scholarly journals Understanding Steps and Challenges to Take-home Naloxone and Buprenorphine/naloxone Implementation in Québec Emergency Rooms: Suboxed Project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Talbot ◽  
Rania Khemiri ◽  
Luc Londei-Leduc ◽  
Christine Robin ◽  
Suzanne Marcotte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Emergency Rooms ◽  
Opioid Agonist ◽  
Clinical Algorithm ◽  
Opioid Agonist Treatment ◽  
System A ◽  
Clinical Culture

Abstract BackgroundDeaths attributable to drug abuse are on the rise across Canada. It is estimated that there were more than 13,900 opioid-related deaths from January 2016 to June 2019 in the country. Emergency departments (EDs) are often on the frontline of care provided to people at risk of opioid overdose within Québec’s healthcare system. A variety of programs to implement take-home naloxone distribution and/or the provision of opioid agonist treatment for ED patients who are at risk for overdose have been created in the United States and in Europe. However, few EDs in Canada have developed protocols for the provision of take-home naloxone and/or opioid agonist treatment by ED doctors.MethodsA clinical algorithm for take home naloxone (THN) and prescription of buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) was implemented in three EDs of Québec, Canada. This first phase of the SuboxED project required selecting clinical experts, describing the patient population, and creating partnerships with pharmacists and opioid agonist treatment clinics.Results:The clinical experts developed tools based on literature reviews and national and international guidelines. They also created educational tools and trained over 328 ED clinical staff. In addition, SuboxED ensured that a supply of take-home naloxone and B/n was available in the three ED sites for the study.ConclusionImplementing the proposed clinical algorithm for THN and prescription of B/N was challenging: drug supply and ED staff’s buy-in were among the most notable difficulties of SuboxED. Planning training sessions at three different institutions, each with its own governance structure and clinical culture, local realities and harm reduction priorities was complicated. Engaging already overworked ED teams consistently working in a gridlocked environments, revealed in itself to be a difficult endeavour.In the next phase of SuboxED, we will focus on data collection and analysis to evaluate both the implementation of the protocol through a retrospective review of electronic health records and satisfaction surveys of patients and healthcare professionals.Trial registration: none

scholarly journals Understandings steps and challenges to take-home naloxone and buprenorphine/naloxone implementation in Québec emergency rooms: SuboxED project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Talbot ◽  
Rania Khemiri ◽  
Luc Londei-Leduc ◽  
Christine Robin ◽  
Suzanne Marcotte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Emergency Rooms ◽  
Opioid Agonist ◽  
Clinical Algorithm ◽  
Opioid Agonist Treatment ◽  
System A ◽  
Clinical Culture

Abstract Background Deaths attributable to drug abuse are on the rise across Canada. It is estimated that there were more than 13,900 opioid-related deaths from January 2016 to June 2019 in the country. Emergency departments (EDs) are often on the frontline of care provided to people at risk of opioid overdose within Québec’s healthcare system. A variety of programs to implement take-home naloxone distribution and/or the provision of opioid agonist treatment for ED patients who are at risk for overdose have been created in the United States and in Europe. However, few EDs in Canada have developed protocols for the provision of take-home naloxone and/or opioid agonist treatment by ED doctors. Methods A clinical algorithm for take home naloxone (THN) and prescription of buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) was implemented in three EDs of Québec, Canada. This first phase of the SuboxED project required selecting clinical experts, describing the patient population, and creating partnerships with pharmacists and opioid agonist treatment clinics. Results The clinical experts developed tools based on literature reviews and national and international guidelines. They also created educational tools and trained over 328 ED clinical staff. In addition, SuboxED ensured that a supply of take-home naloxone and B/n was available in the three ED sites for the study. Conclusion Implementing the proposed clinical algorithm for THN and prescription of B/N was challenging: drug supply and ED staff’s buy-in were among the most notable difficulties of SuboxED. Planning training sessions at three different institutions, each with its own governance structure and clinical culture, local realities and harm reduction priorities was complicated. Engaging already overworked ED teams consistently working in a gridlocked environments, revealed in itself to be a difficult endeavour. In the next phase of SuboxED, we will focus on data collection and analysis to evaluate both the implementation of the protocol through a retrospective review of electronic health records and satisfaction surveys of patients and healthcare professionals.

