Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jan 13, 2020
Date Accepted: Feb 28, 2022
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Development and Implementation Lessons Learned From a Blended Alcohol Treatment Trial (the BLEND-A Study)
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 drop-out.
Objective:
The Blend-A study aims to develop and evaluate a blended intervention in Denmark; guided internet-based and face-to-face AUD treatment. Blend-A consists of two parts: a pilot phase as well as a clinical and cost-effectiveness study. The purpose of this paper is to describe our lessons learned from the Blend-A study pilot phase.
Methods:
The study is conducted in a mixed methods design. 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), observations, 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:
A belnded treatment format may increase access to AUD treatment. The blended design appears usable and may enhance patient perceived satisfaction and effect. Focusing on patient involvement, managerial support, and guidance from experienced peers seems relevant.
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