Stigmatizing and affirming provider language in medical records on hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder.

Background: Stigma within the healthcare environment limits access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), even as OUD results in significant morbidity and mortality. Language in clinical documentation affects patient experience and future care through the transmission of stigma or positive regard. With the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, patients have full access to their medical records online.

Implementation of a comprehensive hospitalist-led initiative to improve care for patients with opioid use disorder.

Background: As opioid-related hospitalizations rise, hospitals must be prepared to evaluate and treat patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). We implemented a hospitalist-led program, Project Caring for patients with Opioid Misuse through Evidence-based Treatment (COMET) to address gaps in care for hospitalized patients with OUD.

Objective: Implement evidence-based treatment for inpatients with OUD and refer to postdischarge care.

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

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).