scholarly journals Use of Telemedicine in Addiction Treatment: Current Practices and Organizational Implementation Characteristics

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd Molfenter ◽  
Roger Brown ◽  
Andrew O’Neill ◽  
Ed Kopetsky ◽  
Alexander Toy

Telemedicine applications offer innovative approaches for treating and reducing the effects of substance use disorders (SUDs). This analysis assessed the interest in and use of 11 telemedicine applications in a sample of 363 SUD organizations in the United States of America. Fifty percent of the organizations expressed high rates of interest in seven of the telemedicine applications, demonstrating the appeal of telemedicine within this field. The top three self-reported telemedicine applications being used were (1) computerized screening/assessments (44.6%), (2) telephone-based recovery supports (29.5%), and (3) telephone-based therapy (28.37%). The greatest gaps between interest and use were for (1) texting appointment reminders (55.2% differential), (2) mobile apps for posttreatment recovery (46.6% differential), and (3) recovery support chats (46.6% differential). A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) of the organizations’ telemedicine use behavior identified three groupings: “Innovators” that were using a range of technologies (n=27, 7.4%); “Technology Traditionalists” that limited their use to telephone, video, and web portal technologies (n=101, 27.8%); and “Low Tech” that had low overall technology use (n=235, 64.7%). Future studies should build on how telemedicine could be applied in SUD settings, organizational behaviors towards its adoption, and telemedicine’s effect on treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.

Author(s):  
Ronald Chow ◽  
Drew Hollenberg ◽  
Jaclyn Viehweger ◽  
Sydney LaPierre ◽  
Trevor Pettit ◽  
...  

Abstract Helmet use amongst bicyclists has been well documented in recent literature. Helmet use is not the only measure cyclists can take to reduce their chance of crashes. Many places, in addition to mandating helmet use by law for youths, also require bicycle lights to be used under low-light conditions (i.e. during sunrise, during sunset and at night). The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness of bicycle light use amongst young adults, with respect to the legalities and also utility of lights while cycling. An anonymous survey was developed and circulated to young adults in Canada, Ireland and the United States of America. A total of 112 individuals completed the survey. Only 13% of individuals had an unsatisfactory knowledge of bicycle light use. As knowledge is the first step towards advocating for new measures, young adults seem well -versed with respect to bicycle light use and may be able to be targeted to increase bicycle light use. Frequency of commute was related to the knowledge of bicycle light use; those who commuted more regularly were more knowledgeable. This study, however, was composed primarily of young adults residing in Canada. Future studies could investigate knowledge among young adults who reside in a region that more regularly commutes using a bicycle, to see whether this trend holds.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-440
Author(s):  
Nathan O Buonviri ◽  
Andrew S Paney

In this study, we investigated the use of digital technology for aural skills instruction in Advanced Placement Music Theory (APMT) classes in the United States. Our research questions focused on which technologies teachers use for aural skills, how they incorporate them, and what influences their decisions to use them. We created, piloted, and distributed a survey electronically to a stratified sample by state of 866 instructors. Participants who completed the survey ( N  = 317, response rate = 36%) were current APMT teachers representing 48 states. Of the 91% of respondents who used digital technologies for teaching aural skills, 93% used websites, 47% used software programs, and 38% used mobile apps. Participants incorporated technology for student practice outside class (93%) and during class (78%), and to present new material during class (55%). Of those who did not use technologies ( n  = 29), 41% cited lack of funds and 34% cited lack of class time. Participants noted that technology can provide extra practice for students and customization for their needs, but that students’ lack of access and limitations of the programs may temper these benefits. Implications for pedagogical practice and music teacher training are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Thompson ◽  
Emily Zimmerman

BACKGROUND While technology use in pediatric therapies is increasing, there is so far no research available focusing on how pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States use technology. OBJECTIVE This paper sought to determine if, and to what extent, pediatric SLPs are using mobile apps, to determine what purpose they are using them for, and to identify gaps in available technology to provide guidance for future technological development. METHODS Pediatric SLPs completed an online survey containing five sections: demographics, overall use, use in assessment, use in intervention, barriers, and future directions. RESULTS Mobile app use by 485 pediatric SLPs in the clinical setting was analyzed. Most (364/438; 83.1%) pediatric SLPs reported using technology ≤50% of the time in their clinical work, with no differences evident by age group (&lt;35 years and ≥35 years; <italic>P</italic>=.97). Pediatric SLPs are currently using apps for intervention (399/1105; 36.1%), clinical information (241/1105; 21.8%), parent education (151/1105; 13.7%), assessment (132/1105; 12%), client education (108/1105; 9.8%), and other uses (55/1105; 5.0%). Cost (46/135; 34.1%) and lack of an evidence base (36/135; 26.7%) were the most frequently reported barriers. Most SLPs (268/380; 70.7%) desired more technology use, with no difference evident by age group (<italic>P</italic>=.81). CONCLUSIONS A majority of pediatric SLPs are using mobile apps less than 50% of the time in a pediatric setting and they use them more during intervention compared to assessment. While pediatric SLPs are hesitant to add to their client’s screen time, they would like more apps to be developed that are supported by research and are less expensive. Implications for future research and app development are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1026-1026
Author(s):  
Yi Lin ◽  
Graham Rowles

