Smartphone App Development to Support Veterans Receiving Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Improving Functional Outcomes with ACT to RECOVER

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to develop and evaluate a smartphone application called ACT to RECOVER to support Veterans with Opioid Use Disorder OUD who are receiving medication treatment. OUD is a chronic condition affecting many Veterans, often leading to poorer quality of life and challenges in social and occupational functioning. The study focuses on improving functional outcomes for Veterans in medication treatment for OUD by addressing gaps in current care. The study involves three phases Phase 1 focuses on developing the app content with feedback from Veterans and providers over 15 months. Phase 2 involves iterative usability testing in three rounds with Veterans using a beta version of the app to refine its format and usability over 18 months. Phase 3 is a Stage 1b randomized controlled trial where Veterans are assigned to use either the ACT to RECOVER app or a smartphone-based symptom monitoring program for 4 weeks, with follow-up visits at 2, 4, and 5 weeks. Participants will complete baseline assessments and outcome measures including quality of life, values-based living, opioid use, and app usability. Data collection includes interviews, questionnaires, and app usage tracking throughout the study phases. The research team will evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary functional and clinical outcomes to inform future efficacy testing. Total study duration spans multiple years, with the pilot trial lasting about 5 weeks per participant.

Developing a Smartphone Application to Support Veteran Opioid Use Disorder Treatment