To assess the impact of addiction consultation services (ACS) on hospital stay duration, 30-day readmission rates, and other patient outcomes.
Approach:
Study Design: Retrospective study using a difference-in-differences approach comparing outcomes at one hospital with ACS implementation to three hospitals without ACS.
Key Findings:
ACS implementation did not affect length of stay or 30-day readmission rates.
ACS was associated with higher rates of medications for opioid use disorder during hospitalization and discharge on higher methadone doses.
ACS implementation did not impact 6-month emergency department visits or patient-directed discharge.
The economic rationale for ACS implementation may be questioned based on findings of no change in length of stay or readmission rates.
Interpretation:
The outcomes most visible to health system leaders may not reflect the quality of care provided by ACS.
Limitations:
Length of stay and 30-day readmission rates may not adequately capture the value of ACS.
The study did not report on postdischarge addiction treatment linkage.
Conclusion:
The value of ACS depends on various factors, including hospital context and community substance use disorder prevalence.
