Implementation of a Harm Reduction Initiative for Hospitalized Patients with Substance Use Disorders.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Hospitalization presents a critical opportunity to engage patients with substance use disorders (SUDs).
• Integrating harm reduction services into hospital settings can improve patient outcomes.
• Existing care pathways often miss opportunities to connect SUD patients with essential harm reduction resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a grant-funded harm reduction initiative within a hospital setting.
• To report on the program's outputs during its initial 14 months.
• To outline strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of hospital-based harm reduction services.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a structured harm reduction program during patient hospitalization.
• Data collection on program activities, supplies distributed, and patient engagement over 14 months.
• Development and assessment of sustainability plans, including funding and operational models.

Main Results:

• The initiative successfully provided harm reduction supplies to hospitalized patients with SUDs.
• Program outputs over 14 months demonstrated significant patient reach and engagement.
• Key challenges and facilitators for program sustainability were identified.

Conclusions:

• Hospital-based harm reduction initiatives are feasible and can effectively connect patients with SUDs to care.
• Sustained funding and integrated operational models are crucial for long-term success.
• This program serves as a model for expanding harm reduction services in acute care settings.