ED-Initiated Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Webinar Materials

This webinar focused on the crucial role of the emergency department (ED) in recognizing and treating opioid use disorder (OUD) patients with evidence-based medications for addiction treatment. Gail D’Onofrio, MD, discussed her pioneering work in creating the evidence for initiating ED buprenorphine treatment with ED patients presenting with opioid use disorder. Overall, the opioid epidemic intertwined with the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly escalated the need to mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with the rising rate of fentanyl use. Data supporting the use of buprenorphine in the ED setting as well as the consequences of not initiating treatment will be discussed. While the use of ED prescribed buprenorphine has increased, universal adoption has lagged. Barriers to implementation of ED buprenorphine were discussed as well as strategies to overcome these challenges. Components of successful integration of an ED program with community partnerships was outlined. Current research by emergency physicians regarding innovative strategies such as high-dose buprenorphine inductions and use of extended release 7-day formulation of buprenorphine will be discussed. Initiation buprenorphine effectively, reduces withdrawal symptoms, improves adherence to treatment, and saves lives.

Learning Objectives/Goals

1. Evaluate outcomes for Opioid Use Disorder in patients receiving buprenorphine through the Emergency Department and discuss supporting evidence
2. Identify barriers and solutions to initiating buprenorphine in the Emergency Department
3. Apply harm reduction strategies and components of the buprenorphine integration pathway
4. Discuss innovative solutions for buprenorphine induction in the ED including different formulations of buprenorphine and high dose strategies

Presenter: Gail D’Onofrio, MD