Understanding how patients feel about stopping prescription opioids safely

Patient Perspectives on Prescription Opioid Discontinuation: Understanding and Promoting Safe Transitions

['FUNDING_R01'] · KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11053492

This study is looking at how patients and their doctors feel when they stop using long-term opioid medications, and it aims to create helpful tools to make this process easier and safer for everyone involved.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorKAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11053492 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the experiences of patients and healthcare providers when long-term opioid therapy is discontinued. It aims to understand the challenges faced by patients during this transition and to develop a decision aid that can help them navigate the process safely. Through in-depth interviews with patients who have recently stopped opioid therapy and their providers, the study seeks to gather insights that can inform better practices and support systems. The research will take place in Washington and Arkansas, focusing on diverse prescribing environments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have recently discontinued long-term opioid therapy or are considering doing so.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently using opioids without plans to discontinue or those who have never been on long-term opioid therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with better support and resources for safely discontinuing opioid therapy, potentially reducing the risk of illicit drug use and improving overall patient safety.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research specifically on patient experiences with opioid discontinuation, similar qualitative studies have successfully informed healthcare practices in other areas.

Where this research is happening

Oakland, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.