Emergency departments are at the frontline of the opioid epidemic
The opioid epidemic has taken the country by storm:
- From 2015 to 2016, opioid overdose deaths increased about 30 percent.
- From July 2016 through September 2017, 143,000 emergency department (ED) visits from 52 jurisdictions in 45 states were suspected opioid-involved overdoses. This rate increased on average by 6% per quarter.*
EDs are one of the best places to identify patients with opioid use disorder —and they can play a key role in improving outcomes. Through rapid data collection, analysis and sharing, our hope is that we can work together to help manage the opioid epidemic and find a solution.
Here's what we're doing
Our opioid video series shows different situations and approaches to screening, intervening, treating and managing these patients in emergency care. Topics include:
- Conversation tools and strategies
- Substance use assessments
- Treatment for opioid use disorder
- Harm-reduction strategies
Be part of the solution
Talk with your patients about other treatment options. You can use the clinical scenarios in the video series as a guide.
Video series: Combating opioid use disorder
Use the information in these videos to support your patients with opioid use disorder.
*CDC, Vital Signs: Trends in Emergency Department Visits for Suspected Opioid Overdoses — United States, July 2016–September 2017, released March 9, 2018
Content courtesy of Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine
Gail D’Onofrio MD, MS | Kathryn Hawk MD, MHS | Michael Pantalon PhD | Shara Martel, MPH | Deepa Camenga, MD MHS