Using AI and peer coaching to help Black and Latinx people with opioid use disorder
Leveraging Social Determinants Via Artificial Intelligence and Peer Coaching to Address Racial Disparities in Primary Care Among People Who Use Opioids
This study tests if using an AI texting tool along with peer coaching can help Black and Latinx people with opioid use disorder get better access to buprenorphine treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 292 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Friends Research Institute, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (The Bronx, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06569667 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an AI-driven texting tool combined with peer recovery coaching to improve access to buprenorphine treatment for Black and Latinx individuals with opioid use disorder. Participants will receive text-based support that includes social services and health information, addressing social determinants of health. The study employs a three-arm design comparing the combined intervention with AI-only support and standard treatment. The goal is to enhance the uptake of buprenorphine in primary care settings among those enrolled in emergency departments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or Latinx individuals aged 18 and older who have recently used non-prescription opioids and are interested in starting buprenorphine treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who have received medications for opioid use disorder in the past 30 days or have disabilities preventing mobile phone use may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment access and outcomes for Black and Latinx individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology and peer support to address health disparities, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ≥18 years of age; 2. fluent in English and/or Spanish; 3. self-reported non-prescription opioid use \<30 days prior to consent; 4. provision of informed consent; 5. planned stay in NYC ≥12 month; 6. self-identified Black and/or Latinx race/ethnicity; 7. positive urine toxicology for opioids per EMR records; 8. diagnosis of OUD per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 9. self-reported interest in initiating buprenorphine in primary care 10. must have a mobile phone data plan. Exclusion Criteria: 1. inability to comprehend text content written at a 3rd grade reading level; 2. physical or visual disability preventing mobile phone use; 3. self-reported receipt of medications for OUD in past 30 days.
Where this trial is running
The Bronx, New York
- NYC Health + Hospitals — The Bronx, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Babak Tofighi, MSc, MD — Friends Research Institute, Inc.
- Study coordinator: Babak Tofighi, MSc, MD
- Email: babak.tofighi@nki.rfmh.org
- Phone: 4102947477
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.