Addiction Medicine Consultation Research Articles

Comparison of Medical Therapy, Valve Surgery and Percutaneous Mechanical Aspiration for Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis

BackgroundThe opioid pandemic, and particularly injection drug use, has led to an increase in cases of tricuspid valve infective endocarditis. Indications for valve surgery in right-sided IE are not well-defined. Percutaneous mechanical aspiration is considered an alternative in patients high-risk for re-infection of a prosthetic valve but lacks robust outcomes data.This retrospective analysis compares the primary outcome of death within one-year for patients with isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis treated with medical therapy versus percutaneous mechanical aspiration and valve surgery. MethodsThe authors performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis over a 10-year period. Medical record review was performed to collect demographic and outcomes related data. The association between treatment group and outcomes was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting. ResultsBetween January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2018 215 patients with isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis and surgical indications were identified. One-hundred patients (46.5%) were managed medically, 49 (22.8%) were managed surgically, and 66 (30.7%) underwent percutaneous mechanical aspiration. There was no significant difference in 1-year mortality between the three treatment groups (p = 0.15). Vegetation size >2.0 cm was associated with increased 1-year mortality (HR 3.01; p = 0.03). Addiction medicine consultation was associated with decreased 1-year mortality (HR 0.117; p = 0.0008). ConclusionThe study highlights that surgery or percutaneous mechanical aspiration in addition to medical therapy does not improve 1-year mortality in patients with isolated TVIE. Addiction medicine consultation was associated with decreased 1-year mortality in patients with injection drug use-associated isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis.

Association of hospital-based substance use supports on emergency department revisits: a retrospective cohort study in Sudbury, Canada from 2018 to 2022

BackgroundThis study compares emergency department (ED) revisits for patients receiving hospital-based substance-use support compared to those who did not receive specialized addiction services at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.MethodsThe study is a retrospective observational study using administrative data from all patients presenting with substance use disorder (SUD) at Health Sciences North from January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2022 with ICD-10 codes from the Discharge Database (DAD) and the National Ambulatory Care Database (NACRS). There were two interventions under study: addiction medicine consult services (AMCS group), and specialized addiction medicine unit (AMU group). The AMCS is a consult service offered for patients in the ED and those who are admitted to the hospital. The AMU is a specialized inpatient medical unit designed to offer addiction support to stabilize patients that operates under a harm-reduction philosophy. The primary outcome was all cause ED revisit within 30 days of the index ED or hospital visit. The secondary outcome was all observed ED revisits in the study period. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to measure the proportion of 30-day revisits by exposure group. Odds ratios and Hazard Ratios were calculated using logistic regression models with random effects and Cox-proportional hazard model respectively.ResultsA total of 5,367 patients with 10,871 ED index visits, and 2,127 revisits between 2018 and 2022 are included in the study. 45% (2,340/5,367) of patient were not admitted to hospital. 30-day revisits were less likely among the intervention group: Addiction Medicine Consult Services (AMCS) in the ED significantly reduced the odds of revisits (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39–0.71, p < 0.01) and first revisits (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33–0.53, p < 0.01). The AMU group was associated with lower revisits odds (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.98, p = 0.03). For every additional year of age, the odds of revisits slightly decreased (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00, p = 0.01) and males were found to have an increased risk compared to females (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.35–1.67, p < 0.01).InterpretationWe observe statistically significant differences in ED revisits for patients receiving hospital-based substance-use support at Health Sciences North. Hospital-based substance-use supports could be applied to other hospitals to reduce 30-day revisits.

Perspectives of patients who inject drugs on a needle and syringe program at a large acute care hospital.

