Automated Reinforcement Management System (ARMS): focused phase I provider feedback

Area of Science:

• Digital therapeutics
• Behavioral health technology
• Substance use disorder treatment

Background:

• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major global health issue, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• Contingency Management (CM) is an effective intervention for substance use disorders.
• Technological advancements are enabling novel remote treatments for AUD, such as the Automated Reinforcement Management System (ARMS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather detailed provider feedback on the ARMS system.
• To identify necessary modifications for ARMS to be feasible, acceptable, and useful to healthcare providers.
• To assess the potential of ARMS as a digital therapeutic for AUD.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive approach using content analysis of structured interviews and focus groups.
• Seven providers discussed their current AUD treatment practices and feedback on ARMS.
• Providers reviewed system screenshots and provided input on functionality, appearance, and perceived barriers/facilitators to use.

Main Results:

• Individualized Treatment emerged as a key theme, supporting ARMS's role as a customizable, adjunctive tool.
• Provider and patient obstacles included Information Overload, Clinical Relevance, Sustained Engagement, and Security Concerns.
• Suggestions for improvement focused on Increasing Accessibility and Bi-directional Communication.

Conclusions:

• Provider feedback is actively being used to enhance ARMS, aiming for a more user-friendly and time-saving digital therapeutic.
• ARMS has the potential to offer effective, individualized digital treatment for AUD, particularly for rural or underserved populations.
• Modifications will focus on improving usability, relevance, and communication within the ARMS platform.