Incentive program improves initiation of medication treatment for opioid use disorder after emergency visit

A novel statewide incentive program intended to improve “warm hand-offs” from Pennsylvania emergency departments to opioid use disorder treatment programs is associated with a 50% improvement in the initiation of medication-assisted treatment in Medicaid-enrolled patients, according to new research from University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania and Vital Strategies scientists. The finding, published today (March 24) in JAMA Health Forum, points to a potential policy approach to reduce overdose mortality rates, which are particularly high after emergency department discharge.

Novel regulatory mechanism of blood clotting discovered

Hemostasis is vital to prevent excessive blood loss. However, there is an increased risk for thrombosis if there is an excessive reaction and uncontrolled formation of fibrin. In a new study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, a research group from Würzburg led by Bernhard Nieswandt have uncovered platelet glycoprotein GPV as a central regulator for hemostasis and thrombus formation, a finding that opens the way to new therapeutic approaches.