Using telehealth to improve access to opioid use disorder treatment in vulnerable settings
Official title: Right Tools, Right Time, Right Place: Telehealth for Opioid Use Disorder in Vulnerable Settings
Funded at Boulder Care, INC. · NIH-10985969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using telehealth can help people with opioid use disorder get the treatment they need, especially in places where it's hard to find care, like rural areas or emergency rooms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boulder Care, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,061 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DA061386-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985969 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with opioid use disorder who are in vulnerable settings, such as emergency departments, rural areas, or those experiencing life circumstances that increase their risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those who have access to traditional in-person treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how telehealth can be utilized to provide effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in settings where access to care is limited, such as emergency departments and rural areas. By leveraging technology, the project aims to deliver buprenorphine treatment remotely, making it more accessible to patients who may not have traditional access to healthcare services. The approach focuses on understanding the effectiveness of telehealth in these vulnerable populations, particularly in light of the increased use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to life-saving treatment for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telehealth can be as effective, if not more so, than in-person treatment for opioid use disorder, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boulder Care, INC.
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papes, Stephanie — Boulder Care, INC.
- Study coordinator: Papes, Stephanie
Related research
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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.