Leadership Roles in Opioid Stewardship and the Treatment of Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Among Medical Toxicologists

Background Despite significant efforts, deaths due to drug overdose remain at near record levels. In efforts combat this crisis, the Joint Commission now requires that accredited hospitals implement safe opioid prescribing practices. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to opioid use disorder (OUD) provide an opportunity to initiate evidence-based treatment. However, both situations require the presence of qualified physician leaders and clinicians, which many facilities lack. Medical toxicologists have the expertise needed to fill these voids, but the scope and prevalence of their involvement are unknown. We sought to determine the engagement of medical toxicologists in leading opioid stewardship initiatives and the treatment of patients with OUD.