PATH program to reduce burnout among overdose-prevention peers
Official title: PATH to reducing burnout among peers who deliver overdose prevention services: Improving workforce and service system outcomes through a combined eLearning and group consultation intervention
Funded at Chestnut Health Systems, INC. · NIH-11454655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at peer recovery support specialists, this project tests a virtual training and group coaching program to help reduce burnout and improve the quality of overdose prevention services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chestnut Health Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $945,897 |
| NIH project number | 4R33DA061340-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are peer recovery support specialists delivering overdose prevention services who have lived recovery experience.
✕Less likely to help
Those not currently working as PRSS or not engaged in overdose prevention services may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports a workforce intervention that delivers online education and case-based learning to peer recovery support specialists who provide overdose prevention services. The study will measure whether PATH improves workers’ occupational outcomes and enhances the quality of services they deliver. It builds on prior work in overdose support and peer services and will use virtual education plus collaborative consultations to support practitioners under stress. If successful, the program could strengthen the workforce and improve outcomes for people at risk of overdose.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PRSS burnout could decrease and service quality could improve, potentially reducing overdose harms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that workforce supports can improve job satisfaction and service delivery, but this PATH approach is being tested in this specific context.
Where this research is happening
-
Chestnut Health Systems, INC.
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watson, Dennis Paul — Chestnut Health Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Watson, Dennis Paul
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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.