Project Grant K23AA033193

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism awarded the University of Colorado-Denver $189,532 on August 19, 2026, under the Alcohol Research Programs (CFDA 93.273) to develop and test a peer-narrated video decision aid for alcohol treatment tailored to intensive care unit survivors with alcohol use disorder.

The award funds a five-year career development project (K23) led by Dr. Kelsey Hills-Dunlap. The research addresses a gap identified in prior work: ICU survivors with alcohol use disorder often make uninformed treatment decisions at discharge despite hospitalization representing a motivational "teachable moment" for behavior change. The decision aid, narrated by peers, aims to provide structured, accessible treatment decision support for this population. The project will include rigorous testing and refinement of the decision aid, preparation for future implementation, and completion of a Master of Science in Clinical Science with coursework in dissemination and implementation science.

Dr. Hills-Dunlap will receive mentorship from a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Ellen Burnham, an expert in alcohol and critical care clinical research, and Dr. Dan Matlock, a national leader in decision aid development and implementation science. The training plan encompasses foundational knowledge in addiction science, advanced skills in mixed methods and missing data analysis, and experience designing and conducting pragmatic clinical trials involving ICU survivors with alcohol use disorder.

Performance occurs in Aurora, Colorado, with a period of performance through July 31, 2031. This is a Project Grant, an assistance type under NIAAA's alcohol research portfolio supporting development of improved treatment methods and prevention strategies.