Improving Opioid Use Disorder Treatment With Buprenorphine: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

The intervention described here effectively changed prescriber behavior, increasing the use of evidence-based treatments for opioid withdrawal with minimal adverse events. Standardized protocols led to increased buprenorphine utilization, impacting clinical practice. However, there was no observed improvement in linkage to outpatient MAT services, possibly because of external factors such as insurance limitations and patient preferences. Our findings support the effectiveness of standardized protocols in increasing buprenorphine utilization. Thakrar et al¹ similarly observed improved buprenorphine initiation rates after implementing protocols in an emergency department.