User experience and real-world implementation of a peer-integrated digital health intervention for substance use disorder

Digital health interventions (DHIs) are a promising tool for supporting recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), yet implementation in vulnerable populations remains a concern. We conducted a 30-day observational study of Realize, Analyze, Engage (RAE) Health, a wearable sensor based DHI in dyads of clients with SUD (N = 75) and peer recovery professionals (N = 16) from 11 US outpatient recovery programs. Outcomes include acceptability, engagement, usability, and sustainability with validated instruments. Clients demonstrated high acceptability (Treatment Acceptability and Preferences Measure score = 3.37/4) and usability (System Usability Scale = 70.9): peers demonstrated high usability (78.2) and favorable acceptability and sustainability. Mean client app connectivity was 13.8/30 days. No significant differences in outcomes were observed by client income, employment, or education. These findings support real-world implementation of a peer-integrated DHI for SUD and suggest that embedding peer support within a DHI may extend reach across socioeconomic backgrounds.