Clinicians’ perspectives on integrating smartphone application data into routine alcohol dependency treatment: factors influencing implementation

TL;DR

This study explores how clinicians in Sweden view using smartphone app data in alcohol dependency treatment and what factors help or hinder its use.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into clinicians' perspectives on integrating smartphone app data into alcohol dependency treatment and identifies barriers and facilitators for implementation.

Findings

Clinicians emphasized the importance of a person-centred approach and patient engagement with app-based interventions.

Technical issues and external portals were seen as barriers to effective implementation.

Clinicians noted benefits such as increased patient accountability and support during treatment sessions.

Abstract

Incorporating clinicians’ perspectives is essential for the successful implementation of novel interventions in health care. This study aimed to explore clinicians’ experiences of using smartphone-derived data in alcohol dependency treatment, and factors affecting implementation into routine care.

Two focus group discussions were conducted in April 2023, including 10 clinicians working at a specialist addiction clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. The clinicians had various levels of experience using smartphone-based data, which was available through two online portals, as part of a randomised controlled trial evaluating two smartphone-based interventions. Data were analysed using Thematic Framework Analysis, guided by Normalisation Process Theory.

Two main themes were identified: The patient as the driving force and Cultivating commitment, competence and credibility. The first theme highlighted a person-centred approach that permeated the practice and how the patients’ engagement with the app-based interventions guided the clinicians’ own involvement. Benefits of the interventions for both patients (i.e., increased awareness and control) and clinicians (i.e. supportive during treatment sessions) were also acknowledged. Clinicians believed that the interventions offered an opportunity for patients to become more actively involved in treatment and noted that clinician access to the app-derived data was less important. The second theme covered clinician discussions on the need for support and guidance to make better use of the interventions, continuity in the work, and additional work time. Moreover, the use of external portals made the intervention less accessible. Potential risks and concerns with the interventions were raised, including technical instability and data security.

The results of this study indicate that a breathalyser-coupled and a drink-counting smartphone application have potential to be supportive complements to alcohol dependency treatment. According to the clinicians, the app-based interventions enhanced patient accountability in the change process and supported treatment delivery. To be effectively implemented into routine care, using a person-centred approach is key, as well as ensuring optimal conditions for clinicians to effectively use the systems. Technical issues constitute a barrier to acceptance, why technical robustness must be ensured.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13722-025-00597-4.

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