication-assisted treatments combined with counseling have proven effective, patient engagement remains the most substantial hurdle in addiction therapy. The app aims to enhance this critical component through guided tools and functionalities that are accessible directly to the patient’s smartphone.

Real-Time Support for Patients

What sets Recovery Connect apart is its bi-directional communication feature, enabling real-time dialogues between patients and their care providers. This facet is vital in maintaining patient motivation and addressing any struggles they may encounter daily. As Dr. Robert Sherrick, Chief Science Officer at CMS, explained, "This app isn’t about replacing human interactions; it’s about enhancing them, allowing us to provide care that is readily accessible and responsive to the patient’s needs."

Key Findings from the Study

Noteworthy findings from the Supported Medication-Assisted Recovery Trial for Opioid Use Disorder (SMART-OUD) include:

• - Just the availability of the Recovery Connect app boosted treatment retention by 25% across clinics, even before patients began actively using it.
• - Those who closely engaged with their counselors through the app reported fewer missed treatment days during their initial 30 days of methadone use.
• - Active app users, particularly those who interacted within the first week of starting treatment, exhibited substantially better outcomes, with over 15% improvement in retention rates.
• - Moreover, the data suggested that the more frequently patients utilized the app’s features, the greater the positive results observed in their recovery journeys.

Community Medical Services' Commitment

Community Medical Services remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionize opioid treatment amid ongoing national addiction crises. With over 30,000 patients now utilizing Recovery Connect in over 70 CMS clinics, this innovation represents a significant step forward in modern healthcare's approach to addiction recovery.

"This collaboration showcases how healthcare technology must evolve to meet the demands of patients seeking recovery," stated Jenna Tregarthen, the CEO of Bright Therapeutics. "By connecting innovative care providers with digital health, we stand a chance to make enduring changes in behavioral health outcomes."

CMS's commitment to evidence-based care underscores that real solutions in addiction will arise from the merger of technology and community support, ultimately leading to enriched patient experiences and better recovery outcomes.

For further details on how the Recovery Connect app can facilitate treatment retention, or to explore study findings in-depth, interested parties can visit the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Conclusion

The emergence of applications like Recovery Connect demonstrates that integrating technology into addiction treatment can yield significant benefits in patient care. As CMS continues its dedication to providing effective opioid treatment services, the possibilities of extending support and guidance in recovery through digital means appear limitless.