Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Oct 7, 2022
Date Accepted: Apr 13, 2023
A digitally assisted peer recovery coach to facilitate linkage to outpatient treatment following inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment: A proof-of-concept pilot study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Inpatient alcohol withdrawal management (i.e., detoxification) is often an entry point for recovery, but most do not successfully link to ongoing treatment. Peer recovery coaches are increasingly utilized to assist individuals in recovery.
Objective:
We evaluated the feasibility of using an existing care coordination app (“Lifeguard”) to assist peer recovery coaches in supporting patients after discharge and facilitating linkage to care.
Methods:
The study was conducted on an inpatient detox unit in Boston, MA. Participants were contacted by the coach through the app, and after discharge received daily prompts to complete a modified version of the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM). The BAM inquired about alcohol use, risky (e.g., craving) and protective (e.g., 12-step attendance) factors. The coach sent daily motivational texts, appointment reminders, and checked-in if BAM responses were concerning. Follow-up continued for 30 days post-discharge.
Results:
The 10 participants were all men, averaged 50.5 years old, mostly white (60%), non-Hispanic (90%), and single (80%). Overall, 80% engaged with the coach prior to discharge, and 60% did so after discharge on average 5.3 days (SD 7.3, range 0-20). Half (50%) responded to BAM prompts on average 4.6 days (SD 6.9, range 0-21). Half (50%) linked successfully with treatment post-discharge. Participants who engaged with the coach post-discharge, compared to those who did not, were statistically significantly more likely to link with treatment (83.0% vs 0%, P=.01).
Conclusions:
A digitally assisted peer recovery coach may be feasible in facilitating linkage to care following discharge from detoxification treatment. Clinical Trial: NCT05393544
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