Implementing an mHealth System for Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care: A Mixed Methods Study of Clinicians’ Initial Expectations and First Year Experiences
Millions of Americans need but don’t receive treatment for substance use, and evidence suggests that addiction-focused interventions on smart phones could support their recovery. There is little research on implementation of addiction-related interventions in primary care, particularly in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provide primary care to underserved populations. We used mixed methods to examine three FQHCs’ implementation of Seva, a smart-phone app that offers patients online support/discussion, health-tracking, and tools for coping with cravings, and offers clinicians information about patients’ health tracking and relapses. We examined (a) clinicians\u27 initial perspectives about implementing Seva, and (b) the first year of implementation at Site 1
