Using a gaming intervention in emergency departments to reduce opioid misuse among adolescents and their families
Official title: Disseminating and Implementing MedSMA℞T Families in Emergency Departments: A Randomized Control Trial to Assess Effectiveness of an Evidence-Based Gaming Intervention to Reduce Opioid Misuse
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11015242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun digital game in emergency rooms to help teens and their parents learn about using opioids safely when prescribed, making it easier for families to talk about medication use at an important time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $386,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R18HS030202-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-18 and their parents who are involved in opioid prescriptions in emergency departments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or do not have family members involved in opioid prescriptions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the rising issue of opioid misuse among adolescents by implementing a digital gaming intervention in emergency departments. When an adult is prescribed opioids, the intervention will educate both the adolescent and their parents about opioid safety and facilitate important conversations about medication use. The project will involve a collaboration with UW Health and will utilize a transdisciplinary team of experts to adapt and evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. By focusing on the point of care, the research seeks to provide accessible education to families at a critical moment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of opioid misuse among adolescents by improving family communication and knowledge about opioid safety.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar interventions targeting opioid education have shown promise in other settings, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Olufunmilola — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Olufunmilola
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.