Engagement of community health workers to support recovery from substance use disorders
Emergency Department Community Health Worker-Peer Recovery Navigation for Linkage to Recovery: A Mixed Methods Evaluation
This study is testing whether support from community health workers can help people with substance use disorders engage better in treatment and improve their recovery experience after visiting the emergency department.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Trial ID | NCT06320015 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of the Substance Misuse Assistance Response Team (SMART), a program that employs community health workers and peer recovery specialists in the emergency department. The study aims to understand participant experiences, assess patient-centered outcomes, and evaluate the program's implementation over time. By comparing individuals receiving SMART support to those who do not, the study will analyze changes in addiction treatment engagement, recovery capital, and health-related social needs. Data will be collected through surveys and linked to state administrative databases to track outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been treated for substance use-related concerns in the emergency department.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or are currently incarcerated may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce mortality rates for individuals with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using peer recovery specialists and community health workers to improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults 18 years old or older 2. Seen and treated at Rhode Island or The Miriam Hospital ED for a substance use-related concern including intoxication, withdrawal, opioid overdose, opioid withdrawal, or substance use-related infection 3. Able to provide informed consent 4. Able to provide at least two forms of contact (personal phone, social media, email, or contact information for family or friends) 5. Participants may speak languages other than English but require use of interpreter services. Consents will be available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, the three most spoken languages in the Providence metropolitan area. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to provide informed consent 2. In police custody, incarcerated, or have a court ordered treatment enrollment
Where this trial is running
Providence, Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elizabeth Samuels, MD, MPH, MHS — UCLA Emergency Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ashley Gaipo
- Email: agaipo@lifespan.org
- Phone: (401) 444-3374
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.