Feasibility of an Interdisciplinary Intervention to Improve Care Transitions for Hospitalized Patients With Substance Use Disorders

BEHAVIORAL

IntACT

Participants randomized to IntACT will receive usual inpatient and outpatient services plus an interdisciplinary addiction care transition team providing: (1) in-hospital discharge planning support, (2) proactive post-discharge outreach and care coordination, (3) intensive care management and peer support, and (4) interim SUD and medical care coordination for up to 4 months post-randomization, with the goal of facilitating transition to longitudinal community-based care.

BEHAVIORAL

Usual Care

Participants randomized to Usual Care will receive standard of care services routinely available at University of Utah Health, including inpatient addiction consult services when ordered, discharge planning by hospital medical and social work teams, and referrals/follow-up options based on insurance and patient preference. Usual Care participants will not receive the structured IntACT intervention components provided in the intervention arm, including proactive post-discharge outreach by the IntACT care manager/peer support specialist, intensive care management, dedicated peer navigation, scheduled interdisciplinary team review, or interim addiction/primary care transition services delivered by the IntACT team as part of the study. If a Usual Care participant independently establishes care with SPARC clinic or other services through standard referral pathways, this will be permitted and will be captured as part of outcome assessment.

Care Linkage

Time frame: 14 Days

percentage of patients who attend any follow up visit within 14 days of hospital discharge. Assessed using administrative records and patient self-report.

Retention in Treatment

Time frame: 6 Months

Percentage of patients who have attended a medical or substance use treatment appointment within the past 30 days. Assessed at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months after randomization. Assessed using clinic/administrative records and patient-self-report.

Intervention Feasibility

Time frame: Completed once within 2 weeks of exposure to the intervention

Implementation-related outcomes will be collected from N=20 clinicians who are exposed to the IntACT intervention and IntACT team members, respectively. Implementation outcomes include Feasibility, assessed via the 4-item Feasibility of Intervention measure (range 0-12, higher is more feasible)

Intervention Acceptability

Time frame: Completed once within 2 weeks of exposure to the intervention

Implementation-related outcomes will be collected from N=20 clinicians who are exposed to the IntACT intervention and IntACT team members, respectively. Implementation outcomes include Acceptability, assessed via the 4-item Acceptability of Intervention measure (range 0-12, higher is more acceptible)

Intervention Appropriateness

Time frame: Completed once within 2 weeks of exposure to the intervention

Implementation-related outcomes will be collected from N=20 clinicians who are exposed to the IntACT intervention and IntACT team members, respectively. Implementation outcomes include Appropriateness, assessed via the 4-item Intervention Appropriateness Measure (range 0-12, higher is more appropriate)

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.