Digital, locally adapted WHO guide to help primary care doctors treat substance use problems
Testing a Contextualized and Digitalized WHO's Mental Health Action Gap Intervention Guide Substance Use Disorders Module in Primary Care Settings of Pakistan: A Feasibility Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning · NCT07386574
This project will test a digital training program that helps primary care doctors in Pakistan learn WHO’s substance use care guide so they can better treat people with substance use problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi) |
| Trial ID | NCT07386574 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project will adapt and digitalize the World Health Organization's mhGAP Intervention Guide SUD module for use in Pakistan's primary care settings, combining cultural/contextual changes with eHealth tools. It will deploy a blended training program (mHealth, online modules, and telemedicine support) for about 300 primary care physicians working in urban and rural primary care units. Feasibility and acceptability will be tested using a cluster randomized controlled design comparing the e-mhGAP-IG SUD training to control sites. Outcomes will focus on whether the training can be delivered, used, and accepted by clinicians and primary care services, rather than definitive clinical effectiveness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are primary and non-specialized healthcare providers permanently working in the selected Primary Care Units and Basic Health Units in the targeted Pakistani cities who have a smartphone, internet access, and give informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients who receive care outside participating clinics or whose providers lack smartphone or internet access are unlikely to see benefits from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with substance use disorders could have more accessible and better-informed care at local primary care clinics through trained providers and telemedicine support.
How similar studies have performed: Previous adaptations of WHO's mhGAP in low- and middle-income countries have shown feasibility and improved primary care management for common mental disorders, but digitalized, SUD-specific implementations with randomized data remain relatively limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary and non-specialized healthcare providers working in the identified health facilities for this study across three targeted cities; willing to give informed consent for participation in this trial. Exclusion Criteria: * Any primary and non-specialized healthcare provider who is not permanently working in the selected health facilities, has no access to a smart mobile phone and/or internet connection; and is uncomfortable using a mobile phone.
Where this trial is running
Karachi
- Basic Health Unit — Karachi, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr Ishrat Yousaf
- Email: ishrat.yousaf@cust.edu.pk
- Phone: +92 336 5289293
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Substance Use Disorder