The become program aimed to expand current understandings of how co-morbid mental health and substance use interventions can be translated to, and delivered in, an online format. It responded to the substantial decline in Australia’s mental health and increase in substance misuse as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The study engage people with lived experience of trauma symptoms and substance use in user-testing of a purpose-built e-resource adapted from an existing evidence-based, clinician led intervention. Findings helped to inform clinical and creative decisions and improvements of the e-resource, which is now available to the wider population.
Funders
Project Partners
Login Lab Researchers
Dara Sampson
Hannah Cootes
Hannah Wells
Prof Frances Kay-Lambkin
Status update: The become project is now complete
About
This study builds on the work of the landmark Cracks in the Ice (CITI) project and will develop a new resource in response to COVID-19 and the demand for services and support for people with lived experience of trauma and substance use. Participants will be invited to engage in user testing of an online ‘e-health’ support program prototype, translated from an existing evidence-based treatment manual. The wider CITI research team developed this manual, the first of its kind to assist health professionals working in substance use services to manage trauma in their clients. This arm of the project seeks to engage people with lived experience of trauma and substance use in end-user testing of the four-module prototype, via web-based analytics and short responses, as well as telephone interviews. This testing will ensure the usability and feasibility of dissemination the prototype to the wider Australian population.
AIM
The project aimed to explore i) the usability, feasibility, and relevance of the online program, and ii) the experiences, beliefs and perceptions of people with co-current substance use and trauma symptoms in regards to the program. Findings helped to inform the development of the intervention to ensure it is best suited to the needs of this population.
WHY
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for all Australians. The ongoing uncertainty, isolation, and stress will likely be even more challenging for those with pre-existing, dual (co-morbid) trauma and substance use issues. It was important that online resources were quickly built and improved, so that those who have experienced traumatic events and utilise drugs and/or alcohol to cope are able to access the best and latest evidence-based care, when they need it.
The wider CITI team have developed an evidence-based program that was intended to assist health care professionals, working in substance use services, to support their clients to better understand and cope with their traumatic life experiences. This research made sure that the online, self-directed version of this program titled Become, the ‘prototype’, was usable, safe, and acceptable.
You can access become directly via the link below.