People who inject drugs in North America often continue to inject while hospitalized, and are at increased risk of premature hospital discharge, unplanned readmission, and death. In-hospital access to sterile injection supplies may reduce some harms associated with ongoing injection drug use. However, access to needle and syringe programs in acute care settings is limited. We explored the implementation of a needle and syringe program integrated into a large urban tertiary hospital in Western Canada. The needle and syringe program was administered by an addiction medicine consult team that offers patients access to specialized clinical care and connection to community services. We utilized a focused ethnographic design and semi-structured interviews to elicit experiences and potential improvements from 25 hospitalized people who inject drugs who were offered supplies from the needle and syringe program. Participants were motivated to accept supplies to prevent injection-related harms and access to supplies was facilitated by trust in consult team staff. However, fears of negative repercussions from non-consult team staff, including premature discharge or undesired changes to medication regimes, caused some participants to hesitate or refuse to accept supplies. Participants described modifications to hospital policies regarding inpatient drug use or access to an inpatient supervised consumption service as potential ways to mitigate patients' fears. Acute care needle and syringe programs may aid hospital providers in reducing harms and improving hospital outcomes for people who inject drugs. However, modifications to hospital policies and settings may be necessary.

Hospital Addiction Medicine Consultation Service Orders and Outcomes by Patient Race and Ethnicity in an Urban, Safety-Net Hospital.

Hospital admissions involving substance use disorders are increasing and represent an opportunity to engage patients in substance use treatment. Addiction medicine consultation services improve access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and patient outcomes. However, as hospitals continue to adopt addiction medicine consultation services it is important to identify where disparities may emerge in the process of care. To describe addiction medicine consultation service use by race and ethnicity as well as substance to identify opportunities to reduce substance use treatment disparities. Retrospective cohort study using 2016-2021 Electronic Health Record data from a large Midwest safety-net hospital. Hospitalized adults aged 18 or older, with one or more substance use disorders. Consultation orders placed, patient seen by consult provider, and receipt of MOUD by self-reported race. Between 2016 and 2021, we identified 16,895 hospitalized patients with a substance use disorder. Consultation orders were placed for 6344 patients and 2789 were seen by the consult provider. Black patients were less likely (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.53-0.63) to have an addiction medicine consultation order placed and, among patients with a consultation order, were less likely (aOR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.65-0.85) to be seen by the consult provider than White patients. Overall, Black patients with OUD were also less likely to receive MOUD in the hospital (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.50-0.79) compared to White patients. However, there were no differences in MOUD receipt among Black and White patients seen by the consult provider. Using Electronic Health Record data, we identified racial and ethnic disparities at multiple points in the inpatient addiction medicine consultation process. Addressing these disparities may support more equitable access to MOUD and other substance use treatment in the hospital setting.

Perioperative pain management in opioid tolerant and opioid use disorder patients: Considerations for the foot and ankle surgeon

Perioperative management of patients with long term use of opioids has become an increasing challenge. Complicating the care of these patients are the misconceptions regarding opioid prescribing in the opioid-tolerant community and those on maintenance therapy. Healthcare providers receive limited education on pain management including multimodal pain control. Perioperative considerations should be examined. Prescribers are encouraged to consider utilizing a multi-modal regimen in this population. This review aims to better educate the foot and ankle surgeon with up-to-date knowledge in working with the opioid-tolerant patient population. A comprehensive literature review was performed, focusing on perioperative pain management in opioid tolerant patients. Expert opinions and material in this review is provided by a board-certified Addiction Medicine Specialist and board-certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon at a level one trauma center. Pain control in the opioid-tolerant patient population can be challenging for the Foot and Ankle surgeon. Pre-operatively, patients' risk factors for chronic opioid use should be assessed through screening tools. Intra-operatively, sound dialogue between the surgeon and anesthesiologist is imperative with new and emerging techniques. Postoperatively opioid-tolerant patients should resume preoperative dosing of opioids at a minimum. A multimodal pain regimen is associated with superior pain relief and decreased opioid consumption. Patients on maintenance therapy including Methadone, and Buprenorphine should continue these medications during the perioperative period. These patients may benefit from an addiction medicine consultation for more comprehensive care.

