Treating Opioid Use Disorder on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit: A Novel Buprenorphine Consultation Service

Authors

• Sean T. Lynch, New York Medical College
• Victor Gordillo, New York Medical College
• Ashley Sacks, New York Medical College
• Emily Groenendaal, New York Medical College
• Lidia Klepacz, New York Medical College
• Eldene Towey, New York Medical College
• Stephen J. Ferrando, New York Medical College

DOI

10.3390/pharma4020011

Journal Title

Pharmacoepidemiology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2025

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

addiction consultation, buprenorphine, co-occurring disorders, inpatient psychiatry, opioid use disorder

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has claimed the lives of many Americans, with rates of overdose steadily rising over the past decade. Despite having highly effective medications to treat this condition, many providers still hesitate to prescribe them. Psychiatric inpatient facilities have a unique opportunity to engage patients with co-occurring disorders in the treatment of OUD; however, significant barriers exist. This study describes a novel OUD–buprenorphine (BUP) consultation service that provides such care to hospitalized psychiatric patients. Methods: This IRB-approved retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 123 hospitalized psychiatric patients who received consultations from the BUP consultation service. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed. Results: The sample was predominantly male, with significant unemployment and housing instability. Patients were hospitalized for depressive, bipolar, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Over 90% of patients were discharged on buprenorphine, with over 50% being connected to specialized substance use services. No increase in the length of stay was found, and no difference in outcomes was observed based on diagnosis or BUP discharge status. Discussion/Conclusions: This novel service was effective in providing OUD treatment to patients with complex co-occurring psychiatric disorders without significantly increasing their length of stay. Despite acute exacerbations in psychiatric illness, patients were able to engage in discussions regarding BUP. While the study was limited in scope, it underscores the feasibility of integrating OUD treatment in the acute psychiatric inpatient setting.

Recommended Citation

Lynch, S., Gordillo, V., Sacks, A., Groenendaal, E., Klepacz, L., Towey, E., & Ferrando, S. (2025). Treating Opioid Use Disorder on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit: A Novel Buprenorphine Consultation Service. Pharmacoepidemiology, 4 (2). https://doi.org/10.3390/pharma4020011