Caring for patients with opioid use disorder

Partnership with ScalaNW improves access to care

Providence St. Peter and Centralia hospitals have partnered with ScalaNW, the Washington State medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) bridge program, to streamline care for our patients with opioid use disorder.

ScalaNW published suggested clinical protocols for treating opioid withdrawal, pain management, and MOUD initiation in admitted and emergency department patients. 24/7 provider-to-provider consultation with University of Washington psychiatrists and addiction psychiatrists is available for adult patients with any substance use, co-occurring, or psychiatric disorder at 877-927-7924.

We encourage providers to screen for opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal in all patients, and to treat withdrawal regardless of and prior to making long-term treatment plan. This will improve dynamics with the health care team, improve quality of care, increase the likelihood of patients staying until medical discharge, and support engagement in discharge planning.

ScalaNW provides 24/7 real-time appointment scheduling. Please call the scheduling phone line prior to patient discharge at 206-573-5389. This is an approximately 10-minute phone call that will confirm a date, time, and location for MOUD follow up – all secured during the phone call.

ScalaNW will send the information to the receiving clinic, and text and phone call appointment reminders to the patient. The appointment time can be used to inform your discharge bridge prescription.

Here are helpful fliers to print and share:

·       What to do if you need help with addiction care recommendations

·       ScalaNW resources and information

·       Initiating MOUD for adults in the ED

Please feel free to reach out to Liz Wolkin (360-725-5734), Occupational nurse consultant or me with feedback on this initiative, or directly to ScalaNW (info@scalanw.org).