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Suspected Substance Withdrawal in Adolescents — Discharge Planning — Clinical Pathway: Inpatient

Suspected Substance Withdrawal in Adolescents Clinical Pathway — Inpatient

Discharge Planning

  • Discharge planning begins day of admission via Social Work Consult and Case Management
  • Planning continues during withdrawal screening wait periods
  • Ensure bridge to outpatient follow-up
  • Address withdrawal from all substances (nicotine, cannabis, etc.) before discharge

Consider Family Meeting

  • Interdisciplinary with primary team, Behavioral Health, Social Work
  • Coordinated by the unit-based social worker
  • Occurs before discharge

Opioids

If CHOP Retail Pharmacy does not have product, physicians may consider sending discharge prescriptions to the outpatient HUP pharmacy

Bridge to Outpatient Treatment

  • E-prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone sufficient until follow-up appointment
  • Adolescent should have prescription in their possession prior to discharge
  • Dispense naloxone from the free supply if available (Naloxone Resources Patient Instructions);
    if unavailable, e-prescribe intranasal naloxone at discharge
  • Instruct adolescent to return to ED if withdrawal recurs before follow-up

 

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