A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that medications for alcohol use disorder were initiated in 30% of hospitalizations among veterans. Factors influencing these rates include specialty addiction consultations and psychiatric services.
A recent study conducted by Timothy S. Anderson, M.D., from the University of Pittsburgh, has revealed that medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) were initiated in approximately 30% of hospitalizations for alcohol use disorder (AUD) among veterans in 2022 and 2023. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 29,041 hospitalizations at 142 hospitals across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
The researchers found that MAUD was initiated as an inpatient or within seven days of discharge for 8,932 hospitalizations (30.8%). The most commonly prescribed MAUDs were naltrexone (57.9%), acamprosate (16.5%), and injectable naltrexone (13.9%).
Among the inpatient initiations, almost all (97.7%) received a prescription for MAUD within 30 days after discharge. The study also revealed that MAUD initiation was more likely among hospitalizations with specialty addiction consultations and those receiving psychiatry versus medicine services.
However, there were certain factors associated with lower rates of MAUD initiation. These included veterans aged 65 years or older, men, American Indian or Alaska Native veterans, frail veterans, those diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD), and those in the intensive care unit.
The median hospital-level MAUD initiation rate was found to be 29.9%. The authors of the study suggest that further investigation into factors contributing to this variation may inform health system and quality improvement efforts aimed at equitably increasing MAUD initiation rates among veterans.
"This finding highlights a significant opportunity for improving treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorder among veterans," commented Dr. Anderson in his discussion of the study's implications. "By understanding what drives these differences, we can work towards more equitable access to effective treatments."
The research underscores the importance of timely and appropriate MAUD initiation as part of comprehensive care for veterans with AUD. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, strategies aimed at increasing adherence to evidence-based practices in treating alcohol use disorder are crucial.
In conclusion, the study's findings emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to enhance access to and utilization of medications for alcohol use disorder among hospitalized veterans, particularly those who may face unique barriers or challenges in accessing these treatments.
