Technology Improving Medication-Assisted Treatment in Primary Care

UCLA researchers and their industry partner Q2i received funding from NIH/NIDA Grant Number 1R42DA050398-01 to measure the efficacy and potential of specialized technology (OARS) in increasing availability of medication-assisted treatment, specifically Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), initiation and adherence, and ultimately opioid abstinence, in primary care settings.

With over 72,000 overdose deaths in 2017, of which 47,600 are attributable to opioid overdose, the opioid epidemic has become North America’s most widespread behavioral public health problem. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly efficacious. The Opioid Addiction Recovery Support (OARS) comprises of a healthcare team portal connected to a patient mobile application, to provide opioid related education, promote connectedness with clinicians, and track MAT treatment progress. This STTR Fast Track proposal will conduct interviews with patients that will inform optimal design of OARS and utilize a “stepped wedge” effectiveness design to assess the effectiveness of OARS in improving opioid agonist treatment outcomes in primary care settings and evaluate sustainability and return on investment.

OARS is an existing Q2i company technology that has been in use for over 2 years. Early-stage feedback from patients and providers indicates improved provider experience, high levels of patient engagement, greater adherence to treatment plans, and increased program retention/reduced drop out. The solution is also improving coordination of care. This study will collect empirical evidence on these improvements.
UCLA and Q2i are seeking primary care clinicians who run a MAT (Suboxone) program from their primary care clinic to treat OUD.

To: Use OARS technology with their MAT patients for a minimum of 8 months

When: The study has 6 start date options starting in 2020

Incentives available : $ TBA per clinic

Free use of OARS technology post study for up to 2 years

If you are interested in participating, please complete this form and we will reach out to you with further details:

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