Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Research Teaming Event

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) will host an interactive teaming event to provide a forum for complementary and integrative health researchers to explore collaboration opportunities with researchers affiliated with the US Deprescribing Research Network (USDeN), a network of researchers united by a shared interest in improving research on deprescribing for older adults.

USDeN (supported by the National Institute on Aging) is currently seeking applications for pilot studies of interventions that employ complementary and integrative health modalities to support deprescribing of benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, and benzodiazepine receptor agonists (i.e., the “Z drugs,” such as zolpidem or eszopiclone) in older adults. The goal of these studies should be to test study procedures, refine interventions, assess feasibility and acceptability, or other such goals. By the end of the 1-year study period, the research team will be well-positioned to apply for a large grant funding opportunity to conduct a definitive clinical trial. Proposals may request a budget of up to $160,000 (combined direct and indirect costs), or higher with advance permission, and the resultant studies will be completed within approximately 1 year. Letters of intent are due by November 14, 2022, and applications are due by December 16, 2022.

The purpose of this teaming event is to connect complementary and integrative health researchers who would like to collaborate with other researchers on an application to the USDeN for a pilot study. The meeting will begin on Zoom with introductions and directions; the interactive networking portion of the meeting will follow on the Gather network. Register by November 7, 2022.

Note: NCCIH awarded an administrative supplement to USDeN to fund these pilot studies, and we encourage interested researchers to register for the teaming event. Applicants are not required to participate.

Please contact Peter Murray, Ph.D., or Sara Rue, M.P.H., with questions about the funding opportunity or teaming event.