You Want Me to Wear What? Technology for Connections that Promote Recovery

• In Event: Technology and Data in Community Corrections

Abstract

Fewer than 20% of individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) can access treatment services; for individuals with criminal justice involvement, the percentage is closer to 10%. Individuals with SUDs can often benefit from community supports to influence their long-term recovery and wellness, including treatment providers, healthcare workers, peer support specialists/peer navigators, sponsors, family members, and friends. In this exploratory project, we examine the feasibility of and interest in using technology such as smart phones and wearable technology (e.g., Fitbit-like) to assist individuals in the recovery community. The methodology for this multidisciplinary project includes conducting a series of focus groups and semi-structured interviews with both professionals in the recovery community and consumers of SUD treatment (n=~60). The goal of this qualitative research is to explore patient-centered approaches to connect consumers to resources in their communities, as well as mechanisms for bidirectional communication between consumers and their support systems, with particular attention to those with criminal justice involvement. This paper will summarize the findings from the focus groups and interviews and discuss next steps for technology development.

Authors

• Amy Murphy, George Mason University

• Siddhartha Sikdar, George Mason University

• Stephanie Carmack, George Mason University

• Faye S. Taxman, George Mason University