Identifying factors associated with peer recovery coach interactions and successful outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder in Southern West Virginia.

Background and objectives: Peer recovery support services (PRSS) integrated into hospital settings may support the initiation of outpatient treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PRSS in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and identify characteristics associated with receptiveness to coaching and treatment placement.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of inpatients treated over a 4-year period at a tertiary-care center. Outcomes examined included accepted PRSS coach visit, initiation of medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD), and referral to or scheduling of treatment.

Results: There were 5050 documented hospital encounters during which 3010 patients with OUD were approached for a visit by a PRSS coach. Of these patients, 65.4% initiated MOUD in the hospital, 29.0% received a referral for MOUD, and 54.8% accepted an appointment for treatment or rehabilitation services, all of which were considered successful outcomes. Patients who accepted a visit with a PRSS coach had a higher rate of successful outcomes than patients who declined a visit (60.8% vs. 17.1%, p < .001), and were more likely to receive MOUD (26.9% vs. 6.7%, p < .001). Younger age and admission from an emergency setting were associated with PRSS interaction and treatment initiation.

Discussion and conclusions: We observed a notable relationship between peer coaching and initiating MOUD or scheduling further treatment, suggesting an augmented state of patient readiness to embrace transformative changes toward recovery after interaction with PRSS.

Scientific significance: The demonstrated relationship between PRSS and MOUD initiation in this population helps justify the use, funding, and expansion of PRSS programs.