Approaches for implementing digital interventions for alcohol use disorders in primary care: A qualitative,...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Primary care research
• Behavioral health

Background:

• Smartphone apps show promise for treating alcohol use disorders (AUD).
• Integrating digital interventions into primary care settings presents significant challenges.
• Understanding patient and clinician preferences is crucial for successful implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient and clinician preferences for using digital interventions in primary care for AUD.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for integrating app-based AUD treatment into routine primary care.

Main Methods:

• User-centered design principles combined with qualitative research methods.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with 18 primary care patients with AUD and 9 primary care clinicians.
• Template analysis of interview transcripts, with initial codes based on interview topics and refined through iterative coding.

Main Results:

• Patients with AUD are more likely to engage with app-based treatment when primary care teams are involved.
• Clinicians expressed willingness to offer apps but highlighted workflow, time, and staffing as barriers.
• Patients and clinicians favored intuitive app processes with clinician guidance and personalized support.

Conclusions:

• A user-centered approach with personalized initiation and follow-up support is essential for digital AUD interventions in primary care.
• Addressing patient needs requires optimized workflows, adequate staffing, and tailored implementation strategies.
• Offering multiple enrollment pathways for apps can accommodate diverse patient preferences and clinic constraints.