Association Between Emergency Department Operational Metrics and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Interest in Two Rhode Island Hospitals.

Objective: This study examined if emergency department (ED) operational metrics, such as wait time or length of stay, are associated with interest in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment referral among patients at high risk of opioid overdose.

Methods: In this observational study, 648 ED patients at high risk of opioid overdose completed a baseline questionnaire. Operational metrics were summarized using electronic health record data. The association between operational metrics and treatment interest was estimated with multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Longer time to room (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.01-1.25) and length of stay (AOR=1.02, 95% CI=1.00-1.05) were associated with treatment referral interest. Time to provider and number of treating providers showed no significant association.

Conclusion: Longer rooming wait times and longer ED visits were associated with increased SUD treatment referral interest. This suggests patients who wait for longer periods may be motivated for treatment and warrant further resource investment.