Text messaging support for opioid use disorder treatment engagement

Text-Messaging Telehealth and Contingency Management for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Engagement

NA · University of Pennsylvania · NCT05897788

This study is testing if sending text messages and offering rewards can help people with Opioid Use Disorder stay engaged in their treatment after leaving emergency care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1808 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania (other)
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05897788 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to enhance treatment engagement for patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) by utilizing text messaging and contingency management strategies. Participants will be randomized into one of four groups, each receiving varying levels of support, including daily text check-ins and incentives for attending follow-up appointments. The study will assess the effectiveness of these interventions in improving patient engagement with addiction treatment and will also explore treatment equity among different racial and ethnic groups. The goal is to provide a supportive framework for patients transitioning from emergency care to ongoing treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have screened positive for Opioid Use Disorder and have access to a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria, such as those without a mobile phone or who are not up to date with treatment requirements, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve patient retention in addiction treatment programs and enhance recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using text-based interventions for addiction treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must be 18 or older
* Screen positive for OUD
* Bridge buprenorphine prescription (emergency department (ED) enrollment - Buprenorphine prescription at ED discharge; Bridge clinic enrollment - new buprenorphine prescription associated with on-demand or drop-in encounter
* English reading ability
* Have a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not being up to date with requirements above

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder, Opioid Dependence With Current Use, Opioid use disorder, Contingency Management, text-based interventions

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.