Using video to improve methadone treatment and reduce clinic visits for opioid use disorder patients
Official title: Video observed therapy to enhance flexibility and reduce in-person visits for patients treated with methadone in a multi-site opioid treatment program
Funded at Emocha Mobile Health, INC. · NIH-10897038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with opioid use disorder by using video calls for methadone treatment, making it easier for patients to get their medication without having to travel to the clinic as often, especially during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emocha Mobile Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Owings Mills, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $659,386 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA053081-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving methadone treatment for opioid use disorder who are considered stable and can benefit from reduced in-person visits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently receiving methadone treatment or those who are unstable in their treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new way to provide methadone treatment for patients with opioid use disorder by using video technology to observe therapy remotely. The goal is to reduce the need for in-person visits, which can be challenging for patients due to travel and personal responsibilities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. By allowing patients to receive their medication with fewer clinic visits, the study aims to enhance flexibility while ensuring safety through monitoring. The approach includes a mobile health platform that enables video observations and health screenings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could make it easier for patients to access methadone treatment while maintaining safety and reducing the burden of travel.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mobile health platforms can effectively support remote therapy, indicating potential for success in this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emocha Mobile Health, INC.
Owings Mills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seiguer, Sebastian — Emocha Mobile Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Seiguer, Sebastian
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.