Using virtual reality to help patients start treatment for opioid use disorder in the emergency department.
Official title: Virtual reality at the point of care to increase uptake of MOUD in the ED
Funded at Baystate Medical Center, INC. · NIH-10932959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how using virtual reality can help people with opioid use disorder get started on buprenorphine treatment in emergency rooms, making it easier and more engaging for them to begin their recovery journey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baystate Medical Center, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Springfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $127,463 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HS029536-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals presenting to the emergency department with opioid use disorder who are eligible for buprenorphine treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who are not seeking treatment in the emergency department may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the uptake of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in emergency departments by utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology. The study will develop an immersive VR experience designed to address patient preferences and emotional responses, which may enhance the effectiveness of treatment initiation compared to traditional counseling methods. By engaging patients in a novel way, the research seeks to overcome barriers that prevent eligible individuals from starting opioid agonist therapy. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of patients receiving timely and effective treatment for OUD in emergency settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of patients with opioid use disorder who receive effective treatment in emergency departments.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in healthcare is gaining traction, this specific approach to increase buprenorphine uptake in emergency settings is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Baystate Medical Center, INC.
Springfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soares, William Edward — Baystate Medical Center, INC.
- Study coordinator: Soares, William Edward
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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.