Emergency department utilization for substance use disorders and mental health conditions during COVID-19.

Arjun K Venkatesh Alexander T Janke Jeremiah Kinsman Craig Rothenberg Pawan GoyalCaitlin MalickiGail D'OnofrioRichard Andrew TaylorKathryn Hawk

Published in: PloS one (2022)

We observe distinct patterns in ED visitation for SUDs over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for OUD for which ED visitation barely declined and now exceeds previous baselines. These trends likely demonstrate the essential role of hospital-based EDs in providing 24/7/365 care for people with SUDs and mental health conditions. Allocation of resources must be directed towards the ED as a de-facto safety net for populations in crisis.

Keyphrases

emergency department
mental health
mental illness
healthcare
public health
palliative care
quality improvement
pain management
adverse drug
affordable care act
drug induced