Work

The development and implementation of a “B-Team” (buprenorphine team) to treat hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Hospitalization is a reachable moment to address opioid and other substance use disorders. This includes initiation of pharmacotherapy such as buprenorphine, which is the standard of care but not frequently offered. Initiating pharmacotherapy for interested patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) during hospitalization does not require a formal addiction consultation service and can be accomplished by any in-hospital prescriber, aided by interprofessional and multidisciplinary teams with support from senior leadership. Barriers to widespread adoption include lack of education; stigma towards people with substance use disorders; inadequate outpatient capacity to address OUD; regulatory requirements; and challenges to modifying electronic health record algorithms, clinical workflows, and institutional policies.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2021.100579