The study reported a correlation between administering buprenorphine in the emergency department (ED) and higher rates of treatment retention. Patient navigators assessed patients’ readiness and motivation for treatment through brief interventions. Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) who expressed a willingness to engage in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment were eligible to receive buprenorphine in the ED. Peer recovery coaches played a role in facilitating follow-up appointments with treatment providers the next day. After receiving buprenorphine, 78 percent (187) of patients attended the follow-up appointment, and 59 percent (111) of those patients remained in treatment after 30 days.
Read the full study here.