Inpatient SUD Programs Show Promise for Infectious Disease Screening

New research reveals teh benefits of integrating infectious disease (ID) screening into inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) programs. This approach increases testing rates and provides easy access to preventive and therapeutic care.¹

A recent study evaluated a comprehensive ID screening,prevention,and treatment program within an inpatient withdrawal management and substance use recovery program at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Results showed that embedding ID services considerably increased completion rates for hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and latent tuberculosis (LTBI) screening.¹

Guidelines already recommend regular ID screening for individuals with SUDs, recognizing the intersection of these challenges. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health services Administration (SAMHSA) issued guidelines in 2021, urging substance use treatment programs to prioritize hepatitis and HIV screening for all patients.^1,2

“Despite this guidance and triumphant integrated screening in other settings, the potential of inpatient SUD programs as platforms for comprehensive ID screening, treatment, and prevention hasn’t been fully explored,” explained Kelly Dyer, MD, an infectious disease fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, and her colleagues.¹

The study aimed to fill this research gap and assess the impact of embedded ID services. Researchers found that this model offers a valuable opportunity to reach a vulnerable population and improve public health outcomes.

The intervention included point-of-care testing for HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis, alongside screening for HAV, HBV, and LTBI. Patients received immediate results and were directly linked to treatment when needed. This streamlined process removed many barriers to care.

Researchers observed a significant increase in screening completion rates following the intervention. This suggests that inpatient SUD programs can effectively serve as access points for crucial ID services. Further research will focus on long-term outcomes and the scalability of this model.

Sources:

1. Dyer K, et al. Effectiveness of Embedded Infectious Disease Screening, Prevention, and Treatment in an Inpatient Substance Use Disorder Program. Open forum Infectious Diseases. 2024;11(8):ofad373. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofad373
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Hepatitis and HIV Screening and Care for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders. 2021. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/hepatitis-hiv-screening-care-sud.pdf