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic led to quarantines and mandatory spatial distancing; people of all ages were encouraged to use technologies instead of actual human contact as part of COVID-19 prevention. The promotion of mobile applications (apps) during the pandemic influenced mobile technology use behavior. This study explored age differences in mobile technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pilot-tested survey was distributed using online survey software. Persons surveyed were 35 years of age or older, currently living in the United States of America with experience using mobile technology. Survey questions pertained to mobile technology use frequency and factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology. The nationwide response included 1212 individuals. The average age of participants is 56.12±12.26 years old (female: male = 1.24:1). Responses were categorized participants into three age groups, 35 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 or older. Daily mobile technology use frequency increased significantly (p&lt;0.01) for all groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, with participants 35 to 49 having a significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) use frequency than other groups. Regarding factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology, 64.1% of respondents aged 50 to 64 identified the necessity of using this technology during the pandemic as a significant factor, and 64.0% of participants in age 65 or older reported that the availability of functions on mobile devices is critical. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mobile technology use with people in different age groups differentially valuing the factors that affected their user behavior.


10.2196/13966 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e13966
Author(s):  
Kelsey Thompson ◽  
Emily Zimmerman

Background While technology use in pediatric therapies is increasing, there is so far no research available focusing on how pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States use technology. Objective This paper sought to determine if, and to what extent, pediatric SLPs are using mobile apps, to determine what purpose they are using them for, and to identify gaps in available technology to provide guidance for future technological development. Methods Pediatric SLPs completed an online survey containing five sections: demographics, overall use, use in assessment, use in intervention, barriers, and future directions. Results Mobile app use by 485 pediatric SLPs in the clinical setting was analyzed. Most (364/438; 83.1%) pediatric SLPs reported using technology ≤50% of the time in their clinical work, with no differences evident by age group (<35 years and ≥35 years; P=.97). Pediatric SLPs are currently using apps for intervention (399/1105; 36.1%), clinical information (241/1105; 21.8%), parent education (151/1105; 13.7%), assessment (132/1105; 12%), client education (108/1105; 9.8%), and other uses (55/1105; 5.0%). Cost (46/135; 34.1%) and lack of an evidence base (36/135; 26.7%) were the most frequently reported barriers. Most SLPs (268/380; 70.7%) desired more technology use, with no difference evident by age group (P=.81). Conclusions A majority of pediatric SLPs are using mobile apps less than 50% of the time in a pediatric setting and they use them more during intervention compared to assessment. While pediatric SLPs are hesitant to add to their client’s screen time, they would like more apps to be developed that are supported by research and are less expensive. Implications for future research and app development are also discussed.


Author(s):  
William Leigh Atherton ◽  
Cheryl C Meola ◽  
Kenneth S Pritchard

Background: Adolescent substance use continues to rise in the United States, and innovative interventions are needed to increase treatment outcomes. The need for innovative, complementary approaches to adolescent addiction treatment is felt. Equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) has demonstrated to be an innovative intervention. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of an innovative EFP intervention on psychosocial and behavioral outcomes of adolescents with addiction. Patients and Methods: Ten adolescents diagnosed with substance use disorder referred from local providers participated in a six-session EFP group intervention. The study utilized a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design. The study used the Adolescent Behavior survey, Patient Health questionnaire 9, and generalized anxiety disorder 7 scales that were completed by the participants at baseline and upon completion of the six sessions. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare the pretest and posttest scores. Results: The results demonstrated a significant increase in adolescent behaviors associated with Glasser’s connecting habits, including listening, trusting, supporting, encouraging, respecting and accepting, and negotiating differences. The results also demonstrated a significant reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the potential efficacy of the innovative EFP intervention integrated into a choice theory-driven treatment strategy for improving psychosocial and behavioral concerns related to adolescent addiction. Future studies should consider research design alterations to increase the generalizability and interpretation of results. Further, future studies should include a qualitative or mixed-method design to elucidate the participants’ perception of the role of the equine as part of the intervention process.


1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome J. Platt ◽  
Gerhard Buhringer ◽  
Charles D. Kaplan ◽  
Barry S. Brown ◽  
Daniel O. Taube

During the 1980s, social scientists and policy makers have been examining the different kinds of pressures that affect the behavior of drug addicts, and have been discussing how these pressures may be better managed to get addicts into treatment, to change their drug-related behaviors during treatment, and to maintain these changes following treatment. This article reviews the pressures inherent in the legal, social, and treatment systems of the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany, and discusses the utility of combining elements of the legal and treatment systems. The article presents six propositions summarizing the conclusions reached at a conference regarding the assessment and use of pressures in addiction treatment. The article also presents the final recommendations that were made. It was concluded that the present lack of knowledge about the effectiveness of compulsory treatment raises ethical, as well as practical questions. Although compulsory treatment is a tempting solution to the drug addiction problem, a complete social policy analysis of the use of coercive pressure must be undertaken before acceptance would be appropriate. Compulsory treatment must be judged not in terms of moralistic ideas or political expediency, but in terms of the entire range of treatment policy options.


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