1410. Methamphetamines and Serious Injection Related Infections: Epidemiology and Outcomes of Alabama’s Drug Crisis

Abstract Background The U.S. is facing a steep increase in infectious consequences of intravenous drug use due to the ongoing opioid crisis, surging methamphetamine use, and health care disruptions caused by COVID-19. We hypothesize that the sociodemographic and clinical outcomes of persons who inject drugs (PWID) differ based on their drug of choice (opioids, methamphetamines). Further, we hypothesize that the OUD (opioid use disorder) continuum, including linkage and retention in OUD treatment, will vary depending on co-occurring methamphetamine use. By elucidating differences in these groups, we aim to identify opportunities for interventions along the care continuum. Methods This is a retrospective study of hospitalized PWID receiving care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital for a serious injection related infection (SIRI) between 1/11/2016 and 4/24/2021. We queried the EMR for clinical data and health outcomes. We extracted data on substance use disorder(s), treatments, and linkage to care through review of primary and addiction medicine consultation notes. Using statistical measures of association, we compared demographic factors and clinical outcomes among groups; delineating between those with and without methamphetamine use, and without OUD. When appropriate, additional comparisons were made to detect statistical differences between factors and those with and without methamphetamine use. Results Of 370 PWID, 286 had OUD, 94 had OUD and methamphetamine use, and 84 had another substance use disorder. There were significant differences according to drug use disorder with patients with OUD and meth use being mostly White (99%), 42% female, and younger relative to those who use opioids only. Patient directed discharge was most common among those with OUD plus meth use, but death was highest for those with OUD only. The OUD care continuum was similar and alarming for both groups with many gaps in care. Figure 1.OUD Care continuum for PWID with SIRI for those with and without comorbid meth use disorder Conclusion PWID with SIRI are a diverse group with significant differences based on substance of choice, but all experience suboptimal hospital outcomes. There are opportunities to improve linkage and retention across the care continuum, most noticeably outpatient linkage. Disclosures Ellen Eaton, MD, MPH, Gilead HIV Research Scholar: Grant/Research Support|Gilead HIV research scholar: Grant/Research Support.

Inpatient care provider perspectives on the development and implementation of an addiction medicine consultation service in a small urban setting

BackgroundTo evaluate provider perspectives on the development and implementation of an inpatient Addiction Medicine Consult Service, including their awareness of the service, its perceived role in the continuum of care, and changes over time in their perceptions of care quality for inpatients with substance use disorders.MethodsRepeated cross-sectional survey of hospital-based physicians, nurses and social workers performed at service launch (April–June, 2017) and 4 years later (March–June, 2021).ResultsProviders had generally positive perceptions of the service and its impact on care quality, but encountered significant barriers at both time points in meeting patient needs (related to high patient complexity and difficulty connecting patients with community services post-discharge). Relative to physicians and social workers, nurses were less likely to be familiar with the service or see it as beneficial.ConclusionsFindings indicate that the service fills a gap that existed previously in the local system of care; however, numerous opportunities exist to further strengthen the system beyond the hospital setting to promote longer-term health among people who use substances. For nurses in particular, outreach, education, and other resources (e.g., dedicated nursing role support, nurse liaison) are warranted to ensure that nurses feel supported and confident caring for this patient population.

Adapting low-dose buprenorphine induction to meet patient needs: A pilot study

IntroductionLow-dose buprenorphine induction (LDBI) has been proposed to initiate buprenorphine in patients who are taking full opioid agonists in order to limit the risk of precipitated withdrawal. The objective of this study was to understand how real-world patient-specific adjustments in LDBI protocols impacted success rates in buprenorphine conversion. MethodsThis case series identified patients seen by the Addiction Medicine Consult Service at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital who were started on LDBI with transdermal buprenorphine followed by sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone between April 20, 2021, and July 20, 2021. The primary outcome was successful induction of sublingual buprenorphine. Characteristics of interest included total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) in the 24 hours prior to induction, MME during each day of induction, total time of induction, and final daily maintenance buprenorphine dose. ResultsOf the 21 patients included for analysis, 19 (91%) successfully completed LDBI and converted to a maintenance buprenorphine dose. Median (IQR) opioid analgesia utilization in the 24 hours prior to induction was 113 MME (63–166 MME) in the converted group and 83 MME (75–92 MME) in the group that did not convert. ConclusionsTransdermal buprenorphine patch followed by sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone resulted in a high success rate for LDBI. Patient-specific adjustments may be considered in order to effect a high success rate of conversion.

