Trends in Buprenorphine and Methadone Initiation for Opioid Use Disorder Among Patients Using Fentanyl: A Mixed-methods Analysis From an Inpatient Addiction Consult Service

Key Points

• This research aims to analyze trends in the initiation of buprenorphine and methadone for treating opioid use disorder among fentanyl users.
• Mixed-methods analysis using data from an inpatient addiction consult service.
• Examined changes in medication initiation over time.
• Collected patient-reported barriers to treatment initiation.
• Increased selection of methadone during the study period.
• Identified early initiation challenges as significant barriers reported by patients.
• Highlighted the need for improved stabilization strategies for opioid use disorder.