Peer-led harm reduction intervention for opioid use disorder in hospitals

Teaching Health Promotion and Resilience in Varied Environments: a Peer-led Intervention Following Hospital Discharge

Not applicable Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT06843213

This study is testing a new peer support program in hospitals to see if it can help people with opioid use disorder have fewer overdoses and infections compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment390 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06843213 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and evaluate the THRIVE intervention, a peer-led bundle of harm reduction services designed for delivery in hospital settings. Participants will receive in-person sessions from peer support specialists, along with weekly text messages for 12 weeks and periodic assessments. The study will compare the effectiveness of the THRIVE intervention against enhanced usual care in reducing self-reported non-fatal overdoses and skin/soft tissue infections among individuals with opioid use disorder. The goal is to determine if this peer support approach can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a current diagnosis of opioid use disorder who are admitted to specific UPMC hospitals or seen in their emergency departments.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, acute psychiatric complications, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of overdoses and infections among patients with opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using peer support interventions for opioid use disorder, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants who are: a) admitted to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Shadyside Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian-Montefiore Hospital, UPMC Mercy Hospital for inpatient or observation status, or b) seen in the Emergency Department setting at UPMC Presbyterian-Montefiore Hospital and UPMC Mercy Hospital.
* Participants must have a current diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria.
* Participants must be at least 18 years of age on day of admission.
* Participants must be able to speak and read English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants diagnosed with dementia and/or cognitive impairments.
* Participants with acute psychiatric complications, such as schizophrenia with acute psychosis, acute mania, or suicidal ideation (which may impact the ability of a participant to consent and actively participate in treatment).
* Participants who are pregnant or lactating at onset of study.
* Participants who cannot read or speak English.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Opioid Use DisorderHarm ReductionHealth PromotionPeer SupportPeer Support Specialists
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.