Impact of COVID-19 telehealth policies on alcohol and substance use disorder services
Official title: COVID-19 Telehealth Policies' Impact on Provision of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers
Funded at Pacific Institute for Res and Evaluation · NIH-10825627 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in telehealth rules during the COVID-19 pandemic have helped people get alcohol and substance use treatment at community health centers, aiming to find better ways to make these services more available for those who need them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pacific Institute for Res and Evaluation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Beltsville, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,411 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030112-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825627 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders who are receiving or seeking treatment through Federally Qualified Health Centers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to Federally Qualified Health Centers or those who do not have alcohol or substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how telehealth policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the availability and utilization of alcohol and substance use disorder services at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). By analyzing state Medicaid policies and their impact on service delivery, the study aims to identify effective telehealth strategies that can improve access to treatment for underserved populations. The research will involve legal analysis and evaluation of service utilization trends, focusing on how these policies can inform future healthcare practices. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the accessibility of critical services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to alcohol and substance use disorder treatment for underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telehealth can effectively improve access to treatment for substance use disorders, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Pacific Institute for Res and Evaluation
Beltsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wharton, Mary Kristina — Pacific Institute for Res and Evaluation
- Study coordinator: Wharton, Mary Kristina
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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.