(#64) Evaluating Buprenorphine Induction and Prescribing Practices in the ED Setting

Abstract: Despite buprenorphine's proven efficacy in treating opioid use disorder (OUD), many healthcare professionals report discomfort and unpreparedness at initiating buprenorphine within the emergency department (ED) setting. Physician attitudes, stigma, and understanding of buprenorphine induction in the ED thus remain an important area of research, especially as it relates to knowledge-related deficiencies and/or system-related obstacles. This multidisciplinary initiative between medicine and pharmacy aims to identify gaps and challenges in buprenorphine induction amongst healthcare professionals. The purpose of this ongoing study is to assess health care professionals' knowledge of buprenorphine induction and evaluate current buprenorphine prescribing practices within academic ED settings of the Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) network. Objectives: Primary outcomes include examining prescribing trends and knowledge of buprenorphine induction within the health system for patients with OUD or opioid overdose in the ED. Methods: Following IRB approval, questionnaires were developed using REDCap and distributed to healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists. In addition, this study will utilize a retrospective chart review of patients receiving buprenorphine prescriptions in the ED. Future goals of this research-in-progress will include development of educational materials and resource tools to enhance healthcare knowledge and comfortability with OUD treatment as well as attain a collaborative practice agreement between an addiction medicine clinician and a pharmacist to prescribe buprenorphine induction in the ED.

Short Description: Despite buprenorphine's proven efficacy in treating opioid use disorder (OUD), many healthcare professionals report discomfort and unpreparedness at initiating buprenorphine within the emergency department (ED) setting. Physician attitudes, stigma, and understanding of buprenorphine induction in the ED thus remain an important area of research. This ongoing multidisciplinary initiative between medicine and pharmacy aims to identify and address the gaps and challenges in buprenorphine induction amongst healthcare professionals.

Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A