Initiatives to Support the Transition of Patients With Substance Use Disorders From Acute Care to Community-based Services Among a National Sample of Nonprofit Hospitals

Abstract

Background Hospitals are a key touchpoint to reach patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and link them with ongoing community-based services. Although there are many acute care interventions to initiate SUD treatment in hospital settings, less is known about what services are offered to transition patients to ongoing care after discharge. In this study, we explore what SUD care transition strategies are offered across nonprofit US hospitals. Methods We analyzed administrative documents from a national sample of US hospitals that indicated SUD as a top 5 significant community need in their Community Health Needs Assessment reports (2019–2021). Data were coded and categorized based on the nature of described services. We used data on hospitals and characteristics of surrounding counties to identify factors associated with hospitals' endorsement of transition interventions for SUD. Results Of 613 included hospitals, 313 prioritized SUD as a significant community need. Fifty-three of these hospitals (17%) offered acute care interventions to support patients' transition to community-based SUD services. Most (68%) of the 53 hospitals described transition strategies without further detail, 23% described scheduling appointments before discharge, and 11% described discussing treatment options before discharge. No hospital characteristics were associated with offering transition interventions, but such hospitals were more likely to be in the Northeast, in counties with higher median income, and states that expanded Medicaid. Conclusions Despite high need, most US hospitals are not offering interventions to link patients with SUD from acute to community care. Efforts to increase acute care interventions for SUD should identify and implement best practices to support care continuity.