scholarly journals Understanding Steps and Challenges to Take-home Naloxone and Buprenorphine/naloxone Implementation in Québec Emergency Rooms: Suboxed Project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Talbot ◽  
Rania Khemiri ◽  
Luc Londei-Leduc ◽  
Christine Robin ◽  
Suzanne Marcotte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Drug Supply ◽  
Emergency Rooms ◽  
Opioid Agonist ◽  
Clinical Algorithm ◽  
Opioid Agonist Treatment

Abstract BackgroundDeaths attributable to drug abuse are on the rise across Canada. It is estimated that there were more than 13,900 opioid-related deaths from January 2016 to June 2019 in the country. Emergency departments (EDs) are often on the frontline of care provided to people at risk of opioid overdose within Québec’s healthcare system. A variety of programs to implement take-home naloxone distribution and/or the provision of opioid agonist treatment for ED patients who are at risk for overdose have been created in the United States and in Europe. However, few EDs in Canada have developed protocols for the provision of take-home naloxone and/or opioid agonist treatment by ED doctors.MethodsA clinical algorithm for take home naloxone (THN) and prescription of buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) was implemented in three EDs of Québec, Canada. This first phase of the SuboxED project required selecting clinical experts, describing the patient population, and creating partnerships with pharmacists and opioid agonist treatment clinics.Results:The clinical experts developed tools based on literature reviews and national and international guidelines. They also created educational tools and trained over 328 ED clinical staff. In addition, SuboxED ensured that a supply of take-home naloxone and B/n was available in the three ED sites for the study.ConclusionImplementing the proposed clinical algorithm for THN and prescription of B/N was challenging: drug supply and ED staff’s buy-in were among the most notable difficulties of SuboxED. Planning training sessions at three different institutions, each with its own governance structure and clinical culture, local realities and harm reduction priorities was complicated. Engaging already overworked ED teams consistently working in a gridlocked environments, revealed in itself to be a difficult endeavour.In the next phase of SuboxED, we will focus on data collection and analysis to evaluate both the implementation of the protocol through a retrospective review of electronic health records and satisfaction surveys of patients and healthcare professionals.Trial registration: noneContribution to the literatureIn the midst of the opioid overdose crisis, initiating a clinical algorithm for take-home naloxone and prescription of B/n in three operationally different Canadian emergency departments was feasible.Implementing a clinical algorithm for take-home naloxone and prescription of B/n is challenging; significant barriers involve drug supply, ED staff buy-in, training, engaging already overworked ED team.

scholarly journals Implementation of Clinical Algorithms for Take-Home Naloxone and Buprenorphine/ Naloxone in Emergency Rooms: SuboxED Project Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Opioid Agonist ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Clinical Algorithm

Introduction: Emergency departments (EDs) are often the first point of care for people at risk of opioid-related overdose, an issue on the rise in Canada. Dispensing take-home naloxone (THN) and/or initiating opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in the ED can help prevent overdose. Methods: The SuboxED (CC-BY-NC-SA) project evaluated the implementation of a clinical algorithm for dispensing THN and prescribing buprenorphine/naloxone (B/n) in three EDs in the province of Québec. We performed a retrospective review of ED electronic medical records flagged as “at risk of opioid overdose (ROO).” This study included an implementation process from April 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019, and an evaluation of the project implementation for eligible patients from May 1 to December 31, 2019. We also administered satisfaction surveys to medical teams and patients. Results: A total of 877 (36.2%) patient records were included in the analysis. Of these, 62% had a confirmed diagnostic of opioid use disorder (OUD) and 70.8% met eligibility criteria for naloxone prescription. However, only 7.7 % were given a prescription or take-home naloxone in the ED, and 12.4 % were initiated on B/n in the ED or in the community after the ED visit. Seven patients and 125 health care providers from EDs, clinics, and retail pharmacies completed the survey. Conclusion: The SuboxED project demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a clinical algorithm for dispensing THN and initiating B/n in the ED, and of evaluating its efficacy in the 6 months following implantation. In addition to advocating for free access to THN in EDs, scaling up the uptake of the algorithm in EDs is the next challenge.

scholarly journals Emergency Department Visits for Opioid Overdoses Among Patients With Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 112 (9) ◽  
pp. 938-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram Jairam ◽  
Daniel X Yang ◽  
James B Yu ◽  
Henry S Park
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Ed Visits

Abstract Background Patients with cancer may be at risk of high opioid use due to physical and psychosocial factors, although little data exist to inform providers and policymakers. Our aim is to examine overdoses from opioids leading to emergency department (ED) visits among patients with cancer in the United States. Methods The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was queried for all adult cancer-related patient visits with a primary diagnosis of opioid overdose between 2006 and 2015. Temporal trends and baseline differences between patients with and without opioid-related ED visits were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with opioid overdose. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Between 2006 and 2015, there were a weighted total of 35 339 opioid-related ED visits among patients with cancer. During this time frame, the incidence of opioid-related ED visits for overdose increased twofold (P < .001). On multivariable regression (P < .001), comorbid diagnoses of chronic pain (odds ratio [OR] 4.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.13 to 4.93), substance use disorder (OR = 3.54, 95% CI = 3.28 to 3.82), and mood disorder (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 3.16 to 3.65) were strongly associated with an opioid-related visit. Patients with head and neck cancer (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.82 to 2.28) and multiple myeloma (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.32 to 2.26) were also at risk for overdose. Conclusions Over the study period, the incidence of opioid-related ED visits in patients with cancer increased approximately twofold. Comorbid diagnoses and primary disease site may predict risk for opioid overdose.

scholarly journals Opioid Agonist Treatment and Risk of Mortality During an Opioid Overdose Public Health Emergency: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A Pearce ◽  
Jeong Eun Min ◽  
Micah Piske ◽  
Haoxuan Zhou ◽  
Fahmida Homayra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Drug Supply ◽  
Opioid Agonist ◽  
Opioid Agonist Treatment ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Synthetic Opioids ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Stopping Treatment

IntroductionOpioid agonist treatment (OAT) is a safe and effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). However, people commonly stop and start OAT and their risk of death is high immediately after stopping. The prevalence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids have increased in the illicit drug supply globally. Yet, there is limited evidence examining the relationship between OAT and mortality when these contaminants are widely available in the illicit drug supply. Objectives and ApproachWe aimed to compare the risk of mortality on and off OAT in a setting with a high prevalence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids in the illicit drug supply. We linked five health administrative datasets in British Columbia, Canada, creating a cohort of 55,347 people with OUD who received OAT during a 23-year period (1996 to 2018). We compared the risk of mortality on and off treatment over time, and according to time since starting or stopping treatment and by medication type. Results7,030 of 55,347 (12.7%) OAT recipients died during follow-up. All-cause SMR was substantially lower on OAT (4.6 [4.4 to 4.8]) compared to off OAT (9.7 [9.5 to 10.0]). In a period of increasing prevalence of fentanyl, the relative risk of mortality off OAT was 2.1 [1.8 to 2.4] times higher than on OAT prior to the introduction of fentanyl, and increased to 3.4 [2.8 to 4.3] at the end of the study period (65% increase in relative risk). Conclusion / ImplicationsThe protective effect of OAT on mortality increased as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids became common in the illicit drug supply, while the risk of mortality remained high off OAT. As fentanyl becomes more widespread globally, these findings highlight the importance of interventions that improve retention on opioid agonist treatment and prevent recipients from stopping treatment.

scholarly journals Rates of opioid agonist treatment prescribing in provincial prisons in Ontario, Canada, 2015–2018: a repeated cross-sectional analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e048944
Author(s):  
Claire Bodkin ◽  
Susan Bondy ◽  
Leonora Regenstreif ◽  
Lori Kiefer ◽  
Fiona Kouyoumdjian
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Opioid Agonist ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Opioid Agonist Treatment ◽  
Need For Treatment

ObjectiveTo describe opioid agonist treatment prescribing rates in provincial prisons and compare with community prescribing rates.DesignWe used quarterly, cross-sectional data on the number and proportion of people prescribed opioid agonist treatment in prison populations. Trends were compared with Ontario surveillance data from prescribers, reported on a monthly basis.SettingProvincial prisons and general population in Ontario, Canada between 2015 and 2018.ParticipantsAdults incarcerated in provincial prisons and people ages 15 years and older in Ontario.Main outcomes and measuresOpioid agonist treatment prescribing prevalence, defined as treatment with methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone.ResultsIn prison, 6.9%–8.4% of people were prescribed methadone; 0.8% to 4.8% buprenorphine/naloxone; and 8.2% to 13.2% either treatment over the study period. Between 2015 and 2018, methadone prescribing prevalence did not substantially change in prisons or in the general population. The prevalence rate of buprenorphine/naloxone prescribing increased in prisons by 1.70 times per year (95% CI 1.47 to 1.96), which was significantly higher than the increase in community prescribing: 1.20 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.21). Buprenorphine/naloxone prescribing prevalence was significantly different across prisons.ConclusionsThe increase in opioid agonist treatment prescribing between 2015 and 2018 in provincial prisons shows that efforts to scale up access to treatment in the context of the opioid overdose crisis have included people who experience incarceration in Ontario. Further work is needed to understand unmet need for treatment and treatment impacts.

Assessing the Impact of Person-level Matching Algorithms to Identify Risk of Fatal Opioid Overdose Across Disparate Datasets: Retrospective Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Ferris ◽  
Jonathan P. Weiner ◽  
Brendan Saloner ◽  
Hadi Kharrazi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
The United States ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Fatal Overdose ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic in the United States has precipitated a need for public health agencies to better understand risk factors associated with fatal overdoses. Matching person-level information stored in public health, medical, and human services datasets can enhance the understanding of opioid overdose risk factors and interventions. A major impediment to using datasets from separate agencies, has been the lack of a cross-organization unique identifier. Although different matching techniques that leverage patient demographic information can be used, the impact of using a particular matching approach is not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study compares the impact of using probabilistic versus deterministic matching algorithms to link disparate datasets together for identifying persons at risk of a fatal overdose. METHODS This study used statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), arrest, and mortality data matched at the person-level using a probabilistic and two deterministic matching algorithms. Impact of matching was assessed by comparing the prevalence of key risk indicators, the outcome, and performance of a multivariate logistic regression for fatal overdose using the combined datasets. RESULTS The probabilistically matched population had the highest degree of matching within the PDMP data and with arrest and mortality data, resulting in the highest prevalence of high-risk indicators and the outcome. Model performance using area under the curve (AUC) was comparable across the algorithms (probabilistic: 0.847; deterministic-basic: 0.854; deterministic+zip: 0.826), but demonstrated tradeoffs between sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS The probabilistic algorithm was more successful in linking patients with PDMP data with death and arrest data, resulting in a larger at-risk population. However, deterministic-basic matching may be a suitable option for understanding high-level risk based on the model’s area under the curve (0.854). The clinical use case should be considered when selecting a matching approach, as probabilistic algorithms can be more resource-intensive and costly to maintain compared with deterministic algorithms.

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