Video and text messages to reduce PTSD and opioid problems after sexual assault
"Testing a Video and Text Messaging Intervention to reduce PTSD and Opioid Misuse Among Sexual Violence Survivors"
This project offers a short video in the emergency department plus follow-up text messages to help recent sexual assault survivors limit PTSD symptoms and prevent opioid misuse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11466249 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you go to the ED after a sexual assault, you would watch a brief, supportive video during your medical/forensic visit and then get follow-up text messages designed to reduce stress and discourage harmful opioid use. The team will refine the video and the text message program and then deliver the combined approach to survivors seen for SAMFEs. Researchers will follow participants over time to see whether symptoms of PTSD and patterns of opioid use stay lower compared with usual care. This work builds on earlier trials where the ED video alone showed benefits for PTSD and some substance use outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who present to an emergency department for a recent sexual assault medical forensic exam and who are willing to receive follow-up text messages.
Not a fit: People who were not seen in the ED for their assault, lack a phone for texts, or opt out of messaging may not receive benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower PTSD symptoms and reduce the chance of starting or misusing opioid pain medications after sexual assault.
How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized trials by this team found the ED video reduced PTSD and some substance use for groups of survivors, while adding tailored texts is a newer step.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Katie L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Katie L
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 below.