Opioid Bridge Program: Creating a Culture of Harm Prevention and Patient Retention

Objectives: The opioid epidemic has greatly impacted people
all over the world, especially in the United States. Opioid use is
the leading cause of injury related death in the United States
and the state of Florida accounts for 8% of all US overdose
related deaths. The epidemic is a significant social and
financial burden to our health care system.
Methods: The state of Florida has partnered with Broward
Health Medical Center (BHMC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to
develop the opioid bridge program, a peer-specialist led group
that evaluates patient with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) or other
forms of addiction, engages the individual in treatment and
provides access to treatment and recovery support services.
Results: In calendar year 2022, 813 people presented to the
BHMC Emergency Department (ED) with some form of
substance abuse and were in contact with bridge program
personnel. Throughout calendar year 2022, 737 individuals
(90.7%) were referred to a treatment provider, 202 (24.9%)
were directly enrolled in a treatment service, and 56 (6.9%)
were referred directly to residential treatment. From the
individuals evaluated by the program, 390 (48%) were
identified as having opiate abuse disorder and 72 (18%) were
inducted with Buprenorphine and enrolled in Medication
Assisted Treatment (MAT) in the ED prior to discharge.
Conclusion: 100% of individuals identified by the program
received peer support in the forms of literature, referrals, or
enrollment in treatment. The program created a system of
improved social support for this special population by providing
immediate access to medication assisted treatment and
navigation to ongoing care.