Scientific Poster Session II - Original Research

Original Research
  Sunday, October 13, 2024
  12:45 PM–02:15 PM

Abstract

Introduction: Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are the standard of care for opioid use disorder (OUD) due to demonstrated reductions in both morbidity and mortality, however, uptake and appropriate use of these medications are lacking, especially in the acute care setting. In July of 2022, a pharmacy-integrated medication-assisted recovery (MAR) OUD consult service was established at the University of Illinois Hospital to assist with MOUD therapy among inpatients.

Research Question or Hypothesis: How has the implementation of a MOUD consult service affected MOUD utilization, safety, and care coordination in an acute care setting?

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort

Methods: Adults with OUD, opioid overdose, or opioid abuse during a hospitalization between 7/1/2022 and 6/30/2023 were included in the study. The rate of initiating or continuing MOUD between patients who received an OUD MAR consult was compared to those who did not. Additionally, the study compared the safety, effectiveness, and coordination of care for patients receiving MOUD between the two groups. Results were analyzed descriptively and using inferential statistics.

Results: Out of 1456 encounters, 222 (15.2%) involved MAR consultation, and 1234 (84.8%) did not. MOUD was given in 81.5% of consult encounters compared to 14.9% in non-consult encounters (p <0.001). Consulted encounters were more likely to receive additional withdrawal medications (73.5% vs 31.5%, p <0.001) and were less likely to return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge (21.5% vs 31.5%, p=0.031).

Conclusion: Involvement of a pharmacist-integrated OUD consult service was associated with greater use of MOUD and withdrawal management medications, and reduced 30-day readmissions.

Presenting Author

Paul Stranges PharmD
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy

Authors

Alexander Infante PharmD, BCPS
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy

Jennie Jarrett PharmD, MMedEd, PhD, FCCP
University of Illinois at Chicago

Eden Keller PharmD
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy

Erin Ryan PharmD
University of Illinois Chicago