Understanding clinician stigma in prescribing buprenorphine for veterans
Official title: Bridging the Gap: Understanding Clinician Stigma in Buprenorphine Prescribing and Its Influence on Treatment Decisions and Patient Perspectives in the Veterans Health Administration
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11069512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the challenges veterans face when trying to get help for opioid use disorder, especially how some doctors might feel hesitant to prescribe a specific medication called buprenorphine, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for veterans to access the treatment they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | May 19, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA062435-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069512 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 21 and older who are struggling with opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or are not veterans may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the barriers veterans face in accessing treatment for opioid use disorder, particularly focusing on the stigma that clinicians may have towards prescribing buprenorphine. By analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data from healthcare providers within the Veterans Health Administration, the study aims to uncover how clinician attitudes and beliefs influence treatment decisions. The research will also explore the impact of comorbid substance use on these dynamics, providing a comprehensive view of the factors affecting treatment access for veterans. Ultimately, the goal is to identify ways to reduce stigma and improve treatment rates for veterans struggling with opioid use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to effective treatments for veterans with opioid use disorder, ultimately reducing overdose rates and enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing clinician stigma can improve treatment access and outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Girard, Rachel — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Girard, Rachel
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.