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Sparrow Link Neuromodulation Device for Opioid Withdrawal Management in Hospitalized Adults With Opioid Use Disorder
Sponsor: Payel Roy
Summary
This study is evaluating the Sparrow Link, a wearable device that delivers gentle electrical signals to nerves in the outer ear (a technique known as transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation, or tAN). The goal is to assess whether the device is feasible to use, acceptable to patients, and may help reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms in hospitalized adults being treated for opioid use disorder (OUD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active device or a sham (inactive) version. Neither participants nor their clinical teams will know which version is used. All participants will continue receiving standard hospital care for opioid withdrawal. Researchers will collect information on how long participants use the device, whether they stop using it early, and changes in withdrawal severity. The study will also examine pain, craving, mood, anxiety, heart rate variability, and opioid use during hospitalization.
Official title: Sparrow Link Device for Opioid Withdrawal Management at UPMC Presbyterian With the Substance Treatment and Recovery Service (STARS; Formerly Addiction Medicine Consult Service)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2026-09-21
Completion Date
2027-08
Last Updated
2026-04-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Sparrow Link (Active tAN)
Participants will receive the Sparrow Link device with active transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) in addition to standard hospital-based opioid withdrawal management. Standard care may include pharmacologic treatments such as methadone, buprenorphine, full agonist opioids (e.g., oxycodone), and non-opioid medications, as clinically indicated.
Sparrow Link (Sham tAN)
Participants will receive the Sparrow Link device with sham (non-active) stimulation in addition to standard hospital-based opioid withdrawal management. Standard care may include pharmacologic treatments such as methadone, buprenorphine, full agonist opioids (e.g., oxycodone), and non-opioid medications, as clinically indicated.
Locations (1)
UPMC Presbyterian
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States