Alcohol and Other Drug Use Disorders, Alcohol and Other Substance Use Prevention, Substance-related Disorders
Conditions
Keywords
Peer Recovery Support, Peer Recovery Coaching, Substance Use Recovery, Alcohol Use Disorder
Brief summary
This pilot study evaluates the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of the Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP), an online training system for Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS). Twelve participants were enrolled to complete the full TDPP asynchronous curriculum, including self-paced modules, peer-led storytelling, and applied practice activities. The study aimed to assess participant engagement, satisfaction, and perceived relevance of the training to their work as peer supporters. This work represents the Phase I portion of a Fast Track SBIR funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
Detailed description
The Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP) was developed to support the professionalization and skill development of Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) by providing an accessible, modular, and evidence-informed training experience. In this Phase I pilot, twelve PRSS participants were recruited to complete a series of interactive online learning modules aligned with the Connect, Grow, Apply (CGA) educational framework. Each module contained peer-led narratives, knowledge checks, and behavioral exercises grounded in real-world coaching scenarios. Primary outcomes included system usability, satisfaction, and self-reported training relevance. Participants completed a post-training assessment and a brief exit interview to capture usability and acceptability ratings. The findings were used to refine content, improve onboarding, and establish readiness for a larger randomized controlled trial in Phase II. This study did not include a control group. All participants received access to the full training experience and completed their participation within a defined study period. No follow-up or long-term monitoring was conducted. This trial was conducted as the Phase I component of a Fast Track SBIR (R44AA030953) funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
Interventions
BEHAVIORALThrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP)
The Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP) is a fully asynchronous, web-based training program designed to support the professional development of Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS). The platform includes 11 interactive modules structured around the Connect, Grow, Apply (CGA) learning model. Content includes peer-led stories, behavioral simulations, scenario-based learning, and formative assessments. The intervention is intended to build competencies in professionalism, communication, and application of recovery-oriented peer support principles.
Sponsors
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Thrive Digital Health, LLC
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
feasibility/usability pilot study
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18 or older * Self-identified person in recovery from a substance use disorder * At least one year of continuous sobriety from alcohol and other substances * Currently working or preparing to work as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) * Willing and able to participate in digital training sessions * Has access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connection * Able to read and understand English * Provides informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Active suicidal ideation (as indicated by PHQ-9 item 9) * An inability to read or speak English * Severe anxiety (GAD-7 score \>15) * Inability to complete online training due to technical or cognitive limitations
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Skill and Adherence (YACS II) | From baseline to within 1 week after training completion | Scored performance on videotaped role-play using a modified version of the Yale Adherence and Competence Scale II (YACS II). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| System Usability Scale (SUS) Score | Immediately post-training | Self-reported usability score using the System Usability Scale (SUS), a validated 10-item instrument that assesses the ease of use, satisfaction, and user experience of the TDPP platform. |
| Knowledge Gain (Pre/Post Assessment) | From baseline to immediately post-training | Improvement in participant scores on a knowledge test derived from the PRSS curriculum, administered pre- and post-training. |
| Intention to Use (UTAUT-2 scale) | Immediately post-training | Assessed using the UTAUT-2 Intention to Use construct, scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Measures perceived likelihood of future platform use in practice. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Reported Satisfaction | Immediately post-training | Participant-reported satisfaction with the training experience, assessed via a Likert-scale item (How satisfied were you with the training experience overall?). Scores range from 1 (not satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied). |
| Qualitative Feedback (Open-Ended Exit Interview) | Immediately post-training | Participant reflections on their training experience, collected through a structured exit interview or open-text response field. Thematic content analysis will be used to identify emergent themes related to learning impact, perceived professionalism, and platform usability. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed