JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In Denmark, about 150,000 persons suffer from an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). However, only about 10% seek AUD treatment, preferably outside conventional health care settings and opening hours. The AUD treatment area is experiencing low adherence to treatment as well as high numbers of no-show and premature dropout.

Objective:

The purpose of the Blend-A Feasibility and Pilot Study is to describe the process of translating and adapting the Dutch treatment protocol into Danish and Danish culture with a high amount of user involvement, and to report how patients and therapists perceived the adapted version, when trying it out.

Methods:

The settings were three Danish public municipal outpatient alcohol clinics. Study participants were patients as well as therapists from the three settings. Data consisted of survey data from System Usability Scale (SUS), individual patient interviews, and therapist group interviews. Statistical analyses were conducted in Stata and Excel. Qualitative analysis were conducted by the means of theoretical thematic analysis.

Results:

Usability of the treatment platform was rated above average. Patients chose to use the blended treatment format because of anonymity and the flexible design. Platform use formed basis for face-to-face sessions. Self-determined platform use resulted in a more thorough process. Patient involvement qualified development of a feasible system. Managerial support for time use was essential. Guiding from an experienced peer was useful_

Conclusions:

This study indicates that during processes of translating, developing, and implementing blended guided internet-based and face-to-face AUD treatment it is relevant to focus on patient involvement, managerial support, and guidance from experienced peers. Due to the discrete and flexible design of the blended offer it appears that it may reach patient groups who would not otherwise have sought treatment. Thereby, blended treatment may increase access to treatment and contribute to reaching people suffering from excessive alcohol use who would not otherwise have sought treatment. In addition, it seems that the blended offer may enhance participant perceived satisfaction and effect of the treatment course. Thus, it looks as if Blend-A might be able to contribute to the existing treatment offers. Such findings point to the need of determining the actual effect of offering Blend-A; therefore, an effectiveness study in a controlled design is warranted.