Patient Population: Adults

Communication and Recovery Enhancement (CARE) clinical trial

This study aims to refine and test a brief intervention (CARE) that aims to promote recovery in recent sexual assault survivors. CARE is delivered to supporters of sexual assault survivors (e.g., friends, family members, romantic partners), with or without the survivor present. It aims to encourage conversations about the assault and decrease negative reactions by the supporter. In stage 1 of this study, we will conduct feedback sessions with 8-10 dyads of survivors and their supporters to finalize the intervention materials. In stage 2, we will conduct a pilot clinical trial of CARE with 60 dyads, who will be randomized to dyadic intervention, supporter-only intervention, or waitlist control.

Intervention to increase naloxone engagement and distribution in community pharmacies

This multi-site study will test the efficacy of an intervention to train and equip pharmacists to provide naloxone, an overdose antidote, to patients using prescribed and illicit opioids, to improve opioid safety and prevent opioid-involved adverse events. The study will carry out a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized trial implemented over five waves, within two chain community pharmacies across four states with varying pharmacy-based naloxone distribution laws: Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Our specific study aims are to: 1) integrate two successful demonstration research projects into one cohesive educational program (MOON+), 2) evaluate the effectiveness of MOON + on naloxone-related outcomes, and 3) use mixed methods to further explore the impact and implementation of MOON+ and associated factors (e.g., state policy, store policy, region).

Project THRIVE pilot

This study involved developing and preliminarily testing a new app to prevent PTSD and alcohol misuse following recent sexual assault.

Staying in Touch and Engaged Project (STEP)

The “Staying in Touch and Engaged Project” (STEP) aimed to support Housing First residents in staying in touch with researchers and in engaging in meaningful activities during the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing directives. A 16-week, two-group randomized controlled pilot trial compared remote assessment of substance-use and health-related quality of life assessment paired with immediate versus delayed provision of remotely delivered meaningful activities. The aim of this project was to test whether the meaningful activities package (MAP) engages residents and improves their mood, substance-use outcomes, and physical and mental health-related quality of life.

The project team mailed study invitations to residents in five housing programs (estimated mailed N=538). To date, 32 Housing First residents reached out to consent to participate, responding via mailed consent forms, phone, video conferencing or online survey completion. Of those who consented, 26 have completed baseline assessments, and 11 have completed one-month follow-ups. The study highlighted the difficulties in reaching residents, partly due to the lack of communication technologies.

The team found that the technological divide has grown deeper and more consequential during the pandemic and must be bridged to facilitate social connection, physical and mental health, and basic communication for people marginalized by the lived experience of homelessness and psychiatric, medical and substance use disorder. The team is working to locate additional funds through the UW and WSU to continue participant recruitment and evaluation efforts, achieve the originally proposed sample size and further improve follow-up rates.

PATHSS Study: Participatory Active Transportation for Health in South Seattle

This observational study will examine mobility challenges and opportunities among people living and working in South Beacon Hill using participatory research methods: 1) community member photography-enhanced storytelling (photovoice), 2) interviews with Beacon Hill stakeholders and community members, and 3) mobility audits.

Innovative training for suicide prevention in addiction treatment settings

Although suicide is one of the leading causes of death for people with substance use disorders (SUDs), no widespread suicide prevention intervention exists for delivery in community addiction treatment settings. The effectiveness and feasibility of delivering Preventing Addiction Related Suicide (PARS), a group-based psychoeducational program that provides evidence-based suicide prevention and safety strategies, was recently demonstrated by the UW Center for Suicide Prevention and Recovery.

To enhance widespread implementation and dissemination of PARS, this project will develop online training and implementation tools. PARS-Web will be created in collaboration with key state agencies and suicide prevention professionals to meet the new training requirements for Washington State Chemical Dependency Professionals. The goal is to integrate PARS as a part of standard care in addiction treatment agencies nationwide.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Improving the Transition Experience (BRITE)

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of long-term disability. Persons with TBI receiving care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) are at risk for rehospitalization, poor community reintegration, family stress, and other unfavorable outcomes. In a six-center randomized pragmatic comparative effectiveness study, we compare the effectiveness of two methods for transition from IRF to the community. The Rehabilitation Discharge Plan (RDP) includes patient/ family education and referrals for continued care. The Rehabilitation Transition Plan (RTP) provides RDP plus individualized, manualized care management via phone or videoconference. 900 patients will be randomized, with caregivers also invited to participate. Assessed outcomes include societal participation, quality of life, caregiver well-being, and use of healthcare resources at 6-months and 12-months post-discharge.