Improving overdose response through better data use
Fatal Overdose Review Teams - Research to Enhance Surveillance Systems (FORTRESS)
This study is working to help teams that review overdose cases by giving them a new tool that shows real-time data, so they can spot important moments to step in and prevent overdoses, ultimately making it easier for people at risk to get the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123046 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of overdose fatality review teams by providing them with a data dashboard that utilizes real-time aggregate data. By shifting from traditional case reviews to a more data-driven approach, the project seeks to identify key moments where intervention can prevent overdoses. The goal is to equip these teams with the tools needed to visualize and act on data, ultimately improving harm-reduction services and treatment engagement for individuals at risk of overdose. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the opioid and stimulant overdose epidemic.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk of overdose, particularly those affected by opioid and stimulant use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for overdose or do not have substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in overdose deaths by improving the responsiveness of intervention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that data-driven approaches can effectively inform public health strategies, suggesting potential success for this novel methodology.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aalsma, Matthew — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Aalsma, Matthew
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 below.