Kay-Lambkin, F.J., Simpson, A.L., Bowman, J., & Childs, S. (2014). Dissemination of a computer-based psychological treatment in a drug and alcohol clinical service: An observational study. Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, 9, 15. PMCID: PMC4131058.
Because computer-based psychological treatments have not been widely implemented, the authors were interested in how and why clinicians would use a computer-based treatment programs for patients. Clinicians at a community addiction treatment program were given computers with the Self-Help for Alcohol and Other Drug Use (SHADE) program for treating co-occurring substance use and depression. The researchers also completed a two-hour training session with 13 clinicians. At this session, the researchers and clinicians discussed the use of computer-based treatments, and researchers demonstrated the use of the SHADE program. By 15 weeks after the training, 92% of clinicians had used or discussed SHADE with their clients. Thirty-four percent of clients received all SHADE modules. Other clinicians recommended the use of SHADE, or used some handouts and worksheets from SHADE as supplements to in-person therapy. Despite the low use of SHADE, most clinicians in this study were open to innovation and had low levels of computer anxiety. Eighty percent of clients reported a willingness to use SHADE if offered. Because of these results, the authors feel that additional support for clinicians may be necessary to encourage adoption of computer-based programs.