Dedicated nursing care pathway improved management of opioid‐poisoned patients in the emergency department: A before–after observational study

OBJECTIVE: Opioid overdose is increasing and accounts for two‐thirds of poisoning deaths. Opioid induced respiratory depression is life‐threatening and can be under‐recognised even in the hospital setting. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a care pathway on the management of opioid‐poisoned patients. METHODS: This is a before–after observational study following the introduction of a nursing care pathway for opioid‐poisoned patients presenting to ED. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed pre (6‐month period 1 year prior) and post (9‐month period following) the introduction of the pathway. The primary outcome was the proportion of documented episodes of respiratory depression (respiratory rate <10 or oxygen saturation <93% on room air) receiving naloxone. Secondary outcomes were time to naloxone, number of documented observations (first 4 h) and length of stay. RESULTS: There were 111 patients included in the study, 61 pre‐intervention and 50 post‐intervention (35 followed the pathway). A significantly larger proportion of patients received naloxone for respiratory depression when the pathway was used (134/200 [67%] vs 34/118 [29%], difference 38%, 95% CI 28–48%). The median time to naloxone was similar (pathway 28.5 min vs no pathway 35 min, difference −6.5 min, 95% CI −19 to 12 min). Documentation increased when the pathway was used (12.0 observations/presentation vs 7.5 observations/presentation, difference 4.5 observations/patient, 95% CI 2.1–7.0 observations/patient). Length of stay was similar (pathway 16.7 h vs no pathway 15.3 h, difference 1.4 h, 95% CI −2.4 to 5.9 h). CONCLUSIONS: Following the introduction of a dedicated opioid poisoning nursing care pathway, naloxone delivery and observation documentation increased. A care pathway may improve ED management of opioid poisoning.