Early findings from a project aimed at implementing mobile health technology for addiction in primary care

Abstract

Background More than two-thirds of individuals with a substance use problem have seen a primary care provider in the previous 6 months. However, these substance use disorders often go unrecognized or without treatment due to a lack of optimized assessment and intervention models with which primary care providers are comfortable. As national guidelines call for improved integration of addiction treatment into primary care settings, mobile technology may provide an invaluable tool to primary care providers in assisting their patients in recovery and in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of office visits for these patients. This paper will describe preliminary qualitative data and the early experience with integrating Seva, a suite of mobile technological applications to support recovery, at two Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with FQHC patients with substance use disorders at two study sites (Madison, WI: n = 12; Missoula, MT: n = 5) to identify potential strengths and concerns of Seva in addressing substance use problems in primary care. Focus groups were conducted with clinic staff (Madison, WI: n = 20; Missoula, MT: n = 8) to identify strengths and concerns from their perspectives. Notes taken during development meetings between clinic and research teams also provided qualitative data. Results