The Impact of Discharge Against Medical Advice on Readmission After Opioid Use Disorder-Associated Infective Endocarditis: a National Cohort Study

Medications for opioid use disorder associated with reduced readmissions for patients with severe injection-related infections: A matched cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Hospitalizations due to severe injection-related infections (SIRIs) and patient-directed discharge (PDD) in people who inject drugs (PWID) are increasing, but research on readmission outcomes at PDD is limited. In this retrospective, matched cohort study we evaluated predictors of 30-day readmission by discharge status among PWID.

METHODS

Among patients diagnosed with SIRIs at a tertiary hospital, Fisher's exact tests assessed differences in readmission rates by discharge status. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) at discharge was defined as either having a buprenorphine dose dispensed within 24 h of discharge and buprenorphine being included in the discharge summary as a prescription, or a methadone dose dispensed inpatient within 24 h of discharge. Logistic regression analyses evaluated predictors of readmission outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 148 PWID with SIRI diagnosis, 30-day readmission rate following PDD was higher than standard discharge (25.7 % vs. 9.5 %, p = 0.016) and MOUD decreased odds of 30-day readmission (OR = 0.32, 95 % CI: 0.12,0.83, p = 0.012). >7 missed days of antibiotic treatment increased odds of 30-day readmission (OR 4.65, 95 % CI: 1.14, 31.72, p = 0.030) within PDD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PDD carries higher 30-day readmission rate compared to standard discharge. Strategies to reduce PDD rates and increase MOUD initiation may improve readmission outcomes.

Opportunities to improve opioid use disorder care for hospitalised patients with endocarditis

BACKGROUND

Driven by increased injection opioid use, rates of hospitalisation for infective endocarditis, an infection associated with injection drug use, are increasing. In the USA, 1 in 10 hospitalised patients for opioid use disorder-associated infective endocarditis (OUD-IE) die in the hospital and 1 in 20 have a patient-directed discharge. Emerging models of care reveal opportunities for healthcare systems to meet the complex care needs of these patients. We characterised promising practices of staff who care for these patients and identified areas for improvement.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study with 1-hour semistructured virtual interviews between October 2021 and March 2022. Participants included 26 healthcare staff who care for patients with OUD-IE at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. We used thematic analysis of interviews guided by an abductive approach. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed and analysed using NVivo software.

RESULTS

Interviews were characterised by three major themes: (1) care rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration; (2) managing OUD and its sequelae in a setting not designed to treat OUD; and (3) clinician needs and barriers to change.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the facilitators of high-quality treatment for patients with OUD-IE, as well as the key areas for improvement. Findings add context to the complexity that both the healthcare staff and patients navigate during and following hospitalisation for OUD-IE. Needed changes include training staff to talk with patients about preparing for a return to drug use following hospitalisation, and changing discharge facilities' practices that hinder access for patients with OUD-IE.