Mogk JM, Matson TE, Caldeiro RM, Garza Mcwethy AM, Beatty T, Sevey BC, Hsu CW, Glass JE. Implementation and workflow strategies for integrating digital therapeutics for alcohol use disorders into primary care: a qualitative study. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2023 May 8;18(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s13722-023-00387-w.
This study aimed to identify implementation needs and strategy design considerations for integrating digital therapeutics for alcohol use disorders (AUD) into primary care. Qualitative interviews were conducted with clinicians, care delivery leaders, and implementation staff (N=16). All participants had experience implementing digital therapeutics for depression or substance use disorders in primary care in the United States. Participants were asked to share successes and challenges from implementation efforts and how these experiences could inform the implementation of digital therapeutics for AUD. Common themes were identified across health system staff roles. Participants were committed to digital therapeutics for AUD and anticipated high patient demand for such treatments. Reported facilitators of successful implementation included: 1) use implementation strategies that align with the needs of patients with varying AUD severity, 2) use strategies that minimize burden on clinicians, and 3) offer digital therapeutics as an adjunct to other treatments for AUD. Other helpful implementation strategies included clinician training and electronic health record support. Findings inform future efforts to implement digital interventions for AUD in primary care.