Evaluating Feasibility, Acceptability, Usability, and an Initial Estimate of Effect of a Novel Training Platform on Peer Recovery Supporter Skill, Adherence, and Knowledge Gain-Phase I

Thrive Digital Health, LLC

Status: Completed

Conditions: Substance-related Disorders; Alcohol and Other Substance Use Prevention; Alcohol and Other Drug Use Disorders

Treatments: Behavioral: Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Industry; NIH

Identifiers

NCT07090590

4R44AA030953-Phase I

1R44AA030953-01A1 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

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).

Full 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).

Enrollment: 12 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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12 participants in 1 patient group

TDPP Training Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm received access to the Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP), a fully asynchronous, self-paced digital training program designed to build skills in Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS). The TDPP includes 11 interactive modules structured around the Connect, Grow, Apply (CGA) learning model, peer-led stories, scenario-based exercises, and knowledge assessments. No control or comparator arm was included.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP)