Emergency departments are critical access points for treating those with opioid use disorder, making hospitals vital partners in overcoming Michigan’s opioid public health crisis.
In collaboration with medical experts and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center, the Michigan Opioid Partnership led the Emergency Department Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (ED MOUD) initiative, which was designed to increase access to evidence-based ED MOUD throughout the state and support the transition to long-term office-based treatment upon discharge. Approximately half of Michigan’s emergency departments and all ten prepaid inpatient health plan regions participated in the ED MOUD Initiative.
The following resources have been collected to help implement ED MOUD in your hospitals.
ED MOUD is an important care pathway in Michigan.
SUMMARY FULL REPORT STATEMENT FROM OUR CLINICAL CHAMPIONS OPINION PIECE FROM THE MOP
ED MOUD changes patient experience.
Step 1: Identify Patients with OUD
Patients enter an open and accepting environment. Non-stigmatizing signage encourages them to disclose their opioid use disorder and to ask for help. Clinicians are trained to screen patients, spot the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder, and to approach patients compassionately.
Step 1: Identify Patients with OUD
Step 2: Start MOUD
A practitioner assesses the patient for withdrawal and administers or prescribes medication to begin treatment. If the patient is experiencing opioid withdrawal, the initial dose helps reduce the painful symptoms and allows for better a tolerated discussion about harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.
Step 2: Start MOUD
Step 3: Connect to Community-Based Care
Trained staff, such as a peer recovery coach, social worker, or case manager, supports the patient as they make their way to an outpatient provider. They provide the patient with a warm hand-off to community-based care and assist them in scheduling their first appointment. This is essential to the success of long-term treatment and recovery.
Step 3: Connect to Community-Based Care
To learn how to implement MOUD in your hospital’s emergency department, check out the following resources.
OPEN
MI CARES
MI CARES
MHA Keystone Center
MHA Keystone Center
Bridge
ED MOUD is evidence-based and best practice.
ED MOUD is cost effective and can reduce health care costs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, visit Michigan.gov/opioids.
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