This webinar, presented by Gail D'Onofrio, MD, 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. The opioid epidemic combined with the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly escalated the need to mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with rising rates of fentanyl use. Dr. D'Onofrio shared data supporting the use of buprenorphine in the ED and discussed the consequences of not initiating treatment, barriers to implementation of ED buprenorphine, and components of successful integration of an ED program with community partnerships. She also shared current research by emergency physicians regarding innovative strategies like high-dose induction and use of an extended release 7-day formulation of buprenorphine.
Sponsored by the Northwest and Pacific Southwest ATTCs and the Western States Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network.
