Increasing access to opioid use disorder treatment in rural Georgia through telehealth
Expanding Rural Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Utilizing Medical Toxicologists and the Georgia Poison Center to Facilitate Emergency Department- and Telehealth-Based Medication Initiation and Linkage to Care
This study is testing whether using telehealth can help connect adults with opioid use disorder in rural Georgia to treatment more easily after they visit the emergency room.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 480 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05711056 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance the availability of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in rural Georgia by utilizing telehealth strategies initiated in Emergency Departments (EDs). The study will involve a collaboration between rural EDs, medical toxicologists from the Georgia Poison Center, and peer recovery coaches to connect patients with necessary treatment. The research will be conducted in two phases: planning, which assesses current practices, and implementation, which evaluates the effectiveness of the telehealth intervention. Participants will include adults with OUD or opioid withdrawal who are sober and stable upon ED presentation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are English-speaking, clinically sober, and medically and psychiatrically stable.
Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving medication-assisted treatment or psychotherapy for OUD prior to their ED visit will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve access to effective OUD treatment for patients in rural areas.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using telehealth and peer recovery coaches to improve treatment initiation and retention for OUD, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * English speaking * Clinically sober * Medically and psychiatrically stable Exclusion criteria: * Already receiving MAT or psychotherapy for OUD prior to ED arrival * Prior participation in the study * Unable to provide informed consent * If their clinical condition worsens such that continued participation would be considered unsafe in the opinion of the PRC or ED staff * Prisoners * Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers) * Cognitively impaired or Individuals with Impaired Decision-Making Capacity * Individuals who are not able to clearly understand English
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia Poison Center — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emily Kiernan, DO — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Emily Kiernan, DO
- Email: emily.anne.kiernan@emory.edu
- Phone: 412-519-4944
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.