Evaluation of an emergency department-based approach to reduce subsequent opioid overdoses

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of a multi-pronged treatment program in emergency department (ED) patients with an acute presentation of opioid use disorder (OUD) on the rate of subsequent opioid overdose (OD). This approach included ED-initiated take-home naloxone, prescription buprenorphine, and an ED-based peer support and recovery program.

This was a retrospective observational analysis of adult patients presenting to the ED at a large urban hospital system from November 1, 2017 to March 17, 2023. Patients with an ED discharge diagnosis of OD or OUD were included. Outcomes determined were subsequent 90-day OD and 180-day OD death. Post hoc analyses were performed to identify intervention utilization throughout the study period including the COVID-19 pandemic as well as ED characteristics associated with subsequent OD and OD death. Statistical comparisons were made using logistic regression and chi-squared test.

A total of 2634 patients presented to the ED with an opioid OD or diagnosis of OUD. Subsequent 90-day OD decreased significantly over time (11.5%-2.3%, odds ratio [OR] 0.85, confidence interval [CI] 0.82-0.89). No single intervention was independently associated with 90-day OD or 180-day OD death. Resource utilization was stable during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased afterward. A higher buprenorphine fill-rate among all patients and the Back race subgroup was associated with a decrease in 90-day OD.

Subsequent OD and OD death decreased over time after implementation of a multi-pronged treatment program to ED patients with OUD. No single intervention was associated with a decrease of subsequent OD or OD death.