Overdose Prevention Strategies for Substance Use Disorders
(FORTRESS Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to enhance how overdose fatality review teams (OFRs) identify and manage overdose cases by implementing a new data dashboard and training in data-driven decision making (DDDM). The approach shifts from reviewing individual cases to using broader, real-time data to identify intervention points for at-risk individuals with proven treatments. The trial will compare this new method to standard OFR practices in terms of implementation and effectiveness. Local OFR team members or leaders of related organizations, such as police chiefs or health directors, may be suitable for participating in surveys or interviews. The trial seeks to reduce overdose rates by improving the quality of recommendations made by OFR teams. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative approaches that could significantly enhance community health outcomes.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this overdose prevention strategy is safe?
Research has shown that using data to make decisions benefits projects addressing substance use problems. While specific safety information for humans is not yet available, similar projects, such as the HEAL Data2Action program, have been safely implemented. These programs use data to guide actions, aiming to reduce overdose rates and enhance treatment. They focus on presenting information in easy-to-understand formats to aid decision-making. This suggests the approach is safe, as it involves training and data use rather than direct medical treatment.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) approach in overdose prevention because it offers a fresh perspective beyond traditional methods. Unlike typical overdose prevention strategies that often rely on static protocols, DDDM uses real-time data to tailor interventions specifically to community needs. This method empowers local teams with actionable insights, potentially leading to more responsive and effective prevention efforts. By focusing on dynamic decision-making, DDDM could significantly enhance the adaptability and success of overdose prevention programs.
What evidence suggests that this trial's intervention could be effective for overdose prevention?
This trial will compare two approaches to overdose prevention strategies for substance use disorders. One arm, labeled FORTRESS, involves participating counties receiving training in data-driven decision-making and an inventory of overdose-prevention strategies. Research has shown that data-driven decisions can help prevent overdoses. For example, the Data2Action Oregon project found that presenting data in simple formats helped predict overdose risks and improved treatment decisions. Another study in Cayuga County showed that using a data dashboard facilitated information sharing and supported effective decision-making to prevent overdoses. These findings suggest that data-guided actions can enhance strategies to reduce overdose rates and assist people with substance use disorders.12567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Matthew C Aalsma, PhD
Principal Investigator
Indiana University School of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for members of local overdose fatality review (OFR) teams or leaders in Indiana organizations involved with OFR, such as public jail administrators and health directors. It also includes residents of Indiana who have had fatal or non-fatal overdoses.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Design and Training
The FORTRESS team designs the 'Overdose Touchpoints Dashboard' and trains OFR team members in 'Data-Driven Decision Making' (DDDM).
Cluster-randomized Stepped-wedge Trial
Conduct a trial comparing the impact of the intervention (dashboard + DDDM training) versus standard OFR practices on implementation and effectiveness outcomes.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in attitudes toward evidence-based overdose prevention strategies and the quality of OFR recommendations.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM)
Trial Overview
The FORTRESS project aims to improve how OFR teams work by giving them a data dashboard and training in Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM). The study will compare these new tools against standard practices to see if they can better prevent overdoses.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participating counties receive both training in data-driven decision making and inventory of overdose-prevention strategies
Data are collected regarding standard OFR Team practice and outcomes before implementation of the FORTRESS Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Indiana University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Data2Action Oregon Project: Supporting Data-driven ...
This study aims to make data that are relevant to decision makers available to them in easy-to-use formats so that they can make timely, evidence-informed ...
HEAL Data2Action (HD2A)
The HEAL Data2Action (HD2A) program utilizes data to drive actions, aiming to reduce overdoses and enhance opioid use disorder treatment and pain ...
Overdose Prevention Strategies for Substance Use ...
This approach has been effective in predicting overdose risk and could improve treatment decisions and outcomes for people with substance use disorders.
Data-Driven Addiction Prevention and Recovery
Through DDAPR, Indiana can live up to its commitment to using data-driven decision making to create effective policies and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Data Dashboard Acceptability, Use, and Perceived ...
This study suggests that the Cayuga County Overdose Data Dashboard effectively disseminates information and enables data-driven decision-making in the region.
Visual Analytics for Data-Driven Understanding of the ...
This paper details the development of an innovative visual analytics dashboard, aimed at enhancing our understanding of the substance use ...
Overdose Data to Action: Prevention Strategies
OD2A prevention strategies rely on strong, multisectoral partnerships, such as those between public health, public safety, harm reduction, ...
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