Improving access to opioid treatment for marginalized patients using telehealth
Official title: Improving access to opioid use disorder treatment among marginalized patients with a tailored telehealth intervention
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11072063 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for people who struggle with opioid use disorder to get treatment through a friendly telehealth program that provides medication, helping those who might not have access to care otherwise.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,940 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DA057528-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072063 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are marginalized individuals struggling with opioid use disorder who may have limited access to traditional treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing opioid use disorder or those who have stable access to conventional treatment methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) among marginalized individuals through a tailored telehealth intervention. The project will develop and test a telehealth model that allows for the administration of buprenorphine, a medication for OUD, in a way that is equitable and effective. By addressing barriers to care and utilizing innovative delivery methods, the research seeks to provide clinicians with the evidence needed to offer telehealth services to patients who may otherwise go untreated. The study will focus on understanding how to best implement these services to meet the needs of diverse patient populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase access to effective OUD treatment for marginalized individuals, potentially saving lives and improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that telehealth models for OUD treatment have shown promise, particularly following policy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aronowitz, Shoshana V. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Aronowitz, Shoshana V.
Related research
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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.