The primary objective of this protocol is to implement the UG3 phase (Phase 1) of a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) UG3/UH3 grant (RFA-DA-23-049). This phase is dedicated to the pilot testing of NEAT-O, a digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program tailored for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and concurrent anxiety or mood disorders - collectively referred to as internalizing disorders (INTDs). NEAT-O is based on an empirically supported CBT framework, specifically modified to address the complexities of comorbidity in substance use disorders (SUDs). This pilot study will evaluate the usability and acceptability of NEAT-O in 15 participants with OUD, with the goal of refining the program\'s content and delivery methods. The results of the pilot study will inform a comprehensive RCT in the UH3 Phase (Phase 2) (N=300). Progression to the UH3 phase, with its funding, depends on meeting milestones in Phase 1 including demonstrating protocol adherence and the program\'s acceptability and usability.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
17
NEAT-O's curriculum is designed to interrupt the cycle of negative emotions and opioid use through a multifaceted approach encompassing physiological, psychological, and behavioral strategies. The program includes interactive modules that capture the core therapeutic components of CBT and teach skills to support OUD recovery.
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Acceptability
Measured by the completion rate of NEAT-O modules, app usage frequency, modules accessed, and session length (after each module). Interaction frequency and module completion rates will be quantified using frequency counts and percentages.
Time frame: 45 days
Usability
Evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS) to assess effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. The SUS is a well-validated questionnaire with 10 items. 27 Scores of 70 or above on the SUS are considered acceptable (Post-Tx).
Time frame: 45 days
Attractiveness and Information Quality
The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) will be used to evaluate the attractiveness and information quality of NEAT-O. Scores of 3 or higher (out of a maximum score of 5) on the MARS are generally considered acceptable and indicate that the app has a high level of overall quality and content (after each module).
Time frame: 45 days
Feasibility of EMA Collection Among Individuals with OUD
Compliance with the EMA procedure will be assessed by tracking the number of days EMA prompts are completed as well as the average number of prompts completed per day using frequency counts and percentages.
Time frame: 45 days
Recruitment and Retention Metrics
Recruitment effectiveness and participant retention will be monitored through descriptive statistics, including counts, percentages, and adherence rates to the recruitment timeline.
Time frame: 45 days
Preliminary Efficacy Indicators
Patterns of opioid use (e.g., EMA data, Pre and Post-Tx measures), quality of life (WHODAS 2.0 scores), measures derived from the neurobiological domains of the addiction. These measures will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify early patterns and improvements.
Time frame: 45 days
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