Buprenorphine Care Coordination for Opioid Use Disorder
(CONNECT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new approach to improve collaboration between hospitals and outpatient clinics to help people stay on buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder. The goal is to determine if better coordination can increase the number of days patients continue their treatment and reduce medication gaps. Emergency departments and outpatient clinics will try new procedures for referring patients. The trial seeks participants who begin buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder in a participating emergency room and do not have a recent prescription for it. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to improve healthcare coordination and potentially enhance treatment outcomes for many.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it focuses on patients starting buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, so it's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team.
What prior data suggests that these care coordination implementation strategies are safe?
Research has shown that buprenorphine, the medication used in this trial, is generally safe for people. Studies have found that electronic health records (EHRs) can help doctors in emergency departments prescribe buprenorphine more frequently. This suggests that the methods being tested can improve buprenorphine administration without major safety issues.
In another study, clinics using nurse care management provided more ongoing treatment for opioid use disorder than those using regular care methods. This indicates that these strategies can be safely used to manage treatment without causing harm.
Overall, past evidence supports the safety of using buprenorphine and these care coordination strategies. Participants usually do not report severe side effects. However, as with any treatment, individual responses may vary, so staying informed and consulting healthcare providers is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores new ways to improve care coordination for people with opioid use disorder, specifically using buprenorphine treatment. Unlike existing approaches that often rely on separate workflows between emergency departments and outpatient clinics, this trial investigates how integrating these processes can enhance patient outcomes. By streamlining the transition from emergency care to ongoing outpatient treatment, the trial aims to reduce gaps in care and improve access to this life-saving medication. This coordinated approach could lead to more consistent treatment and better support for individuals battling opioid addiction.
What evidence suggests that these care coordination implementation strategies are effective for improving buprenorphine retention in opioid use disorder?
Research has shown that buprenorphine effectively treats opioid use disorder (OUD) by reducing cravings and lowering overdose risk. One study found that 86% of patients who began buprenorphine in the emergency department (ED) continued their treatment a month later. This trial will evaluate how improved care coordination between EDs and outpatient clinics affects long-term commitment to buprenorphine treatment. Each trial arm will receive the intervention at different time points, allowing for comparison of pre- and post-intervention conditions. This approach aims to enhance buprenorphine treatment effectiveness by ensuring better follow-up care.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Stephen G Henry, MD MSc
Principal Investigator
University of California, Davis
Aimee K Moulin, MD MAS
Principal Investigator
University of California, Davis
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults who have started buprenorphine in the emergency department (ED) for opioid use disorder and need coordinated care after leaving the ED. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants must meet certain health conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Implementation
Implementation of a bundle of strategies to improve ED-outpatient care coordination for buprenorphine treatment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for buprenorphine retention and care coordination effectiveness
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Care Coordination Implementation Strategies
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Davis
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator