Improving retention in opioid use disorder treatment with peer support
Reducing OUD treatment dropout: Development and pilot test of a peer recovery support intervention in primary care
This study is looking at how having Peer Recovery Specialists—people who have successfully overcome opioid use disorder themselves—can help patients stay engaged and supported during their treatment in primary care, so they can get the help they need to recover.
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 ID | NIH-10877758 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the retention of patients undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in primary care settings by utilizing Peer Recovery Specialists (PRS). These specialists, who are themselves in recovery, provide emotional support, motivation, and assistance to help patients navigate the challenges of treatment. The project involves gathering data through surveys, direct observations, and interviews to understand how PRS programs can be structured and implemented effectively to keep patients engaged in their treatment. By identifying best practices, the research aims to develop a curriculum that can be used to train PRS and improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are receiving or are interested in receiving treatment for opioid use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who are not seeking treatment for opioid use disorder or those who are not eligible for medication-assisted treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to higher retention rates in OUD treatment, reducing the risk of relapse and improving overall health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that peer support interventions can be effective in improving treatment retention and outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Rebecca Arden — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Harris, Rebecca Arden
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.