Caring for Hospitalized Patients with Substance Use Disorders: An Interprofessional Needs Assessment Survey

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Addiction medicine

Background:

• Rising hospitalizations for people who use drugs (PWUD).
• Addiction consult services (ACS) are an emerging best practice.
• Need to understand clinician perspectives before ACS implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess clinician knowledge, attitudes, and perceived needs regarding PWUD care.
• Identify barriers to providing care for hospitalized PWUD.
• Inform the implementation of an Addiction Consult Service (ACS).

Main Methods:

• Web-based needs assessment survey conducted in March 2023.
• Targeted physicians, advanced practice providers (APP), and nurses at a Philadelphia academic hospital.
• Assessed preparedness, knowledge gaps, barriers, and service needs.

Main Results:

• 50% response rate (236/472 clinicians).
• Clinicians felt prepared for withdrawal assessment and SUD diagnosis but lacked confidence in care linkage and harm reduction.
• Key barriers included patient social needs, resource availability, and lack of expert consultation.

Conclusions:

• Most clinicians believe substance use disorders (SUDs) are treatable.
• Inadequate support for PWUD compromises patient care and contributes to clinician burnout.
• Further research should evaluate ACS effectiveness in addressing barriers and supporting clinicians.