Peer Recovery Coach Training + MHealth Platform for Opioid Overdose

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Friends Research Institute, Inc.

Disqualifiers: Disability preventing phone use, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

180 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The study aims to adapt an existing Cultural Structural Humility (CSH) training into a video format for peer recovery coaches (PRCs) and refine an AI-driven texting tool to reinforce the training. After refining these tools using user-centered design, a pilot test will be conducted to assess their impact on the uptake of opioid treatment and social services. The study will also evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention to inform future large-scale trials.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for opioid overdose?

Research shows that technology-assisted education programs can effectively increase knowledge about opioid overdose and its prevention. Additionally, peer-delivered interventions have been found to significantly improve understanding of opioid overdose and increase interest in medication-assisted treatment, suggesting that combining peer support with technology could be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Peer Recovery Coach Training + MHealth Platform for Opioid Overdose safe for humans?

The studies reviewed did not report any safety concerns related to the technology-assisted education programs or peer-delivered interventions for opioid overdose prevention. Participants and peer interventionists reported high satisfaction and found the interventions helpful, with no performance issues noted in the software used. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How is the Peer Recovery Coach Training + MHealth Platform treatment for opioid overdose different from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it combines peer recovery coach training with a mobile health platform, using AI-enhanced text to support individuals at risk of opioid overdose. It focuses on education and prevention through technology, which is different from traditional medication-based treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 8}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Black and/or Latinx individuals over 18 years old, fluent in English, who have used opioids without a prescription within the last month. They must be interested in starting buprenorphine treatment, plan to stay in NYC for at least 3 months, and have a positive drug test or Opioid Use Disorder diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria

Provision of informed consent

Self-reported non-prescription opioid use <30 days prior to consent

Black and/or Latinx race/ethnicity

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to comprehend text content written at a 3rd grade reading level

I cannot use a mobile phone due to a physical or visual disability.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive PRC-supported text check-ins and AI-driven CSDH-enhanced text messaging or AI-driven CSDH-enhanced text messaging only

12 weeks

Ongoing virtual interactions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in stigma, cost, and service use post-intervention

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• AI driven CSDH-enhanced text only
• PRC supported text + AI driven CSDH-enhanced text

Trial Overview The study tests an AI-driven texting tool and video training for peer recovery coaches (PRCs) to see if they help people with opioid use disorder start treatment and access social services. It compares usual care with two tech-supported interventions: one with PRC support texts plus AI texts, another with just AI texts.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Arm-2: AI driven CSDH-enhanced text only Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals randomized to Arm-2 will receive the AI-driven CSDH-enhanced text messaging only

Group II: Intervention Arm-1: PRC supported text+ AI driven CSDH-enhanced text Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals randomized to Arm-1 will receive PRC-supported text check-ins and AI-driven CSDH-enhanced text messaging.

Group III: Control Arm 3- Treatment as Usual Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Individuals randomized to the control arm will receive treatment as usual.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Friends Research Institute, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

60

Recruited

22,500+

NYU Langone Health

Collaborator

Trials

1,431

Recruited

838,000+

Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research

Collaborator

Trials

40

Recruited

3,300+

Findings from Research

A technology-assisted education program effectively taught 40 adults at high risk of opioid overdose about opioids and related medications, with significant improvements in test accuracy after each course (p < .001).

Participants completed the program in a median time of 91 minutes, and the learning outcomes were consistent across different backgrounds, indicating the program's broad applicability and potential for reducing overdose risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Technology-assisted opioid education for out-of-treatment adults with opioid use disorder. Toegel, F., Novak, MD., Rodewald, AM., et al.[2023]

The tailored telephone intervention delivered by peers (TTIP-PRO) was well-received by participants, with all eight patients finding it 'very helpful' and showing a significant increase in their knowledge about opioid overdoses, from 69.9% to 93.6% correct responses after the intervention.

While interest in starting medication-assisted treatment (MAT) increased from 8.1 to 9.5 on a 10-point scale, this change was not statistically significant, indicating that further development and testing of TTIP-PRO is needed to effectively encourage MAT enrollment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and initial testing of a tailored telephone intervention delivered by peers to prevent recurring opioid-overdoses (TTIP-PRO). Winhusen, T., Theobald, J., Lewis, D., et al.[2022]

The Mobile Intervention Kit (MIK) is a tablet-based program that effectively combines overdose prevention training with HIV and HCV testing, showing high acceptability among people who inject drugs in a Bronx outreach program.

Participants demonstrated significant increases in knowledge about overdose prevention and testing procedures after using the MIK, indicating its potential as a valuable tool for addressing opioid overdose and viral infections in underserved communities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile Technology to Increase HIV/HCV Testing and Overdose Prevention/Response among People Who Inject Drugs. Aronson, ID., Bennett, A., Marsch, LA., et al.[2020]

An educational intervention on opioid overdose delivered through either computer or pamphlet significantly increased participants' knowledge about opioid effects and overdose responses, with the most notable improvement in understanding how to respond to an overdose (from 41.8% to 73.8% correct responses).

The intervention not only improved knowledge but also led to a reduction in risky behaviors, such as using opioids alone, which is a critical factor in overdose risk, and this knowledge was retained at 1 and 3-month follow-ups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled trial of a computerized opioid overdose education intervention. Dunn, KE., Yepez-Laubach, C., Nuzzo, PA., et al.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Technology-assisted opioid education for out-of-treatment adults with opioid use disorder. [2023]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and initial testing of a tailored telephone intervention delivered by peers to prevent recurring opioid-overdoses (TTIP-PRO). [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acceptability of smartphone applications for facilitating layperson naloxone administration during opioid overdoses. [2022]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile Technology to Increase HIV/HCV Testing and Overdose Prevention/Response among People Who Inject Drugs. [2020]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opioid Overdose Education for Individuals Prescribed Opioids for Pain Management: Randomized Comparison of Two Computer-Based Interventions. [2022]

6. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk Factors Associated With Nonfatal Opioid Overdose Leading to Intensive Care Unit Admission: A Cross-sectional Study. [2022]

7. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled trial of a computerized opioid overdose education intervention. [2022]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Classifying Characteristics of Opioid Use Disorder From Hospital Discharge Summaries Using Natural Language Processing. [2023]