Helping Veterans with Opioid Use Disorder find and keep jobs
Individual Placement and Support for Veterans With Opioid Use Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05388812
This study tests whether a new job support program can help Veterans recovering from opioid use disorder find and keep jobs better than the usual job help they receive.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05388812 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to assist Veterans recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD) in securing and maintaining meaningful employment. It compares the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) against Treatment-as-Usual Vocational Rehabilitation (TAU-VR) over a 15-month period. The study will evaluate employment outcomes, adherence to treatment, and relapse rates while also exploring barriers and facilitators to vocational services. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to enhance employment services for Veterans affected by OUD, especially in the context of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 19 and older who have a diagnosis of opioid use disorder and are currently unemployed or underemployed.
Not a fit: Patients with current psychotic disorders, dementia, severe medical conditions, or those unlikely to complete the study may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve employment outcomes and overall quality of life for Veterans with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar employment support approaches for individuals with substance use disorders, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 19\* (\<19 year of age in the state of AL is defined minor) * DSM-5 Axis I diagnosis of OUD * currently unemployed or underemployed, defined as working \<20hrs/week in a meaningful competitive job for a wage, salary, or commission * expression of interest in competitive employment; and willing and able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * current diagnosis of psychotic disorders since these Veterans already can receive IPS in usual care at TVAMC and BVAMC * diagnosis of dementia (evidenced in the medical record) * presence of current severe and unstable medical condition or terminal illness, that would contraindicate study participation or expose them to an undue risk * unlikely that participant can complete the study * e.g., expected deployment, incarceration, long-term hospitalization, or relocation from the vicinity * active suicidal or homicidal ideation making it unsafe for Veteran to be included * current participation in another vocational interventional trial
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (RECRUITING)
- Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mercy N Mumba, RN — Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL
- Study coordinator: Mercy N Mumba, RN
- Email: Mercy.Mumba@va.gov
- Phone: (205) 554-3273
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.
Conditions: Veterans With Opioid Use Disorder, Veteran, opioid use disorder, employment, social support, mental health