Preventing overdoses with fentanyl test strips in Ohio courts

Evaluation of a Novel Intervention to Prevent Polysubstance Overdoses Involving Illicit Stimulants

Not applicable Interventional Nationwide Children's Hospital · NCT05493475

This study is trying to see if teaching people in Ohio courts about fentanyl test strips and giving them out can help reduce drug overdoses among those who use drugs.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1750 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNationwide Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT05493475 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of integrating fentanyl test strip (FTS) education and distribution into selected courts in rural and urban Ohio communities. Participants will receive one-on-one education about FTS, a brief educational intervention, and a supply of FTS to test for fentanyl in illicit drugs. The goal is to promote overdose risk reduction behaviors among people who use drugs (PWUD) and ultimately reduce opioid-related fatalities. The study will compare outcomes between courts that implement the intervention and those that do not.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 and older who are enrolled in specific Ohio drug courts and have self-reported use of illicit stimulants in the past six months.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently incarcerated or do not meet the inclusion criteria will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the number of overdose deaths related to fentanyl use among individuals in drug courts.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that harm reduction strategies like FTS can lead to positive behavioral changes among drug users, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Not incarcerated at time of study enrollment
* Currently enrolled in one of the following Ohio drug courts: Criminal drug court, Veterans' court, Mental health court, Human trafficking court, Family treatment court, O.V.I. court or on probation with a participating court
* Self-reported use of illicit stimulants in the past 6 months
* Has a phone number or email address to allow for follow-up contact
* Understands English (Based on the 2012-2016 American Community Survey, only 2.4% of Ohioans 5 years and older speak English less than "very well.")

Exclusion Criteria:

- None (must meet inclusion criteria)

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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 Opiate OverdoseFentanyl OverdoseHarm Reduction
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.