Hospital-initiated Extended-release Injectable Buprenorphine Using a Novel Reallocation Initiative From an Outpatient Addiction Medicine Clinic.

Novel strategies for initiation and continuation of buprenorphine are critical, especially during a pandemic when traditional opioid use disorder treatment pathways may be disrupted. We describe an innovative outpatient to inpatient reallocation initiative for extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) designed to repurpose an expensive medication for use in hospitalized patients facing treatment barriers upon discharge and pilot the feasibility of XR-BUP use in the inpatient setting. We collaborated with our institution's inpatient pharmacy and a New Jersey Medicaid managed care organization to create an alternate pathway to make XR-BUP available to hospitalized patients insured by the same payor. In this process, XR-BUP doses were deidentified and transferred to the inpatient controlled substance inventory for administration to hospitalized patients at no charge by our Addiction Medicine Consult Service after a period of sublingual buprenorphine stabilization. Our reallocation pathway bypassed several existing XR-BUP regulatory barriers to allow for inpatient administration. To date, we have transferred approximately 85 XR-BUP 300 mg doses to the inpatient controlled substance inventory. This equates to a cost savings of nearly $145,000. Reallocation of XR-BUP from an outpatient to inpatient setting increased postdischarge buprenorphine treatment access while also reducing health care costs by repurposing an expensive medication that would otherwise go to waste. Use of reallocated XR-BUP in the inpatient setting may pave the way for addition of XR-BUP to the hospital's formulary to minimize treatment gaps after discharge.

Impact of an addiction medicine consult team intervention in a Canadian inner city hospital on acute care utilization: a pragmatic quasi-experimental study

BackgroundInner city patients have a higher illness burden and need for care, but experience more unmet care needs. Hospital Addiction Medicine Consult Teams (AMCTs) are a promising emerging intervention. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a Canadian AMCT-like intervention for inner city patients on reduction in high emergency department (ED) use, hospital admission, and inpatient length of stay.MethodsUsing a community-engaged, two-arm, pre-post, longitudinal quasi-experimental study design, 572 patients reporting active substance use, unstable housing, unstable income, or a combination thereof (302 at intervention site, 270 at control sites) were enrolled. Survey and administrative health service data were collected at baseline, six months post-enrolment, and 12 months post-enrolment. Multivariable regression models tested the intervention effect, adjusting for clinically important covariables (inpatient status at enrolment, medical complexity, age, gender, Indigenous identity, shelter use, opioid use).ResultsInitial bivariable analyses demonstrated an intervention effect on reduction in admissions and length of stay, however, this effect was no longer significant after adjusting for covariables. There was no evidence of reduction in high ED use on either bivariable or subsequent multivariable analysis.ConclusionsAfter adjusting for covariables, no AMCT intervention effect was detected for reduction in high ED use, inpatient admission, or hospital length of stay. Further research is recommended to assess other patient-oriented intervention outcomes.

Antibiotic therapy completion for injection drug use-associated infective endocarditis at a center with routine addiction medicine consultation: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAddiction medicine consultation and medications for opioid use disorder are shown to improve outcomes for patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis associated with injection drug use. Existing studies describe settings where addiction medicine consultation and initiation of medications for opioid use disorder are not commonplace, and rates of antibiotic therapy completion are infrequently reported. This retrospective study sought to quantify antibiotic completion outcomes in a setting where these interventions are routinely implemented.MethodsMedical records of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of bacteremia or infective endocarditis at an urban hospital between October 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 were screened for active injection drug use within 6 months of hospitalization and infective endocarditis. Demographic and clinical parameters, receipt of antibiotics and medications for opioid use disorder, and details of re-hospitalizations within 1 year of discharge were recorded.ResultsOf 567 subjects screened for inclusion, 47 had infective endocarditis and active injection drug use. Addiction medicine consultation was completed for 41 patients (87.2%) and 23 (48.9%) received medications for opioid use disorder for the entire index admission. Forty-three patients (91.5%) survived to discharge, of which 28 (59.6%) completed antibiotic therapy. Twenty-nine survivors (67.4%) were re-hospitalized within 1 year due to infectious complications of injection drug use.ConclusionsAmong patients admitted to a center with routine addiction medicine consultation and initiation of medications for opioid use disorder, early truncation of antibiotic therapy and re-hospitalization were commonly observed.

