Keeping Track of My Drinking - Patient Perceptions of Using Smartphone Applications as a Treatment Complement for...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Alcohol dependence is a prevalent condition often receiving inadequate treatment.
• Smartphone applications (apps) show promise for improving treatment accessibility and effectiveness for alcohol dependence.
• Limited research exists on user experiences with self-monitoring apps in alcohol dependence treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient perceptions regarding the usability and acceptability of self-monitoring apps.
• To understand the role of these apps as a complementary tool in alcohol dependence treatment.

Main Methods:

• 21 participants from a randomized controlled trial were interviewed.
• Interviews were semi-structured, conducted via video or phone calls.
• Participants had used two specific self-monitoring apps ('Glasklart' and 'iBAC') for 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Apps were perceived as facilitators, increasing accuracy of consumption reporting and awareness of alcohol problems.
• Participants found apps reinforced motivation for change, focus on the problem, and commitment to treatment.
• Barriers included technical problems, unsuitable app features, and alcohol-related shame and stigma.

Conclusions:

• Self-monitoring alcohol apps offer beneficial features for assessing, tracking, and controlling consumption.
• These apps can serve as valuable complements to traditional alcohol dependence treatment.
• Technical issues and user-specific challenges can impede the effective use of these digital tools.