Background: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a common comorbidity in emergency department (ED) settings. This study aimed to introduce a standard of care that incorporates medication-assisted treatment and facilitates referrals for continuous therapy among individuals with OUD seeking assistance in the ED. Methods: A search was conducted on the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) (62), PsycINFO (20), and PubMed (49) using keywords in the title "ED" or "emergency room" and "OUD" with other keywords of treatment, intervention, therapy, or management. The project involved developing, implementing, and assessing a new OUD treatment standard and incorporating an interdisciplinary team approach to ensure precision and triumph. Results: Implementing the OUD care standard in the ED successfully increased access to treatment and improved patient outcomes. The findings of this project have significant implications for future practice and research on the treatment of OUD in emergency department settings. Conclusions: This project provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of introducing a Standard of Care for treating OUD in EDs. By emphasizing the importance of early intervention, evidence-based treatment, and comprehensive staff training, the project offers a roadmap for enhancing OUD management practices in emergency healthcare settings.
Read