Inpatient Addiction Medicine Consultation Service Impact on Post-discharge Patient Mortality: a Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Inpatient addiction medicine consultation services (AMCS) have grown rapidly, but there is limited research of their impact on patient outcomes. To examine whether AMCS is associated with all-cause mortality and hospital utilization post-discharge. This was a propensity-score-matchedcase-control study from 2018 to 2020. The intervention group included patients referred to the AMCS from October 2018 to March 2020. Matched control participants included patients hospitalized from October 2017 to September 2018 at an urban academic hospital with a large suburban and rural catchment area. The effect of treatment was estimated as the difference between the proportion of subjects experiencing the event (7-day and 30-day readmission, emergency department visits, and mortality within 90 days) for each group in the matched sample. There were 711 patients in the intervention group and 2172 patients in the control group. The most common substance use disorders among the intervention group were primary alcohol use disorder (n=181; 25.5%) and primaryopioid use disorder (n=175, 24.6%) with over a third with polysubstance use (n=257, 36.1%). Intervention patients showed a reduction in 90-day mortality post-hospital discharge (average treatment effect [ATE]: -2.35%, 95% CI: -3.57, -1.13; p-value <0.001) compared to propensity-matched controls. We found a statistically significant reduction in 7-day hospital readmission by 2.15% (95% CI: -3.65, -0.65; p=0.005) and a nonsignificant reduction in 30-day readmission (ATE: -2.38%, 95% CI: -5.20, 0.45; p=0.099). There was a statistically significant increase in 30-day emergency department visits (ATE: 5.32%, 95% CI: 2.19, 8.46; 0.001) compared to matched controls. There was a reduction in 90-day all-cause mortality for the AMCS intervention group compared to matched controls, although the impact on hospital utilization was mixed. AMCS are systems interventions that are effective tools to improve patient health and reduce all-cause mortality.

Patients With Serious Injection Drug Use-Related Infections who Experience Patient-Directed Discharges on Oral Antibiotics Have High Rates of Antibiotic Adherence but Require Multidisciplinary Outpatient Support for Retention in Care.

BackgroundPersons who inject drugs (PWID) are frequently admitted for serious injection-related infections (SIRIs). Outcomes and adherence to oral antibiotics for PWID with patient-directed discharge (PDD) remain understudied.MethodsWe conducted a prospective multicenter bundled quality improvement project of PWID with SIRI at 3 hospitals in Missouri. All PWID with SIRI were offered multidisciplinary care while inpatient, including the option of addiction medicine consultation and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). All patients were offered oral antibiotics in the event of a PDD either at discharge or immediately after discharge through an infectious diseases telemedicine clinic. Additional support services included health coaches, a therapist, a case manager, free clinic follow-up, and medications in an outpatient bridge program. Patient demographics, comorbidities, 90-day readmissions, and substance use disorder clinic follow-up were compared between PWID with PDD on oral antibiotics and those who completed intravenous (IV) antibiotics using an as-treated approach.ResultsOf 166 PWID with SIRI, 61 completed IV antibiotics inpatient (37%), while 105 had a PDD on oral antibiotics (63%). There was no significant difference in 90-day readmission rates between groups (P = .819). For PWID with a PDD on oral antibiotics, 7.6% had documented nonadherence to antibiotics, 67% had documented adherence, and 23% were lost to follow-up. Factors protective against readmission included antibiotic and MOUD adherence, engagement with support team, and clinic follow-up.ConclusionsPWID with SIRI who experience a PDD should be provided with oral antibiotics. Multidisciplinary outpatient support services are needed for PWID with PDD on oral antibiotics.

