eHaRT-A: Adapting an Evidence-based Harm Reduction Treatment into a Virtual Telehealth Intervention for People with Lived Experience of Homelessness and Alcohol Use Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the adaptation of a proven in-person harm-reduction treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), called HaRT-A, into a digital telehealth platform named eHaRT-A. This study focuses on individuals with lived experience of homelessness who have AUD and are living in permanent supportive Housing First (HF) facilities. The aim is to determine if eHaRT-A can better reduce alcohol-related harm and improve quality of life compared to the usual supportive services offered by HF programs. The study includes two phases: Phase 1 involves co-developing and testing the eHaRT-A telehealth platform with input from HF residents, staff, and management to ensure it is usable, feasible, and acceptable. Phase 2 is a randomized controlled trial comparing the eHaRT-A intervention delivered via one-on-one video sessions against standard HF services. eHaRT-A maintains the core components of HaRT-A, which include tracking alcohol-related harm, setting personalized harm-reduction and health goals, and discussing safer drinking strategies. Participants will be adults registered at HF sites who meet criteria for current AUD and are actively drinking. The study involves assessments at baseline, during treatment, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. These include self-report questionnaires on alcohol use, health-related quality of life, and urine tests for alcohol biomarkers. Qualitative interviews will also gather feedback on the intervention's acceptability and effectiveness. The study will monitor changes in alcohol use, alcohol-related harm, and quality of life over time while assessing the feasibility of delivering eHaRT-A within HF settings.

Electronic Harm Reduction Treatment for Alcohol