Using advanced technology to improve overdose tracking and response

Fast and fine: NLP methods for near real-time and fine-grained overdose surveillance

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-10590000

This study is working on a new way to quickly and accurately track nonfatal overdoses by using advanced technology to analyze emergency records, helping us better understand and respond to the opioid crisis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10590000 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the tracking of overdose events through the use of advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques. By analyzing emergency department and emergency medical service records, the project aims to provide timely and accurate updates on nonfatal overdoses, which is crucial for addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. The study will utilize deep neural networks to classify overdose incidents and identify the specific drugs involved, improving the sensitivity of current surveillance methods. This innovative approach seeks to fill the gaps in traditional data collection methods that often suffer from delays.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced nonfatal overdoses or are at risk of opioid misuse.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in opioid use or overdose incidents may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate identification of overdose trends, ultimately helping to save lives and inform public health responses.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced data analytics and NLP for public health surveillance, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

LEXINGTON, 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 →

Conditions: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.), Centers for Disease Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Centers for Disease Control, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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.