In this episode, join moderator Brea Burmeister and experts Dr. Scott Weiner and Dr. Arjun Venkatesh as they explore how quality measures can transform opioid use disorder (OUD) care in emergency departments. Discover innovative metrics, quality improvement initiatives, and EHR data integration to optimize patient outcomes. Learn about overcoming barriers like stigma and resource shortages and get key recommendations from recent OUD treatment studies. Perfect for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in advancing OUD care.

What You'll Learn:

• Challenges and opportunities of addressing the opioid epidemic in emergency medicine
• ACEP’s work on metrics and the development of quality improvement measures
• Key quality initiatives to enhance OUD care and reduce harm
• The barriers to adopting these initiatives and strategies to overcome them
• Recommendations based on recent studies in OUD treatment and medication

MODERATOR: Brea Burmeister

Member, CHIME Opioid Task Force

Bio: With 23 years in healthcare, Brea specializes in managing relationships within Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) Health Systems, regional Group Practices, and Specialty Pharmacy accounts. She strengthens value-based care models by developing strategic plans, analyzing performance data, improving care coordination, and implementing process improvements. Brea's work enhances patient outcomes and experiences while reducing costs. Additionally, her volunteer work with the Opioid Task Force reflects her commitment to public health advocacy and community well-being.

GUEST: Scott Weiner, MD, MPH, FAAEM, FACEP, FASAM

Emergency and Addiction Medicine Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School

Co-chair, Clinical Advisory subcommittee, CHIME Opioid Task Force

Bio: Dr. Weiner is the McGraw Distinguished Chair in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and addiction medicine. He is an active researcher, working on multiple projects that focus on prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder.

GUEST: Arjun Venkatesh, MD, MBA, MHS

Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine

Chief, Emergency Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital

Bio: Dr. Venkatesh is Chair and Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital. He has received over $ 12 million in funding by the NIH, CMS, AHRQ, and CDC to develop measures and interventions that improve acute care outcomes and value. He has supported CMS’s development of the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, has led the development of quality measures for the Clinical Emergency Data Registry, and is PI of the Emergency Quality Network (E-QUAL). His work has produced over 200 publications and been implemented in numerous national quality and value programs. He is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Medicine, a proud graduate of the HAEMR Class of 2012 often referred to as the Greatest Class Ever, and completed the RWJF Clinical Scholars Program at Yale.

Additional Resources:

ACEP E-QUAL opioid initiative

Cedr