NCT06320015 · University of California, Los Angeles
Emergency Medicine Peer Outreach Worker Engagement for Recovery
(EMPOWER)
What this study is about
This is an observational, forward-looking case-control study evaluating the effects of an emergency department community health worker-peer recovery specialist program (PCHW), the Substance Misuse Assistance Response Team (SMART).
View original scientific description
This is an observational, prospective case-control study evaluating the effects of an emergency department community health worker-peer recovery specialist program (PCHW), the Substance Misuse Assistance Response Team (SMART). Aims of this study are to 1) understand participant experiences working with a SMART PCHW and identify possible mechanisms for successful recovery linkage; 2) Evaluate SMART effectiveness on patient-centered outcomes, building recovery capital, and recovery linkage; 3) Evaluate SMART implementation and effectiveness on patient outcomes over time. Using a combination of surveys and data linkages to state administrative databases, study investigators will prospectively compare changes in addiction treatment engagement, recovery capital, health related social needs, acute care utilization, and death between people receiving a ED PCHW and those who do not. After consenting to study participation, participants will complete surveys at time of study enrollment and 3 and 6 months after their initial ED visit. Primary outcomes include engagement in addiction treatment, social services engagement, acute care utilization, and mortality will be assessed through linkages to state administrative databases.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Substance Misuse Assistance Response Team (SMART)
The study intervention is engagement with a Substance Misuse Assistance Response Team (SMART) community health worker-peer recovery specialist (PCHW). SMART PCHWs engage ED patients with substance use disorders and facilitates ED services provision and linkages to outpatient care. Services provided include supporting ED initiation of buprenorphine, harm reduction services, social services (transportation, housing assistance, etc.), and engagement in peer recovery, behavioral health services, and addiction treatment services. Services are provided at the time of the ED visit. A subgroup of patients is provided short term case management and outpatient services navigation depending on PCHW caseload availability and individual needs.
OTHER
Usual Care Group
Patient not seen by a SMART community health worker in the emergency department. Care and treatment referral at discretion of emergency department treating team.
Primary outcome measures
Treatment engagement
Time frame: Will compare differences in treatment engagement between study arms 3 and 6 months after study enrollment.
Investigators will measure engagement in formal addiction treatment at a state licensed addiction treatment facility and/or receipt of office-based buprenorphine through data linkages to the Rhode Island Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database and the Rhode Island Behavioral Health Online Database.
Recovery Capital
Time frame: Will compare differences in treatment engagement between study arms 3 and 6 months after study enrollment.
Investigators will conduct surveys with study participants at time of enrollment, three months after enrollment, and six months after enrollment. Survey Changes in individual recovery capital as measured by reported self-efficacy, social networks, and quality of life
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
- Adults 18 years old or older
- Seen and treated at Rhode Island or The Miriam Hospital ED for a substance use-related concern including intoxication, withdrawal, opioid overdose, opioid withdrawal, or substance use-related infection
- Able to provide informed consent
- Able to provide at least two forms of contact (personal phone, social media, email, or contact information for family or friends)
- Participants may speak languages other than English but require use of interpreter services. Consents will be available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, the three most spoken languages in the Providence metropolitan area.
Exclusion criteria
- Unable to provide informed consent
- In police custody, incarcerated, or have a court ordered treatment enrollment
Where
- Providence, Rhode Island
Collaborators
Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Brown University
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 Oct 6, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations