Open AccessLeadership Roles in Opioid Stewardship and the Treatment of Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Among Medical Toxicologists
Author(s) -
Joseph Carpenter,
Brian Patrick Murray,
Maryann MazerAmirshahi,
Jo An R. Laes,
Nicholas Nacca,
Lewis S. Nelson,
Jeanmarie Perrone,
Evan S. Schwarz,
Timothy J. Wiegand,
Paul M. Wax
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of medical toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.534
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1937-6995
pISSN - 1556-9039
DOI - 10.1007/s13181-019-00752-9
Subject(s) - medicine , certification , family medicine , accreditation , addiction medicine , stewardship (theology) , board certification , continuing medical education , psychiatry , addiction , medical education , continuing education , political science , politics , law
Despite significant efforts, deaths due to drug overdose remain at near record levels. In efforts combat this crisis, the Joint Commission now requires that accredited hospitals implement safe opioid prescribing practices. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to opioid use disorder (OUD) provide an opportunity to initiate evidence-based treatment. However, both situations require the presence of qualified physician leaders and clinicians, which many facilities lack. Medical toxicologists have the expertise needed to fill these voids, but the scope and prevalence of their involvement are unknown. We sought to determine the engagement of medical toxicologists in leading opioid stewardship initiatives and the treatment of patients with OUD.