Teaching Harm Reduction in a Hospital Setting: A Peer-led Intervention

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Feb 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called THRIVE, is testing a new way to help people with Opioid Use Disorder (a serious problem with opioid drugs) while they are in the hospital. The goal is to see if a program led by trained peers (people who have shared similar experiences) can reduce the risk of patients having non-fatal overdoses or skin infections. Participants in the THRIVE group will receive a personal session with a peer support specialist during their hospital stay, regular text messages for support over 12 weeks, and check-ins about their health at various points. In contrast, those in the comparison group will get general information about harm reduction but will not have the same level of personalized support.

To be eligible for the trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, currently admitted to specific hospitals, and diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder. They should also be able to read and speak English. However, the trial excludes people with certain cognitive or psychiatric issues, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Overall, this study aims to find out if the peer-led support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with opioid use.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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.