Connecting people with substance use disorders to peer coaches for support
Linking Individuals Needing Care for Substance Use Disorders in Urban Emergency Departments to Peer Coaches (LINCS UP): RCT Component
This study is testing whether getting support from peer coaches in person or through video calls can help people with substance use disorders recover better than just standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05847621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of in-person and telemedicine-based peer recovery coaching for individuals with substance use disorders. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: in-person peer recovery coaching, telemedicine peer recovery coaching, or usual care. The peer recovery coaches will engage with participants to assess their needs, provide motivational support, and link them to community recovery resources. The study seeks to determine the impact of these interventions on recovery outcomes compared to standard care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have recently visited an emergency department and are experiencing moderate to severe substance use issues.
Not a fit: Patients who are medically or psychiatrically unstable or currently incarcerated may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve access to recovery resources and support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have shown positive engagement and satisfaction with peer recovery coaching in emergency departments, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ED patient or hospitalized through the ED within last 24 hours 2. Age 18 years or older 3. Able to speak and understand English 4. Clinically sober, able to provide informed consent 5. Score of 3 or greater - "moderate level", "substantial level", or "severe level" of problems related to drug abuse - on Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10).(103, 104) 6. Willing to follow study procedures and complete research follow-up calls 7. Have at least one reliable contact number Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medically or psychiatrically unstable as determined by treating physician 2. Prisoner or in police custody 3. Prior participation in the study
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Grady Memorial Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph E Carpenter, MD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Joseph E Carpenter, MD
- Email: jecarpe@emory.edu
- Phone: (404) 585-0218
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.