Bridge clinic implementation of “72-hour rule” methadone for opioid withdrawal management: impact on opioid treatment program linkage and retention in care

Original research
by
Taylor, Jessica L. et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Underutilized regulations allow non-Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) providers to administer methadone for opioid withdrawal for up to 72 hours while arranging ongoing care. Our low-barrier bridge clinic implemented a new pathway to treat opioid withdrawal and facilitate OTP linkage utilizing the “72-hour rule.”

Findings/Key points

Methadone administration for opioid withdrawal with direct OTP admission under the “72-hour rule” is feasible in an outpatient bridge clinic and resulted in high OTP linkage and 1-month retention rates.

Design/methods

Patients presenting to a hospital-based bridge clinic were evaluated for OUD, opioid withdrawal, and treatment goals. Eligible patients were offered methadone opioid withdrawal management with rapid OTP referral.

doi.org

Keywords

Hospitals
Transitions in care/treatment
Substitution/OAT