Calls and coordination to connect people to care after prison release
Official title: Health Systems Innovations for Supporting Transitions of Care for Incarcerated People Living With Substance Use Disorders
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06794983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test whether short weekly phone check-ins with a Nurse Case Manager help people leaving prison who have substance use history and chronic medical or psychiatric conditions get more non-emergency outpatient clinic visits.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 488 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06794983 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults eligible for Wisconsin Medicaid who are enrolled before release, have a history of substance use, and have a current or prior chronic medical or psychiatric condition and can read and speak English.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are ineligible for Wisconsin Medicaid, have no history of substance use, or have no chronic medical or psychiatric condition would not meet inclusion criteria and are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial enrolls adults about six months before their expected release and randomizes participants to enhanced usual care or to a transitional care program that adds a Nurse Case Manager. All participants complete surveys and have 2–3 contacts with a study team member, while those in the NCM arm receive additional weekly calls or texts for up to 60 days post-release (approximately 6–11 contacts). The primary outcome is the number of non-emergency outpatient clinic visits within 60 days of release, and researchers will link trial data with administrative datasets to clarify policy implications. The intervention is tailored to address substance use history and co-occurring chronic medical or psychiatric conditions to improve connections to primary care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase timely primary care visits after release and reduce reliance on emergency services for people with substance use history and chronic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Similar transitional-care and case-management interventions for people leaving incarceration have shown mixed but promising results in improving outpatient follow-up, though evidence remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 or older * eligibility for WI Medicaid and intention to enroll before release * substance use history (i.e., "have you ever considered your alcohol or drug use to be a problem?"), and * living with, or history of, a chronic medical or psychiatric condition other than substance use disorder. This is defined as ever having been diagnosed with a medical or psychiatric chronic condition, or currently taking prescription medications for a chronic condition. * able to read, understand, and speak English. Exclusion Criteria: * ineligible for WI Medicaid * no substance use history * not living with, or no history of, chronic medical or psychiatric condition
Where it's running
-
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marguerite Burns — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Maggie Chilsen
- Email: mchilsen@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-263-2704
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.