Work

Rates of buprenorphine prescribing and racial disparities among patients with opioid overdose

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Awareness of the relationship between real-world buprenorphine prescribing and overdose frequency is limited, especially in the Southeastern United States. We described buprenorphine prescribing rates for patients experiencing nonfatal opioid overdoses in the context of overdose frequency. Methods: Electronic medical records review was conducted at an urban, academic hospital in Alabama from January 1 through December 31, 2021. Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and nonfatal opioid overdoses, dispositioned from either the emergency department (ED), inpatient, or outpatient affiliated clinics, were identified by International Classification of Diseases-10 codes. Results: <0.001). Conclusion: Under-prescribing of buprenorphine is high among patients with OUD and opioid overdoses, even in patients with multiple overdoses, and there appear to be racial disparities in prescribing. Our findings indicate clinical opportunities for improving buprenorphine prescribing and reducing the current disparities.

Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100298

Authors: Kimberly Y. Chieh, Lauren A. Walter, Karen L. Cropsey, Li Li

Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000