Using technology to track and prevent drug misuse in hospitals
Official title: Using Machine Learning and Blockchain Technology to Reduce Drug Diversion in Hospitals
Funded at Autonomous Healthcare, INC. · NIH-10932909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new app and website that use smart technology to help hospitals keep track of how controlled medications are used, making it easier to spot and stop any misuse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Autonomous Healthcare, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Clara, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,831 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA051084-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing procedures in ambulatory surgical centers where controlled substances are administered.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing procedures involving controlled substances or who are not in ambulatory surgical settings may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a cloud-based software platform that utilizes blockchain technology and machine learning to track the use of controlled substances in hospitals. By creating an immutable audit trail, the platform will document the transportation and administration of these drugs, helping to identify and prevent drug diversion. The project includes the development of a smartphone app and a web-based dashboard to facilitate real-time monitoring and compliance. The technology will be tested through simulations before being deployed in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce drug diversion in hospitals, enhancing patient safety and ensuring that medications are used appropriately.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of blockchain technology in healthcare is emerging, this specific approach to tracking drug use in hospitals is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Autonomous Healthcare, INC.
Santa Clara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gholami, Behnood — Autonomous Healthcare, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gholami, Behnood
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-
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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.