Tales from the frontlines: An alarming rise in hospitalizations related to opioid use disorder in the era of COVID-19

Noel Ivey, MD; Dana Cooley Clifton, MD

doi:10.5055/jom.2021.0608

Authors

Noel Ivey, MD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1423-003X
Dana Cooley Clifton, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2021.0608

Keywords:

opioid use disorder, opioid epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, hospital management

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had harmful effects on the opioid epidemic. While a negative effect was predicted, we report on this reality in the hospital setting. We have seen a sharp rise in hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Our data should encourage ongoing efforts to reduce barriers in accessing medications for treatment, harm reduction interventions and additional education for trainees, primary care providers, and hospitalists alike. In the current climate, these interventions are critical to save the lives of patients with OUD.

Author Biographies

Noel Ivey, MD

Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina

Dana Cooley Clifton, MD

Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina

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