Examining how telehealth affects treatment for opioid use disorder
Official title: CE24-012 - Evaluating Telehealth's Role in Buprenorphine Treatment Initiation and Retention, Overdose Mortality, and Access Equity: An Analysis for Policy Development
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10993284 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic has helped people with opioid use disorder start and stick with buprenorphine treatment, so they can better access care and support their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,989 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CE003686-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993284 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are seeking or currently receiving buprenorphine treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or are not interested in telehealth treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of telehealth on the initiation and retention of buprenorphine treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). By analyzing data from various sources, the study aims to understand how different telehealth policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced access to treatment and overdose rates. The research will utilize advanced statistical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies and their implications for future healthcare practices. Patients may benefit from improved access to treatment options and a better understanding of how telehealth can support their recovery journey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance access to effective treatment for opioid use disorder, potentially reducing overdose rates and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the effectiveness of telehealth in managing opioid use disorder, indicating that this approach may lead to significant improvements in treatment access and retention.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stringfellow, Erin — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Stringfellow, Erin
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.