JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Substance use places a significant burden on our communities, both economically and socially. In light of COVID-19, it is predicted that as many as 75,000 more people will die from alcohol and other substance use and suicide as a result of isolation, new mental health concerns, and various other stressors related to the pandemic. Public awareness campaigns that aim to destigmatize substance use and help individuals have meaningful conversations with friends, coworkers, or family members to address substance use concerns are a timely and cost-effective means of augmenting existing behavioral health efforts related to substance use. These types of interventions can supplement the work being done by existing public health initiatives.

Objective:

This pilot study examines the impact of the One Degree: Shift the Influence role-play simulation, designed to teach family, friends and coworkers to effectively manage problem-solving conversations with individuals that they are concerned about regarding substance use.

Methods:

Participants recruited for this mixed methods study completed a pre-survey, the simulation, a post survey, and were sent a six-week follow-up survey. The simulation involves practicing a role-play conversation with a virtual human coded with emotions, memory and personality. A virtual coach provides feedback in using evidence-based communication strategies such as motivational interviewing.

Results:

Matched sample ANOVA revealed significant increases at follow-up in composite attitudinal constructs of preparedness (P<.001) and self-efficacy (P=.012), including: 1) starting a conversation with someone regarding substance use, 2) avoiding upsetting someone while bringing up concerns, 3) focusing on observable facts, and 4) problem-solving. Qualitative data provided further evidence of the simulation’s positive impact on ability to have meaningful conversations about substance use.

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary evidence that conversation-based simulations like One Degree: Shift the Influence, that utilize role-play practice, can teach individuals to use evidence-based communication strategies and can cost-effectively reach geographically dispersed populations to support public health initiatives for primary prevention.