A program to improve care for patients with opioid use disorder in the emergency department

The Emergency Department Longitudinal Integrated Care Effectiveness Randomized Trial Targeting Opioid Use and Related Comorbidity From the ED

NA · University of Washington · NCT05327166

This study is testing a new program to see if it can help people with opioid use disorder get better care in the emergency department and reduce their use of illegal opioids.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington (other)
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT05327166 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial tests the effectiveness of the Emergency Department Longitudinal Integrated Care (ED-LINC) intervention for patients with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD) seeking care at emergency departments. The ED-LINC model includes overdose education, motivational interventions, and proactive care management over three months, aiming to enhance medication initiation and retention while reducing illicit opioid use and emergency department visits. Participants will be randomized to receive either the ED-LINC intervention or usual care, allowing for a comparison of outcomes between the two groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with moderate or severe opioid use disorder who are seeking medical care at participating emergency departments.

Not a fit: Patients who are incarcerated, non-English speaking, or require immediate psychiatric evaluation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder by enhancing access to care and reducing substance use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the feasibility and acceptability of the ED-LINC model, indicating potential for success in this expanded trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 years or older
* Moderate or Severe OUD based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID)
* Currently have a phone or method of contact
* Able to provide a phone number and one additional piece of contact information

Exclusion Criteria:

* Incarcerated or under arrest
* Non-English speaking
* Live beyond a 50 mile radius of Harborview Medical Center
* Require active resuscitation in the ED or other clinical area at the time of Research Assistant (RA) approach
* Are receiving palliative care services or hospice care for a chronic illness such as metastatic cancer
* Are in the ED or hospital for a primary psychiatric emergency such as suicidal ideation or attempt and require emergent evaluation by a Psychiatrist
* Receiving chronic opioid therapy (COT) defined as prescription opioids for most days out of the last 90 days for a chronic pain condition
* In the ED for sexual assault
* Enrolled or eligible for state-funded or hospital-funded care coordination program based on high utilization of the ED

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder, collaborative care, opioid use disorder, substance use disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.