Using telehealth to improve access to opioid use disorder treatment in vulnerable settings

Right Tools, Right Time, Right Place: Telehealth for Opioid Use Disorder in Vulnerable Settings

NIH-funded research Boulder Care, INC. · NIH-10985969

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoulder Care, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10985969 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Portland, 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.
Conditions Anoxic Brain Injury
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.