Emergency Medicine Half and Half MAT Waiver Training-Module 3: Developing an ED-Initiated Buprenorphine Program

Module 3: Developing an ED-Initiated Buprenorphine Program

Pdf Summary

Summary:<br /><br />The document discusses the development of an emergency department (ED)-initiated buprenorphine program to improve access to care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). The ED can play a vital role in providing treatment for acute complications related to OUD, initiating buprenorphine treatment, and linking patients to ongoing community-based treatment programs. The following components are essential for a successful program: staff training, a clinical care pathway, IT/clinical decision support, easy access to medication, support staff (e.g., social workers), partnerships with community providers, and integration into ED workflow to minimize length of stay. Key steps include identifying local champions, obtaining leadership buy-in, creating ED/community partnerships, developing system protocols and referrals, ensuring smooth care transitions, and anticipating challenges and offering solutions. It is important to share success stories with the ED staff to motivate them and enhance uptake of the program. The document also provides links to resources for further information and support.

Keywords

emergency department

buprenorphine program

access to care

opioid use disorder

acute complications

community-based treatment programs

staff training

clinical care pathway

medication access

success stories