Tracking suspected drug overdose deaths quickly using data from death investigators
Identifying Suspected Drug Overdose Deaths in Near Real-Time Using Data Collected by Death Investigators
['FUNDING_R01'] · FRIENDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. · NIH-10590013
This study is working on a new tool to quickly spot suspected drug overdose deaths, helping public health programs respond faster and more accurately to the opioid crisis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FRIENDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10590013 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the response to the opioid crisis by developing a tool that identifies suspected drug overdose deaths in near real-time. By utilizing data collected by coroners and medical examiners immediately after an overdose fatality, the study seeks to improve the accuracy and speed of drug overdose surveillance. The Suspected Potential Overdose Tracker (SPOT) algorithm analyzes a limited set of variables to predict whether a death was due to an unintentional drug overdose, allowing public health programs to respond more effectively to these incidents.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk of drug overdose or those living in communities heavily impacted by the opioid crisis.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use drugs or are not affected by the opioid crisis may not receive any direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster identification and response to drug overdose deaths, ultimately saving lives and improving public health interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using real-time data for public health surveillance, indicating that this approach has potential for effective implementation.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- FRIENDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOCHSTATTER, KARLI RAE — FRIENDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
- Study coordinator: HOCHSTATTER, KARLI RAE
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.