2023

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction App for African American Caregivers

NIA (2R44AG071168-02)
This study seeks to build on Phase I findings to incorporate research-driven enhancements into a prototype mindfulness-based mobile app for African American caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), conduct a feasibility trial of the enhanced app, and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing caregiver stress in a randomized controlled trial. If proven to be effective, the app could have a positive impact on the well-being of African American caregivers that serve as a critical pillar of support for many PLWHA.

2021

Validation of the TAPS-Electronic Spanish Platform (TAPS-ESP): A Technology to Improve Access to Substance Use Screening and Reduce Behavioral Health Disparities in Hispanic Primary Care Patients

NIMHD (2R44MD012782-02)                      
The TAPS Tool is a screening and brief assessment tool to detect unhealthy substance use in primary care. Building on our prior work to develop a Spanish language version of the TAPS Tool in a technology platform (the TAPS-ESP), in this study we will (1) integrate the TAPS-ESP into the existing health information technology infrastructure of a large healthcare system, (2) conduct a rigorous large-scale validation study of the TAPS-ESP, and (3) examine barriers and facilitators of real-world implementation from a provider workflow perspective.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for African American Caregivers

NIA (1R41AG071168-01A1)
This study seeks to develop a mindfulness app for caregivers that will be designed to reduce caregiver stress, depression, and anxiety. Reducing stress may lead to improved mental health, which could lead to better caregiver and care recipient relationships while preventing burnout and cessation of caregiving.

2019

The Daily Progress System – A Recovery Support Tool to Reduce Health Disparities in Outpatient Substance Use Treatment

NIMHD (1R41MD012261-01A1)
This study seeks to develop a mobile-friendly, web-based platform designed to obtain information from substance use disorder treatment clients on a daily basis in order to assess treatment needs and tailor treatment services. The Daily Progress System is designed to improve treatment engagement and retention among vulnerable clients in substance use treatment who are disproportionately likely to experience disparities in quality care and outcomes.

Continuing Care App for Probationers and Parolees with Substance Use Disorders

NIMHD (2R44MD008848-02)
This study seeks to complete the development of a Continuing Care mobile app and conduct a randomized controlled trial to assess efficacy among clients on probation or parole who are enrolled in outpatient substance use treatment. The app is designed to meet the recovery and personal support needs of probationers and parolees with SUDs who are at elevated risk of relapse, re-arrest, and incarceration. App content is focused on substance use recovery, reducing criminal thinking and behavior, and managing and building support systems. If proven to be efficacious, the app could be deployed across the national network of outpatient treatment providers, and be highly significant in its direct impact on public health.

2018

TAPS-ESP: Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Drug, and Illicit Substance Use – Electronic Spanish Platform: Technologies to Increase Screening in Primary Care to Reduce Behavioral Health Disparities

NIMHD (1R41 MD012782-01)
This study seeks to develop and test a Spanish-language version of the TAPS Tool in a self-administered mobile/tablet technology platform (the TAPS-Electronic Spanish Platform, or TAPS-ESP). The TAPS Tool is a newly validated two-stage screening and brief assessment to identify substance use problems in primary care. This technology could expand access to evidence-based, linguistically-accurate, and culturally-relevant substance use screening and assessment for an underserved health disparity population.

2016

Screening Assessment and Resources

NIDA (N44 DA-16-5580)
The goal of this study is to further develop the Screening and Assessment Resources Phase I product, a comprehensive system designed to facilitate the automated delivery of substance use risk screening, assessment, and referral services. The system will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial to compare outcomes between the intervention group patients and patients receiving usual customary care.

Computerizing NIAAA’s Best Practices for Youth Screening and Brief Intervention

NIAAA (1R41 AA024354-01A1)
This project seeks to translate key elements in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)’s Practitioner’s Guide for pediatric alcohol misuse to a computerized web- and mobile-compatible format. A computerized version of this Guide could dramatically enhance its practical utility for clinicians, thereby increasing the number of youth who receive high-quality alcohol screening and appropriate intervention.

2015

Avatar Assisted Therapy for Probationers and Parolees with Substance Use Disorders

NIMHD (1R41 MD009540-01)
The primary aim of this project is to develop an Avatar Assisted Therapy (AAT) platform for probationers/parolees with substance use disorders who are in need of outpatient substance abuse treatment. AAT uses the Internet to enable clinicians and clients in substance abuse treatment programs to interact in group sessions from separate and remote locations in real-time through the use of avatars (i.e., digital self-representations).

Continuing Care App for Probationers and Parolees with Substance Use Disorders

NIMHD (1R41 MD008848-01)
The primary aim of this project is to develop a continuing care mobile application for probationers and parolees completing outpatient substance abuse treatment who are at high risk of substance abuse relapse, HIV related risk factors, and re-arrest and re-incarceration.

Mobile Mindfulness Based Smoking Cessation

NCI (1R43 CA195849-01)
The primary aim of this project is to develop a mindfulness-based smoking cessation program delivered to smokers on their smartphone devices (Android/iPhone). This program is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program tailored for smoking cessation.

2014

Screening Assessment and Resources

NIDA (N43 DA145580)
The primary aim of this project was to design, develop, and evaluate a substance use and related risk behaviors screening and assessment system for providers and patients in healthcare service settings. This system included web-based delivery of substance use risk assessments to patients and web-based delivery of the collected assessment data reports for providers based on this data.

A Daily Client Check-In System for Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment

NIDA (1R41 DA036949-01)
The primary aim of this project was to develop a phone-based interactive voice response system designed to obtain client report information between weekly substance abuse treatment sessions regarding mood, cravings, substance use, and involvement in recovery support activities. The system was designed to generate a brief, one-page weekly summary report to assist clinicians in assessing client needs and tailoring treatment services.

2013

Mobile App Targeting Meth Use, HIV Sex Risks, & ART Adherence for Gay/Bisexual Men

NIDA (1R41 DA036438-01)
The primary aim of this project was to conduct formative work to assist in the development of a culturally competent and consumer responsive computerized app for gay/bisexual methamphetamine-using men. This app was designed to reduce methamphetamine use and HIV sexual risk behaviors and to increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication adherence.

MedCheck – Medication Adherence System

NIDA (N43 DA132238)
The primary aim of this project was to develop and evaluate a comprehensive and interactive medication adherence support system for patients and their providers. This system included a web- and mobile-based support system that integrated content delivery and real-time data collection to motivate patients to adhere to their medication treatment plans. Moreover, the system was designed to facilitate ongoing monitoring and communication between patients and providers in-between office visits.