Emergency Department Peer Support Program and Patient Outcomes After Opioid Overdose

Peter Treitler, PhD1,2; Stephen Crystal, PhD1,3,4; Joel Cantor, ScD1; et alOriginal Investigation Substance Use and Addiction March 25, 2024

Key Points
​Question  Is implementation of an emergency department (ED)–based peer recovery support program for opioid overdose associated with improvements in initiation of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)?
Findings  In this cohort study of 12 046 patients treated for nonfatal opioid overdose, those treated in EDs that implemented peer support were significantly more likely to initiate MOUD than patients treated in comparison EDs. The outcome varied across EDs and by time since peer support implementation.
Meaning  The findings suggest that ED-based peer recovery support is associated with increased postdischarge MOUD receipt, but outcomes likely depend on additional factors such as program characteristics and availability of other substance use disorder services.

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