The daily progress system: A proof of concept pilot study of a recovery support technology tool for outpatient substance abuse treatment

ABSTRACT

Background: Illicit substance use remains highly prevalent in the US, and epidemiological surveillance surveys estimate that in 2015, over 27 million individuals (10.1% of the US population) 12 years of age or older used illicit drugs in the past 30 days.¹ Outpatient treatment delivered in community-based settings is the dominant modality for addiction treatment, typically involving weekly psychosocial counseling sessions in an individual and/or group format.^2,3 Unfortunately, relapse and premature treatment discontinuation are quite common in outpatient treatment.^3–5 Objectives: This is a pilot proof of concept feasibility study involving clients presenting for outpatient SUD treatment. This study sought to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the Daily Progress System (DPS), a telephone-based software program, using interactive voice response (IVR), designed to enhance quality care and improve client outcomes. Methods: Individuals who presented at the participating treatment clinic, who met study eligibility criteria, and who provided written informed consent to participate were included in the study (N = 15; 53.3% females). Incentives were paid to participants for calls completed. Results: Participants completed 65% of scheduled daily call-ins, representing 273 person-days of data on client cravings, mood, substance use, and involvement in recovery support activities. The average call duration was approximately 2 minutes and 42 seconds. There was a high degree of client and counselor acceptance and satisfaction using the system. Conclusions and Clinical Significance: Findings suggest that the DPS appears to be a feasible means of potentially addressing relapse and treatment engagement issues based on client and counselor engagement and satisfaction with the system.

KEYWORDS:

• Outpatient treatment
• substance use disorders
• substance abuse treatment
• technology-based interventions

Declaration of interest

Two of the authors, Drs. Carswell and Gryczynski, are co-owners of the small business to whom the award was made. The other authors, Dr. Gordon and Mrs. Tangires, do not have any declarations of interest to report. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Funding

This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, through the National Institute on Drug Abuse grant number: 1R41DA036949-01. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, through the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the National Institute on Drug Abuse.