Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) often use the emergency department (ED) as their sole source of health care. However, management of OUD services are rarely available in EDs. Staff understand the need but may lack the knowledge and skills to effectively treat these patients. A 2015 JAMA study found that twice as many patients were in OUD treatment at 30 days (~80%) with ED-initiated buprenorphine and a brief negotiation interview (BNI), compared with referral only or a BNI plus facilitated referral, and used fewer illicit opioids in the last seven days. Comagine Health designed and conducted a six-session ECHO series featuring Dr. Alexis LaPietra that focused on the implementation of best practices for the management of opioid use disorder in the emergency department setting.
This 2023 CMS Quality Conference poster details our approach and results.