The study uses a Hybrid Type 3 Effectiveness-Implementation framework and a modified stepped wedge design. The study will be conducted at four EDs with a high prevalence of patients with untreated opioid use disorder (OUD). The four sites will receive the same sequence of evaluations and interventions: the baseline evaluation period after the standard dissemination practice, the IF phase, and continuation of facilitation into the IF evaluation period. The timing of initiation of the study activities at each site will be randomly offset by ~ 3 month increments to accommodate logistical constraints of simultaneous implementation at all sites. The study populations will include (1) ED providers and staff involved in the treatment of patients with OUD; (2) Community opioid treatment provider and program staff involved in providing care for patients with OUD referred from the ED; and (3) ED patients with moderate to severe OUD.

This study compares two methods of initiating treatment with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) when implemented at community-based inpatient or residential programs. The primary goal of this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study is to determine whether the Rapid method of initiating treatment with XR-NTX is non-inferior to a standard method on the primary effectiveness outcome of successful initiation of XR-NTX (receiving the first injection while inpatient) when implemented at community-based inpatient or residential programs. Secondary objectives include comparing rapid versus standard method of XR-NTX initiation on: time from admission to first dose of XR-NTX while inpatient and time to dropout, craving, withdrawal severity, retention, abstinence, and safety measures.

The goal of the project is to build a clinical data research infrastructure that will begin to enhance capacity to use electronic health record (EHR) data and patient reported outcomes measures (PROs) to conduct opioid related research in emergency departments (EDs). 200 adult patients with a history of non-medical opioid use, opioid use disorder, or acute opioid overdose will be enrolled and will be asked to complete three PRO surveys (baseline, 3 days post ED discharge, and 30 days post discharge).