Inpatient Addiction Medicine Consultation on Readmission Rates and Length of Stay

Inpatient Addiction Medicine Consultation on Readmission Rates and Length of Stay

199. Prospective Observational Cohort Of Transition to Oral Antibiotics in Persons Who Inject Drugs with Invasive Infections

BackgroundPersons who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of invasive bacterial infections. Increasing data supports the efficacy of transition to oral antibiotic therapy to complete treatment of invasive bacterial infections including osteomyelitis and endocarditis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of transition to oral antibiotics on a prospective observational cohort of PWID. MethodsWe prospectively analyzed PWID admitted 2/2020 - 2/2021 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis with osteomyelitis, endocarditis, epidural abscesses or septic arthritis. All patients were offered multidisciplinary support during their inpatient hospitalization including addiction medicine consultation and medications for opioid use disorder, if appropriate. Health coaches and case managers met with patients during their hospitalization and followed patients for up to 90 days after discharge. Patients were offered the option of transition to oral antibiotics if they were not able to complete recommended IV antibiotics. Patients discharged on oral antibiotics were offered post-discharge infectious diseases follow-up. Antibiotic adherence was documented by health coaches through phone out-reach. We collected data on demographics, comorbidities, microbiologic data, antibiotic selection, mortality and readmission rates. We compared 90-day readmission rates between PWID who completed IV antibiotics inpatient and those who discharged early with oral antibiotics. ResultsOf 166 PWID, 61 completed IV antibiotics inpatient (37%) while 105 were discharged with oral antibiotics (63%). Causative pathogens were not significantly different between inpatient IV vs oral antibiotics; MSSA (34.4% vs 35.2%, p= 0.92), MRSA (34.4% vs. 28.6%, p=0.43), or streptococcal species (26.6% vs. 24.8%, p=0.85). Of patients discharged on oral antibiotics 7.6% had documented non-adherence to therapy, 23% had unknown adherence and 67% had documented adherence. There was no significant difference in all-cause 90-day readmission rates (p=0.819) (Figure 1). All-cause readmissions by antibiotic strategy ConclusionOral antibiotic regimens provided similar efficacy to IV antibiotics in our prospective cohort analysis of PWID.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Multidisciplinary team approach to confront the challenge of drug use–associated infective endocarditis

ObjectivesDrug use–associated infective endocarditis is a rapidly growing clinical problem. Although operative outcomes are generally satisfactory, reinfection secondary to recurrent substance use is distressingly common, negatively affects long-term survival, generates practical and ethical challenges, and creates potential conflict among care team members. We established a Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment team including surgeons, infectious disease, and addiction medicine experts specifically focused on the unique complexities of drug use–associated infective endocarditis. MethodsWe reviewed the impact of Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment team involvement on quantitative measures of quality of care, including length of stay, time to addiction medicine consultation, time to surgery, and discharge on appropriate medications for opioid use disorder, as well as operative mortality. Standard statistical tests were used, including the Fisher exact test, t test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Qualitative assessment was made of the impact on clinicians, including communication and mutual understanding. ResultsComparing the pre–Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment cohort with the post–Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment cohort, patients in the post–Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment cohort who underwent surgery had a significantly lower time from admission to addiction medicine consultation (3.8 vs 1.0 days P < .001) and clinically relevant increase in discharge on medications for opioid use disorder (48% vs 67% P = .35). Additionally, involved members of the team thought communication was improved. ConclusionsThe Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment team improved engagement with addiction medicine consultation and appropriate discharge care. Given the impact of relapse of injection drug use on long-term outcomes, interventions such as this offer potentially powerful tools for the treatment of this complex patient population.

Hospitals and methadone treatment: A good place to start

If you have a question about methadone treatment in a hospital, Melissa Weimer, DO, is a great person to ask. Not only is she medical director of the Addiction Medicine Consult Service at the Yale School of Medicine, but she also has authored many publications on treating addiction in a hospitalized setting. A trend‐setter in working with opioid treatment program (OTP) partnerships, she is full of information designed to help physicians and others ease their patients' withdrawal and help them onto a maintenance schedule, whether with buprenorphine or methadone.

