Tailored opioid tapering and pain support after spine surgery for patients using opioids long-term
Official title: Integrating Tailored Postoperative Opioid Tapering and Pain Management Support for Patients on Long-Term Opioid Use Presenting for Spine Surgery (MIRHIQL)
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11454729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Stanford-backed plan helps people who already take opioids before spine surgery to taper safely after surgery and get non-opioid pain relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,094,180 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DA058694-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of long-term opioid use undergoing spine surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not on long-term opioids or not undergoing spine surgery may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project focuses on patients who are taking opioids long-term and are undergoing spine surgery. It builds on prior work to provide motivational interviewing and guided opioid tapering after surgery, along with safer non-opioid pain options. The study aims to fill a gap where these patients have been underrepresented in pain management research and to reduce risks like respiratory depression and prolonged opioid use. The approach will test practical strategies that can be used in real-world surgical care to improve pain control and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience safer pain management, fewer opioid-related harms, and a smoother recovery after spine surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed feasibility of postoperative opioid tapering and motivational support, with initial positive signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hah, Jennifer — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hah, Jennifer
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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.