AI-augmented care to guide hospital treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders
Official title: Artificial Intelligence Augmentation to Guide Clinicians in Hospital-Based Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11455604 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A hospital-based AI tool helps clinicians decide and guide treatment for patients with opioid or alcohol use disorders in ED and inpatient settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $710,159 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DA051464-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455604 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder presenting to or admitted through the hospital who receive care in ED or inpatient units and whose clinicians use the AI-augmented decision support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without these conditions or those not receiving hospital-based care may not benefit from this AI tool.
What this research studies
This project aims to use an artificial intelligence system integrated with electronic health records to support addiction treatment decisions in hospital settings. Building on prior work, the team seeks to improve when and how medications for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder are started, optimized, and communicated to patients. The approach focuses on real-time clinical decision support to reduce readmissions and improve cost-effectiveness while addressing barriers like stigma and inconsistent protocols. The study targets patients presenting to the emergency department or admitted for substance-related issues, with clinicians able to rely on AI-guided recommendations to inform care plans. The goal is to enhance the quality and consistency of evidence-based treatment for OUD and AUD at the point of care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this AI tool could lead to more patients receiving guideline-based treatments for OUD and AUD during hospital stays and after discharge.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work showed that an EHR-integrated AI screener could identify at-risk patients and reduce readmissions, suggesting potential for improved outcomes with enhanced CDS.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Afshar, Majid — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Afshar, Majid
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Transforming prison care for HIV, HIV risk, and substance use disorders
A patient-friendly look at improving HIV care and prevention for people in state prisons, especially where substance use is common.
-
Genetic factors behind alcohol and opioid use disorders and depression in veterans
A study using genetic data from veterans to understand how genes contribute to co-occurring alcohol use, prescription opioid use, and depression.
-
Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (brief trauma treatment)
A brief trauma-focused therapy called Written Exposure Therapy is being studied to help veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Web-based training to treat PTSD and substance use together in Veterans
A web-based training resource helps VA clinicians learn how to provide integrated treatment for Veterans with both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Mobile health support to help Veterans with substance use disorders function better after treatment
A smartphone app, based on Motivational Enhancement Therapy, is being developed to help Veterans stay on track and function better after leaving residential substance use treatment.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.