Advancing emergency department-initiated buprenorphine

Kristen Huntley; Emily Einstein; Terri Postma; Anita Thomas; Shari Ling; Wilson Compton

doi:10.1002/emp2.12451

Advancing emergency department-initiated buprenorphine

J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2021 Jun 16;2(3):e12451. doi: 10.1002/emp2.12451. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Authors

Kristen Huntley¹, Emily Einstein², Terri Postma³, Anita Thomas⁴, Shari Ling⁴, Wilson Compton⁵

Affiliations

¹ Center for the Clinical Trials Network The National Institute on Drug Abuse Bethesda Maryland USA.
² Office of Science Policy and Communications The National Institute on Drug Abuse Bethesda Maryland USA.
³ Center for Medicare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Baltimore Maryland USA.
⁴ Center for Clinical Standards and Quality Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Baltimore Maryland USA.
⁵ Office of the Director The National Institute on Drug Abuse Bethesda Maryland USA.

Abstract

Opioids are the main driver of drug overdose deaths in the United States, and there has been a marked increase in opioid-related overdoses during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Many emergency departments (EDs) across the country are implementing ED-initiated buprenorphine programs, and this is a method to address and prevent opioid overdoses. Resources are available to overcome barriers and take action.

Keywords: ED‐initiated buprenorphine; medication for opioid use disorder; opioid use disorder; treatment engagement.