Examining opioid use in patients with acute respiratory failure on ventilators
Official title: Evaluating Routine Opioid Use during Acute Respiratory Failure
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11027460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how doctors prescribe pain medications called opioids to patients who are on breathing machines due to serious lung problems, and it aims to understand how these medications affect their recovery and overall health in the long run, so we can improve pain management for people in critical care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $528,084 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL151607-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on mechanical ventilation or do not require opioids for pain management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how opioids are prescribed to patients experiencing acute respiratory failure who are on mechanical ventilation. It aims to understand the long-term effects of opioid use in this population, particularly focusing on potential complications and the impact of current prescribing practices. By analyzing existing electronic health records, the study will evaluate patterns of opioid use and the outcomes associated with these prescriptions. The goal is to provide insights that could inform better pain management strategies in critical care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management protocols for patients on mechanical ventilation, potentially reducing opioid-related complications.
How similar studies have gone: While opioid use in critical care has been studied, this specific evaluation of prescribing patterns and long-term outcomes in ventilated patients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walkey, Allan J. — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Walkey, Allan J.
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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.