A technology solution for peer-led Seeking Safety

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Peers are increasingly recognized as an important asset in healthcare Peer supports are historically most prominent for substance use disorder SUD For trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD there have been very few attempts at peer help A key challenge of trauma peer groups is that they usually focus on andquot telling the storyandquot of membersandapos trauma histories which can be overly triggering and distressing Seeking Safety SS offers an excellent choice for peer led care It is an evidence based widely adopted model for PTSD SUD It is extremely well suited to peer delivery because it is highly stabilizing structured optimistic and educational and it has already been successfully implemented in peer led format for many years by many different entities We propose a mobile app for delivery of peer led Seeking Safety PSS in this Phase I application The app would be highly innovative the first app for any trauma SUD model the first for trauma SUD peer support and the first for PSS It has no existing competitors on the market Given the high rate of trauma SUD comorbidity and its far reaching impact such an app could have major public health importance as well as strong commercial potential Our aims are as follows To develop the peer led Seeking Safety PSS mobile app This will be an exciting engaging Android app for smartphones and tablets We emphasize three app domains for end users to access as well as two key processes that apply across the domains all described in detail in the proposal including user experience and technical details Overall we would leverage technology to create PSS in an online environment that would support recovery andquot anytime anywhere andquot powered by highly engaging content and delivery Most people with trauma SUD do not obtain formal treatment The PSS app could address the need for access in remote locations for anonymous help and for convenient help delivered by people who share their experiences as peers Even for those who do attend in person modalities the app can provide additional support and unique features For development of the app we emphasize an iterative process that includes focus groups with end users as well as input from our outstanding consulting team several of whom are peers themselves and or have conducted PSS To conduct a feasibility study of the app This pilot will obtain information on end users experience usage and satisfaction with the app which can inform a Phase II study if warranted by our Phase I results Qualitative and quantitative data will be obtained pre and post with an emphasis on validated instruments Our truly stellar team has expertise in peer services research on trauma PTSD and SUD telehealth mobile app development for healthcare and a focus on innovative products to improve care for vulnerable populations This project would create a novel technology solution to provide care for an important population people with trauma SUD The use of PSS in app form can create major impact from both a public health and commercial standpoint PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE We propose to develop a mobile application andquot appandquot for peer led Seeking Safety PSS PSS is designed to teach coping skills to people who have substance abuse and trauma problems The app could be used on Android smartphones or tablets and is designed to help peers engage in PSS using exciting technology based features