CTBH Director of Dissemination and Implementation Core, Sarah Lord, Ph.D. and CTBH Research Associate Alex Ramsey, Ph.D., in partnership with investigators from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, have just completed a qualitative study focused on understanding the processes associated with successful implementation of a mobile substance use recovery support tool in diverse systems of care. The ultimate end product of this effort will be the production of an implementation “Road Map”, or set of step-by-step strategies to guide the process of adopting and utilizing mobile technologies that enhance recovery support for those struggling with addiction.

Using broad implementation research frameworks, CTBH investigators created interview protocols that addressed relevant implementation domains within the pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation phases. The researchers are particularly interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the critical barriers and supports within health systems that contribute to the (in)effectiveness of implementation efforts for these types of mobile recovery support tools.

The CTBH team interviewed 12 provider stakeholders from 4 behavioral health agencies that had implemented, or were currently implementing, a smartphone recovery support application. In these interviews, behavioral health staff of all levels shared challenges experienced, lessons learned, and strategies for success. Preliminary analysis of qualitative data indicate that low client access to technology (e.g., lack of smartphone ownership, poor connectivity) and difficulty sustaining client engagement over time may be primary barriers to effective adoption of recovery support technologies. Emerging themes regarding strategies to facilitate implementation include conducting internal trial periods and small scale testing prior to implementation, and exposing clients to the technology early on in treatment or rehabilitation to gradually build comfort and acceptance. Stakeholders also indicated that continuous access to technology assistance support to ensure that tools remain updated and functional is critical to longer-term adoption into care workflow. The ultimate goal is for behavioral health leaders to use the forthcoming Road Map as a tool for effectively rolling out technology-based recovery support systems in their practices.