NCT06768814 · University of Washington
Overdose Recovery and Care Access (ORCA) Qualitative Stakeholder Interviews and County-level Data
What this study is about
The study is a quasi-experimental investigation of a sub-acute stabilization center (SASC) for people who have had or are at risk for having an opioid overdose and have an encounter with Seattle Fire Department emergency medical services (EMS) in Seattle, WA.
View original scientific description
The study is a quasi-experimental investigation of a sub-acute stabilization center (SASC) for people who have had or are at risk for having an opioid overdose and have an encounter with Seattle Fire Department emergency medical services (EMS) in Seattle, WA. Those transported to the SASC are the intervention participants and two comparison groups will be utilized: eligible Seattle EMS patients who opt not to go to the SASC and King County residents, outside of Seattle, who meet the same eligibility criteria. A comparative interrupted time series analysis is planned to study the main effectiveness outcomes. Seattle Fire EMS will assess, refer, and arrange transport for participants to the SASC. The SASC will offer an array of services including post-overdose monitoring, utilization of buprenorphine and methadone for the treatment opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal, linkage to ongoing care for OUD, and provision of harm reduction services and supplies. The length of stay in the SASC will be limited to less than 24 hours. A continuous process improvement (CPI) approach will monitor and refine the intervention. Characterization of the interventions will be based upon analysis of service utilization patterns over time along with interviews and surveys with stakeholders.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Sub-acute stabilization
The sub-acute stabilization center (SASC) is for people who have had or are at risk for having an opioid overdose and have an encounter with Seattle Fire Department emergency medical services (EMS) in Seattle, WA. Those transported to the SASC are the intervention participants and two comparison groups will be utilized: eligible Seattle EMS patients who opt not to go to the SASC and King County residents, outside of Seattle, who meet the same eligibility criteria. A comparative interrupted time series analysis is planned to study the main effectiveness outcomes. Seattle Fire EMS will assess, refer, and arrange transport participants to the SASC. The SASC will offer an array of services including post-overdose monitoring, utilization of buprenorphine and methadone for the treatment opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal, linkage to ongoing care for OUD, and provision of harm reduction services and supplies. The length of stay in the SASC will be limited to less than 24 hours.
Primary outcome measures
Repeat opioid overdose
Time frame: 1 year
One of more opioid overdoses after enrollment
MOUD initiation
Time frame: 1 year
Starting opioid use disorder treatment with buprenorphine, methadone or naltrexone
MOUD retention
Time frame: 1 year
Having one or more additional doses prescribed, administered or dispensed of buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone
Emergency department utilization
Time frame: 1 year
Having one or more all-cause emergency department admission
EMS utilization
Time frame: 1 year
Having one or more emergency medical service encounters
Cost-effectiveness
Time frame: 1 year
Analysis from the perspective of a public sector payer of the per unit cost of reduced opioid overdoses attributable to the diversion program
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Verbally consents to transfer of care to SASC.
- Awake and oriented to person and place, with no significant deficits in mental status or neurological function.
- Patent airway and effective respirations with adequate oxygenation.
- Stable heart rate and blood pressure, with no evidence of cardiac arrhythmias or other significant cardiovascular disfunction.
- Heart rate: 45-130
- Blood pressure: systolic 95-190, diastolic 50-120
- Respiratory rate: 10-24
- SpO2: \>92 on room air or supplemental O2 via nasal cannula.
- SpO2 \<92% with supplemental O2 requires ED transfer.
- EtCO2: \<50
- Temperature: 95.5-100.3 F
- Blood glucose (if indicated): 60-300
- No signs of head trauma:
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Seizures or convulsions
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Persistent or worsening headache
- CSF or blood leaking from the nose or ears
- Unequal pupils or pupils that are slow to react to light.
- No signs of other traumatic injury or medical needs requiring immediate treatment.
- No signs of respiratory infection. Screen for COVID-19. See COVID-19 Screening protocol.
Exclusion criteria
- \- People under 18 and who do not meet SASC admission criteria will be excluded.
Where
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations