Feasibility of a Mobile Health App for Routine Outcome Monitoring and Feedback in SMART Recovery Mutual Support Groups: Stage 1 Mixed Methods Pilot Study

• DOI: 10.2196/25217
• Publication Date: 2021-10-08T11:42:47Z
• Authors: Peter J Kelly; Alison K Beck; Frank P Deane; Briony Larance; Amanda L Baker; Leanne Hides; Victoria Manning; Anthony Shakeshaft; Joanne Neale; John F Kelly; Christopher Oldme...; Andrew Searles; Kerrin Palazzi; Kenny Lawson; Carla Treloar; Rebecca M Gray; Angela Argent; Ryan McGlaughlin
• Keywords: mHealth

Mutual support groups are an important source of long-term help for people impacted by addictive behaviors. Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) and feedback yet to be implemented in these settings. SMART Recovery mutual focus on self-empowerment use evidence-based techniques (eg, motivational behavioral strategies). Trained facilitators lead all groups, providing opportunity implement ROM.The aim this stage 1 pilot study is explore the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary outcomes a novel, purpose-built mobile health ROM app (SMART Track) coordinated Australia (SRAU) over 8 weeks.SMART Track was developed during phase using participatory design methods iterative development process. During 2, 72 SRAU group participants were recruited nonrandomized, prospective, single-arm trial app. Four modes data collection used: directly entered into app; analytics captured Amplitude Analytics (number visits, number unique users, visit duration, time visit, user retention); baseline, 2-, 8-week follow-up assessments conducted through telephone; qualitative telephone interviews with convenience sample (20/72, 28%) (n=8).Of participants, 68 (94%) created account, 64 (88%) used at least once, 42 (58%) more than 5 weeks. week 1, 83% (60/72) one or outcomes, decreasing 31% (22/72) end The two main screens designed provide personal (Urges screen Overall Progress screen) most frequently visited sections Qualitative from supported acceptability need improved integration groups. Participants reported significant reductions between baseline 8- scores Severity Dependence Scale (mean difference 1.93, SD 3.02; 95% CI 1.12-2.73) Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 3.96, 8.31; 1.75-6.17), but no change Substance Use Evaluator 0.11, 7.97; -2.02 2.24) reported.Findings utility Track. Given that sustained engagement apps notoriously difficult achieve, our findings promising. offers potential solution feedback, particularly substance disorders who attend groups.Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619000686101; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377336.RR2-10.2196/15113.