Program development and implementation outcomes of a statewide addiction consultation service: Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MACS)

Background: As the opioid epidemic continues, there is a mounting sense of urgency to improve access to high-quality early identification and treatment services. However, the need is outpacing capacity in many states and effective solutions to support primary care and specialty prescribers to identify and treat more patients with opioid use disorders are still emerging. This paper describes one state’s approach to increase access to medication for opioid use disorders (MOUD) through development and implementation of a statewide addiction consultation service: Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MACS). Methods: Program components include a warmline, outreach and training, and resource and referral linkages for prescribers based on related consultation service models and documented barriers to prescribing MOUDs. Results: Initial implementation outcomes indicate service components are being adopted as intended and by the target audience; many prescribers who engaged with the service have their buprenorphine waiver (44%) but do not have any additional formal addiction training (57%). Also, statewide penetration is promising with prescriber engagement in 100% of counites, however only 33% of counties in engaged in all four types of MACS services. Most calls (61%) originated from urban counties. Conclusions: The MACS program increases access to specialty addiction medicine consultation and training through use of technology. MACS can serve as a model for other states looking to bridge the gap in access to addiction treatment.

Uptake of slow-release oral morphine as opioid agonist treatment among hospitalised patients with opioid use disorder.

Buprenorphine and methadone are highly effective first-line medications for opioid agonist treatment (OAT) but are not acceptable to all patients. We aimed to assess the uptake of slow-release oral morphine (SROM) as second-line OAT among medically ill, hospitalised patients with opioid use disorder who declined buprenorphine and methadone. This study included consecutive hospitalised patients with untreated moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder referred to an inpatient addiction medicine consultation service, between June 2018 and September 2019, in Nova Scotia, Canada. We assessed the proportion of patients initiating first-line OAT (buprenorphine or methadone) in-hospital, and the proportion initiating SROM after declining first-line OAT. We compared rates of outpatient OAT continuation (i.e., filling outpatient OAT prescription or attending first outpatient OAT clinic visit) by medication type, and compared OAT selection between patients with and without chronic pain, using χ2 tests. Thirty-four patients were offered OAT initiation in-hospital; six patients (18%) also had chronic pain. Twenty-one patients (62%) initiated first-line OAT with buprenorphine or methadone. Of the 13 patients who declined first-line OAT, seven (54%) initiated second-line OAT with SROM in-hospital. Rates of outpatient OAT continuation after hospital discharge were high (>80%) and did not differ between medications (P=0.4). Patients with co-existing chronic pain were more likely to choose SROM over buprenorphine or methadone (P=0.005). The ability to offer SROM (in addition to buprenorphine or methadone) increased rates of OAT initiation among hospitalised patients. Increasing access to SROM would help narrow the opioid use disorder treatment gap of unmet need.

Interventions for hospitalized medical and surgical patients with opioid use disorder: A systematic review

Background: Concurrent with the opioid overdose crisis there has been an increase in hospitalizations among people with opioid use disorder (OUD), with one in ten hospitalized medical or surgical patients having comorbid opioid-related diagnoses. We sought to conduct a systematic review of hospital-based interventions, their staffing composition, and their impact on outcomes for patients with OUD hospitalized for medical or surgical conditions. Methods: Authors searched PubMed MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and CINAHL from January 2015 through October 2020. The authors screened 463 titles and abstracts for inclusion and reviewed 96 full-text studies. Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria. Extracted were study characteristics, outcomes, and intervention components. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Methodological Quality Rating Scale. Results: Ten of the 17 included studies were controlled retrospective cohort studies, five were uncontrolled retrospective studies, one was a prospective quasi-experimental evaluation, and one was a secondary analysis of a completed randomized clinical trial. Intervention components and outcomes varied across studies. Outcomes included in-hospital initiation and post-discharge connection to medication for OUD, healthcare utilization, and discharge against medical advice. Results were mixed regarding the impact of existing interventions on outcomes. Most studies focused on linkage to medication for OUD during hospitalization and connection to post-discharge OUD care. Conclusions: Given that many individuals with OUD require hospitalization, there is a need for OUD-related interventions for this patient population. Interventions with the best evidence of efficacy facilitated connection to post-discharge OUD care and employed an Addiction Medicine Consult model.