The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it unprecedented challenges for Addiction Services and an urgent need adapt to new ways of working and to ensure that our service users continue to receive the help they need despite the obstacles that this crisis presents. It was recognised early on that this tyranny of distance could potentially be bridged by use of the telephone, and video links where these were in existence and are approved for use. Numerous issue have arisen, along with what is often people’s first experience of working remotely. This guideline is therefore an evolving document, to be informed by those impressions and encounters, and presented in the dual interests of best practice and a pragmatic approach.

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Related guidance on general telemedicine from the UK: 

General Medical Council: UK guidance on remote consulations

NHS: Clinical guide for the management of remote consultations and remote working in secondary care during the coronavirus pandemic

Royal College of Nursing: Remote consultations guidance under COVID-19 restrictions