Preferences for an Experience Sampling Method-Based Tool as an Adjunct to Usual Treatment in Patients With Problem...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Mental Health Technology
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Background:

• Mobile health (mHealth) tools utilizing the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) show promise for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
• Patient involvement in developing these tools is often lacking, with limited research on preferences of individuals undergoing SUD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the feature preferences of mental health service users with problem substance use for Digital Mobile Mental Health (DMMH) tools.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving semistructured interviews with service users in 4 European countries.
• Interviews included the presentation of a DMMH prototype.
• Data analysis employed directed qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• 12 participants with problem substance use (aged 18-50) from 4 European countries shared preferences across 7 categories.
• Users accepted intensive notifications if questionnaires were brief, preferring open-text responses and Ecological Momentary Interventions.
• Customization, data visualization for clinician communication, and controlled data sharing were key preferences.

Conclusions:

• Patient preferences for content, functionality, and appearance must guide the development of ESM-based mHealth tools for problem substance use.
• Incorporating user-centered design ensures tools align with patient treatment needs and enhance SUD care.