JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Young adults drop out of opioid use disorder treatment more often than older adults. Premature treatment drop-out substantially increases fatal overdose risk. Digital healthcare applications integrated within treatment can potentially engage young adults to self-monitor for drop-out risk factors.

Objective:

This pilot proof-of-concept study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of a patient-centered digital healthcare technology, AWARE (Awareness and Response to the Environment), designed to bring attention to treatment drop-out risk factors.

Methods:

In this formative research, a convenience sample of young adults (n=3) in methadone treatment, their counselors (n=3), and clinic leadership (n=2) were recruited from an opioid treatment program and interviewed to obtain feedback as AWARE was developed. In 8 semi-structured interviews, perspectives regarding barriers to treatment for young adults and AWARE utility were obtained. Concurrently, three dyads of young adults (n=3) and counselors (n=3) piloted the intervention daily for 4 weeks.

Results:

Young adults and counselors found AWARE relevant to their treatment experience and acceptable to complete over 4 weeks. The most frequently reported daily stressors were ‘the health and well-being of a family member,’ ‘being organized,’ and ‘having too many things to do without help.’ In qualitative interviews, counselors and clinic leadership reported that AWARE presented a relevant, new way to engage young adults daily, in addition to weekly counseling sessions. Young adults felt that AWARE offered a type of social support they lacked, like ‘someone checking in on them’.

Conclusions:

Overall, young adult and counselor participants were able to engage in AWARE in a busy clinic environment, and participants and clinic leadership found it valuable. Further research is needed to refine the measures and methods of AWARE and evaluate its effectiveness. Clinical Trial: N/A