Using machine learning to identify emergency department patients with opioid misuse

Machine learning approaches for the detection of emergency department patients with opioid misuse

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11056060

This study is looking for better ways to spot patients who might be misusing opioids when they visit the emergency room, using smart computer techniques to analyze health records and prescription data, so we can help more people get the care they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11056060 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the detection of patients with opioid misuse in emergency departments by utilizing advanced machine learning techniques. It aims to analyze data from electronic health records and prescription drug monitoring programs to identify at-risk patients more accurately and efficiently. The study will develop and assess various machine learning algorithms to ensure they are effective and equitable in identifying opioid misuse. By addressing the challenges of current detection methods, this research seeks to enhance patient care and reduce mortality associated with opioid misuse.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who present to emergency departments and may be struggling with opioid misuse.

Not a fit: Patients who do not visit emergency departments or do not have issues related to opioid misuse may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more timely and accurate interventions for patients with opioid misuse, ultimately reducing the risk of overdose and death.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using machine learning for similar detection tasks, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.