Source: JAMA Network Open
ToxIC Project Data Source: Fentalog Study Project
Publication Date: July 2, 2025
Authors: Siri Shastry, MD; Joseph Carpenter, MD; Alex Krotulski, PhD; Jeffrey Brent, MD, PhD; Paul Wax, MD; Kim Aldy, DO, MS, MBA; Sharan Campleman, PhD, MPH; Rachel Culbreth, PhD, MPH; Alyssa Falise, PhD, MSPH; Adrienne Hughes, MD; Robert G. Hendrickson, MD; Alexandra Amaducci, DO; Bryan Judge, MD1; Christopher Meaden, MD; Diane P. Calello, MD; Jennie Buchanan, MD; Joshua Shulman, MD; Michael Levine, MD; Evan Schwarz, MD; Alex F. Manini, MD, MS
Keywords/Topics:fentanyl, opioids, overdose, racial disparities, toxico-surveillance

JAMA Network Open: "Disparities in Treatment and Referral After an Opioid Overdose Among Emergency Department Patients"

A ToxIC Fentalog Study Group cohort study examined racial and ethnic disparities in emergency department (ED) care for opioid overdose across 10 U.S. hospital sites from 2020 to 2023. Among 1,683 adult patients, researchers assessed rates of outpatient addiction treatment referrals, naloxone distribution, and buprenorphine prescribing. Overall, 17.8% received outpatient treatment referrals, 42.4% received naloxone, and 8.4% were prescribed buprenorphine.

The study found that Black patients were significantly less likely to receive a referral for outpatient treatment compared to White patients. In contrast, hospital admission increased the likelihood of receiving a referral. Additionally, geographic location was linked to variation in all outcomes.

These findings highlight critical racial disparities in ED treatment and follow-up care for opioid use disorder (OUD). Given the high risk of overdose death following an ED visit, improving equity in referral and treatment practices is essential. The study calls for targeted efforts to enhance access to care and reduce systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black patients. Read more...