Effect of opioid use disorder training on the attitudes of emergency medicine providers toward treatment of opioid use disorder

Background: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) remains a significant public health concern in the United States, claiming a staggering number of lives annually. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine has emerged as an effective intervention. However, its utilization remains low, especially in Emergency Departments (EDs), due in part to bias against addiction. This study evaluated the impact of a grant to increase OUD treatment in the ED from the Ohio Department of Health on bias among ED providers. Methods: A longitudinal survey of emergency medicine providers was conducted before and after grant implementation to assess attitudes and prescribing behaviors. Results: While the grant increased the number of providers prescribing MAT and naloxone, it did not significantly alter attitudes toward OUD treatment in the ED. Providers overwhelmingly recognized addiction as a medical condition deserving empathy, but views on the appropriateness of EDs for addiction treatment remained unchanged. Discussion: Despite increased MAT prescriptions and naloxone distribution post-grant, the study suggests that broader cultural shifts are needed to integrate OUD treatment into ED practice fully. Efforts to destigmatize addiction and enhance provider education may be necessary to address underlying barriers to OUD treatment acceptance in the ED setting. Conclusion: This study highlights a critical gap between favorable attitudes toward OUD treatment and actual practice. Although education and grant incentives led to increased MAT prescribing, most providers were hesitant to initiate ED treatment. Challenges included perceived lack of training, time constraints, and lingering stigma surrounding addiction.