Starting a Prehospital Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Emergency Medicine
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Over 2.7 million individuals have opioid use disorder (OUD), with rising opioid-related deaths.
• Emergency department-based medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) shows success but faces access limitations.
• This study details the development of a novel prehospital MOUD program to address these gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a prehospital MOUD program.
• To expand access to early treatment and continuity of care for patients with OUD.
• To evaluate the feasibility and initial outcomes of a prehospital MOUD initiative.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary Quick Response Team (QRT), including a paramedic, social worker, and police officer, was established.
• The QRT identified and visited eligible patients with a history of opioid overdose.
• Protocols, training, and necessary logistical elements (drug licensing, restocking) were developed for prehospital MOUD delivery.

Main Results:

• Over a six-month pilot, 348 QRT visits were conducted, with 83 individuals contacted.
• No patients elected to be evaluated for new MOUD treatment during the pilot phase.
• 55 naloxone kits were distributed, and all contacted patients received MOUD information pamphlets.

Conclusions:

• A prehospital MOUD program can be established to improve early treatment access and care continuity for OUD patients.
• The program was positively received by the fire department and QRT personnel.
• Plans are in place to expand the prehospital MOUD program to other fire departments.