Prevalence of Concurrent Use of Controlled Substances in Opioid Use Disorder Patients During Hospitalization
Abstract
Background:
The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to widespread substance abuse disorders and fatalities. Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who self-medicate with other substances while hospitalized for opiate detoxification or acute pain treatment face potentially severe consequences. This study aims to assess the prevalence of concurrent use of controlled substances among hospitalized OUD patients.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study will be conducted at SNGH patients prescribed opioids from January 1st, 2022, to December 31st, 2022. Patients were included if they had treatment plan which included opiates for opiate detoxification, maintenance, or acute pain management will be included. Exclusion criteria will account for valid prescription use and false-positive drug screens. Data will be collected through EPIC EMR and analyzed using SPSS Statistical Subscription Service.
Results:
Results pending. Baseline and demographic characteristics will be summarized using descriptive statistics. The prevalence of patients on admittance acute hospitalization with positive drug screens for non-prescribed substances will be determined. Secondary objective will assess the prevalence of positive screening any time following hospital admission.
Conclusion:
This study will shed light on the concurrent use of controlled substances in hospitalized OUD patients. The findings will be crucial in guiding physicians and clinicians to make informed decisions regarding opiate treatment and health directives for this vulnerable patient population. Keywords: opioid use disorder, controlled substances, hospitalization, retrospective cohort study, prevalence, patient care.