Improving buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder in emergency departments
Official title: A multi-team system implementation strategy to improve buprenorphine adherence for patients who initiate treatment in the emergency department
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10740793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make buprenorphine treatment more effective for people with opioid use disorder by creating a supportive team approach that connects emergency department staff with primary care providers, so patients get the ongoing help they need to stick with their treatment and feel better over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,005,183 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA059027-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have initiated buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder in emergency departments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking treatment for opioid use disorder or those who have not initiated buprenorphine in an emergency department may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of buprenorphine treatment for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who begin their treatment in emergency departments. It focuses on developing a coordinated care strategy that fosters ongoing partnerships between emergency department staff and primary care teams, rather than relying on one-time referrals. By implementing a multi-team system approach, the study seeks to improve patient adherence to buprenorphine treatment and ensure better long-term outcomes. Patients will be monitored and supported throughout their treatment journey to address barriers to care and improve retention rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths by improving access to and adherence to buprenorphine treatment for patients with OUD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that emergency department-initiated buprenorphine can increase treatment rates, but this approach to improving care coordination is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henry, Stephen G — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Henry, Stephen G
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.