Self-management and Shared Decision-Making in Alcohol Dependence via a Mobile App: a Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Mobile applications offer novel approaches for managing alcohol dependence (AD).
• These tools facilitate shared decision-making and patient self-management.
• The SIDEAL app was developed to support individuals with AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usability and user satisfaction of the SIDEAL mobile app.
• To assess the preliminary efficacy of the app in patients with alcohol dependence.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving adult outpatients with AD.
• The SIDEAL app was installed on participants' personal mobile phones.
• Usability, satisfaction, and self-reported alcohol consumption were assessed over six weeks using the app and the Timeline Followback (TLFB) method.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four patients participated, with most aiming to reduce alcohol intake.
• The app's self-register and feedback modules were highly valued, with 80% daily usage.
• Significant reductions in binge drinking days and mean daily alcohol consumption were observed (p < 0.001).
• 88% of patients met their self-imposed consumption objectives.

Conclusions:

• The SIDEAL app demonstrates high acceptance and usage among patients with alcohol dependence.
• The app shows potential for improving self-efficacy in managing AD.
• Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm efficacy.