Needle-X: Usability Testing of a Smartphone Application

Needle-X: Usability Testing of a Smartphone Application

Mobile health interventions offer a longitudinal approach to reducing the burden of substance use disorders and may stem the rise of the opioid overdose epidemic. Smartphone applications are one of the most popular mobile phone features nationally, among patients in addiction treatment, and among criminal justice involved (CJI) patients enrolled in addiction treatment. This research conducted at Bellevue Hospital's inpatient detoxification program established attitudes and self-reported behaviors favorable to theoretical smartphone applications addressing opioid use, HIV, and HCV prevention and management strategies. This study aims to assess the feasibility and usability of a smartphone application to enhance access to sterile needles, naloxone overdose kits, and addiction treatment programs in New York City.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fluent in spoken and written English;
• Meets or has previously met DSM-5 criteria for current opioid use disorder, of at least moderate severity;
• Owns or has owned a smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any patient who does not meet the inclusion criteria as above, is clinically unstable per the unit admitting physicians, refuses to participate in the study, or is cognitively impaired.