Increasing Access to Addiction Treatment Services Exploring Mobile Applications

Transcription

1 Increasing Access to Addiction Treatment Services Exploring Mobile Applications David Gerber St. Christopher's Inn Bret R. Shaw, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin - Madison

2 How does technology improve access to services and support? Self-check out at supermarkets Self check-in at kiosks Access to educational material Tailored communications targeted by individual interest Access to professionals and others via electronic communication Access to entertainment on demand

3 How can access to treatment services be improved? Make clients aware of need for treatment, availability of resources and how to follow-up Offer most appropriate referrals based on clients needs and resources Increase availability of support when needed Remove barriers to access Orient clients to program even before admission Facilitate communication between client and therapist/sponsor

4 Internet-enabled mobile device trends Mobile devices most prevalent Internet-enabled devices in the U.S. today Features are converging (e.g., phone, PDA and photo features offered within single device) Under-served disproportionately choosing cell phones over landlines Costs dropping due to competition and market saturation Increasing bandwidth and improved compression technology allowing for richer Web experience

5 Capabilities of mobile applications available today Mobile social software Geographical tracking Location tagging Group messaging based on shared interests Video and audio streaming Tailored computer-generated alerts Collaborative communication capabilities Phone calls One-to-many text messaging Video conferencing Presence awareness

6 Potential for Mobile Social Software for improving access to treatment services Geographical tracking Identify location of specific supportive others (e.g., sponsors, therapists, social workers) Avoid others likely to influence relapse Connect support networks (e.g., attending a 12-step meeting attended by others who fit my profile) Help sponsors/clients monitor those in recovery Location tagging Locations of 12-step meetings Matching facility based on needs of client Safe areas and locations to avoid Group messaging based on shared interests Motivational messages, tips about local events, etc.

7 Mobile social software & location tracking

8 Location tagging:

9 Potential for tailored automated alerts for improving access to treatment services Clients Reminders about 12-step meetings and therapy appointments Triggered reminders customizable by clients (e.g., location-based, event-based time of day or week) Tailored, motivational alerts Tip of the day Therapists/sponsors Trigger when client is in dangerous situation Alerts when client has missed a session

10 Alert reminders for assessments & meetings

11 Video and audio streaming Video conferencing support groups Discussions and check-ins with therapists and sponsors Orientation toward program prior to admission Audio and video lessons about what treatment will be like Skills training for clients, therapists and families Podcasts with musical themes interspersed with commentary espousing benefits of treatment

12 Potential for collaborative communication to improve access Presence awareness Increase speed of response and availability of counselors to respond to clients Increase clients perceptions that others are there to support them One-to-many text messaging Schedule changes Call for help re: a group member at high risk , IM, phone calls

13 The How Gauge what processes are most in need of improvement Research technology solutions most likely to meet your needs Explore cost and access issues Gain feedback and buy-in from key stakeholders Participate in pilot feasibility tests (e.g., those organized by Innovations for Recovery, other public health or university partners)

14 Open Issues for Discussion Ethical considerations Legal issues Risks Usability and adoption Costs Remove barriers to access Orient clients to program even before admission