Adaptive smartphone and wearable support for people with substance use
Novel Methods to Inform mHealth Interventions for Substance Use
This project builds smarter phone and wearable tools that send timely, personalized support to people trying to reduce or stop substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321102 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses phones and wearable sensors to learn when you are most likely to need support and to deliver short, personalized help in the moment. Researchers will run rapid, small randomized experiments through mobile apps to collect real-world data about what kinds of messages and timing help most. New data methods will be developed to link those momentary improvements to longer-term results, like reduced substance use over months. The goal is to create just-in-time, adaptive support that changes as your needs and context change.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with current substance use concerns who use a smartphone (and are willing to wear or carry simple sensors) and want to try mobile support.
Not a fit: People without reliable access to a smartphone or wearable, those in inpatient locked settings, or those who do not want digital support may not receive benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to mobile programs that give the right help at the right time and ultimately reduce substance use over the long term.
How similar studies have performed: Prior micro-randomized trials and just-in-time interventions have shown promise for brief, momentary support, but applying new analytics to optimize long-term outcomes is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ertefaie, Ashkan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ertefaie, Ashkan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.