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

Hospitalizations among people who use drugs (PWUD) are increasing, and addiction consult services (ACS) are an emerging best practice for improving care.

We conducted a web-based needs assessment survey of physicians, advanced practice providers (APP), and nurses at a Philadelphia academic hospital in March 2023 before implementing an ACS. We assessed knowledge gaps, barriers to care, and perceived service needs.

Of 472 clinicians surveyed, 236 responded (50% response rate). Participants felt most prepared to assess withdrawal and diagnose or recognize substance use disorders (SUDs) but lacked confidence in care linkage and harm reduction. Reported barriers included patient social needs, resource availability, and lack of expert consultation.

While most participants agreed that SUDs are treatable, many reported compromised patient care due to inadequate support as well as burnout associated with caring for PWUD. Future work should examine whether ACSs address the perceived barriers to care for hospitalized PWUD while supporting clinicians.