Rural Expanded Access to OUD Care & Linkage Using Toxicologists for Telehealth Initiated Treatment

Launched by EMORY UNIVERSITY · Feb 1, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving access to treatment for people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) in rural areas of Georgia. The researchers aim to use telehealth, which allows patients to connect with doctors and specialists through video calls, to help initiate medication-assisted treatment (MAT) right from the Emergency Department (ED). They will work with medical toxicologists, peer recovery coaches, and local organizations to make sure patients receive the support they need for their recovery.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be at least 18 years old, speak English, and be clinically sober and stable. However, people currently receiving treatment for OUD or those who have participated in the study before cannot join. If someone decides to participate, they can expect to be part of a two-phase process: first, gathering information about how the ED currently treats OUD, and then implementing a new consultation and support system. This study is actively recruiting participants, and their involvement could help improve treatment options for many in their community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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