Interactive Computer-Assisted Recovery Enabler (ICARE): Treatment Support and Monitoring Tool for Substance Using Offenders

This proposal seeks to build a mobile application, Interactive Computer-Assisted Recovery Enabler (ICARE) to assist drug-involved probationers participating in North Carolina’s Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC) recovery program. ICARE will assist probationers with appointment scheduling and reminders, assess wellness and treatment satisfaction, and provide coaching and encouragement messages. RTI proposes to evaluate ICARE with both a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) and an exploratory implementation study.

The RCT will be implemented in urban counties with 520 new TASC enrollees. The participants will be randomized into TASC with the use of ICARE (treatment) or TASC as usual (control). The RCT will document program participation, such as missed appointments, positive drug tests, and probation violations. The exploratory impact study will include 380 participants (260 ICARE users from the RCT with an additional 120 ICARE users in rural counties) and study ease-of-use, barriers to treatment, and explore differences in use between metropolitan and rural areas. This will be assessed through surveys and focus groups.

"Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14).

CA/NCF