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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Observational Ages 18 and up

Evaluating changes in opioid treatment policies during COVID-19

Official title: The Impact of COVID-19-related Medication Assisted Treatment Policy Changes on Care and Outcomes for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder

Run by Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. · NCT05028998 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study looks at how changes in opioid treatment rules during COVID-19 affected people with opioid use disorder and their care experiences.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment110 (estimated)
SponsorBoston VA Research Institute, Inc.
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05028998 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include veterans and non-veterans with opioid use disorder who have received treatment within the past six months in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who have not received treatment in the specified regions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study examines the impact of relaxed federal regulations on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach, researchers will analyze large datasets to assess how these policy changes affected patient care and outcomes. The study also includes qualitative interviews with patients and providers to gather insights on their experiences with the modified treatment protocols. The goal is to understand the effectiveness of these policy interventions in maintaining access to treatment while ensuring patient safety.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with opioid use disorder, particularly in crisis situations.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in evaluating policy changes in substance use treatment, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Data for Aims 1 and 2 will be archival. Patients with OUD and their propensity score-matched AUD comparators will be included for Aims 1 and 2. No other patients from these larger datasets will be included.

In/exclusion below pertain to Aim 3 qualitative interviews:

Inclusion Criteria:

* VA patients with OUD who currently, or recently (within the past 6 months) receive(d) treatment for OUD from providers within Veterans Health Administration in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire.
* Non-Veteran patients with OUD (N=30) who currently, or recently (within the past 6 months) receive(d) treatment for OUD from providers outside Veterans Health Administration in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire.
* VA - OUD treatment providers who currently provide treatment for OUD within Veterans Health Administration, and have been a Veterans Health Administration provider of OUD treatment for at least one year in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire.
* Non-VA OUD treatment providers who currently provide treatment for OUD outside of Veterans Health Administration, and have been a provider of OUD treatment for at least one year in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire.
* OUD treatment and policy decision-makers who currently or recently (within past 6 months) hold/held positions within federal, state, or private organizations (e.g., Veterans Health Administration, SAMHSA) in which they are responsible for making and/or influencing significant decisions regarding the OUD treatment policy and/or the manner in which these are implemented.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under 18
* Inability to speak fluent English
* Inability to provide a clear reporting of their experiences due to current influence of substances

Where it's running

  • VA Boston Healthcare System
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.