A technology solution for peer-led Seeking Safety

AbstractPeers are increasingly recognized as an important asset in healthcarePeer support is historically most prominent for substance use disorderSUDsuch as the world wide model of Alcoholics Anonymous and otherstep groupsYet for trauma and posttraumatic stress disorderPTSDthere have been few attempts at peer helpA major challenge of trauma peer groups is that they usually focus on telling the story of membersandapostrauma historieswhich can be overly triggering and distressingSeeking Safety offers an excellent choice for peer led careIt is an evidence based and is the most widely adopted model for SUD PTDIt is present focusedcognitive behavioraland provides psychoeducation and coping skills to help clients attain greater safety in their livessafety from unsafe behavior toward themselves and otherssubstance useand trauma symptomsIt has been successfully implemented in peer led format for many years and has been studied in various trialsincluding a recent randomized controlled trialRCTcomparing peer versus professional deliverywith positive resultsIn Phasewe developed an exitingbeta version of a mobile app for peer led Seeking SafetyPLSSThe Peer SafetyPSapp was based on extensive input from end users and was evaluated in a feasibility studyWe found strong positive results in Phaseand now propose a Phaseproject to continue this workIn Phasewe would enhance the app features and content and also conduct an RCT in a sample of adults with current SUD PTSD to compare the PS app condition to a control appThey would haveweeks to use the app and participate in weekly online PLSSand would be assessed prepost and atmonth followup using validated instrumentsWe will also measure app usage and satisfactionThe primary outcomes are substance use and emotion regulationOur team offers an exceptional mix of expertise in SUDPTSDapp developmentclinical trialsSeeking Safetypeer servicesand SBIRsOur public health goal is to leverage technology to create PLSS in an online environment that would support recoveryanytimeanywherepowered by highly engaging content and deliveryMost people with SUD PTSD do not obtain formal treatmentThe PS app could address the need for access in remote locationsfor anonymous helpand for convenientlow cost helpdelivered by people who share their experiences as peersEven for those who do attend in person modalitiesthe app can provide additional support and unique featuresThis project proposes a novel technology solution to provide care for an important populationpeople with SUD PTSD Narrative We propose to continue the development of a mobile applicationandquot appandquotfor peer led Seeking SafetyPSSPSS is designed to teach coping skills to people who have substance abuse and trauma problems and is designed to help peers engage in PSS using exciting technology based featuresWe also propose a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the PSS app