CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT07090590Updated Jul 29, 2025

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

An interventional study of Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP) in Substance-related Disorders, Alcohol and Other Substance Use Prevention and Alcohol and Other Drug Use Disorders, sponsored by Thrive Digital Health, LLC. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-07-29.

Sponsored by Thrive Digital Health, LLC · Not applicable, Interventional, and Health services research

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
12
Allocation
Not applicable
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

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).

Read the detailed 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).

02

Conditions studied

  • Substance-related Disorders
  • Alcohol and Other Substance Use Prevention
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Use Disorders

Keywords

  • Peer Recovery Support
  • Peer Recovery Coaching
  • Substance Use Recovery
  • Alcohol Use Disorder
03

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

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

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
04

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Health services research
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
12 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    TDPP Training Intervention

    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.

    Behavioral: Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP)

Interventions

  • BehavioralThrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP)

    The Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP) is a fully asynchronous, web-based training program designed to support the professional development of Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS). The platform includes 11 interactive modules structured around the Connect, Grow, Apply (CGA) learning model. Content includes peer-led stories, behavioral simulations, scenario-based learning, and formative assessments. The intervention is intended to build competencies in professionalism, communication, and application of recovery-oriented peer support principles.

    Also known as: TDPP

05

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Skill and Adherence (YACS II)

    Scored performance on videotaped role-play using a modified version of the Yale Adherence and Competence Scale II (YACS II).

    Time frame: From baseline to within 1 week after training completion

Secondary outcomes

  1. System Usability Scale (SUS) Score

    Self-reported usability score using the System Usability Scale (SUS), a validated 10-item instrument that assesses the ease of use, satisfaction, and user experience of the TDPP platform.

    Time frame: Immediately post-training

  2. Knowledge Gain (Pre/Post Assessment)

    Improvement in participant scores on a knowledge test derived from the PRSS curriculum, administered pre- and post-training.

    Time frame: From baseline to immediately post-training

  3. Intention to Use (UTAUT-2 scale)

    Assessed using the UTAUT-2 "Intention to Use" construct, scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Measures perceived likelihood of future platform use in practice.

    Time frame: Immediately post-training

Other outcomes

  1. Self-Reported Satisfaction

    Participant-reported satisfaction with the training experience, assessed via a Likert-scale item ("How satisfied were you with the training experience overall?"). Scores range from 1 (not satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied).

    Time frame: Immediately post-training

  2. Qualitative Feedback (Open-Ended Exit Interview)

    Participant reflections on their training experience, collected through a structured exit interview or open-text response field. Thematic content analysis will be used to identify emergent themes related to learning impact, perceived professionalism, and platform usability.

    Time frame: Immediately post-training

06

Study locations

1 site
  • Thrive Digital Health
    Solon, Ohio 44139, United States
07

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No — This is a small, single-arm pilot study focused on usability, feasibility, and early-stage training outcomes. No individual participant data will be shared due to the limited sample size, qualitative nature of feedback, and privacy considerations. Aggregate findings may be shared in scientific presentations or publications.

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

08

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07090590
Lead sponsor
Thrive Digital Health, LLC
Collaborators
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jul 29, 2025
Start date
Mar 18, 2024
Primary completion
Aug 31, 2024
Completion
Aug 31, 2024
Last update
Jul 29, 2025

Study contacts

Christopher Pesce, JD, MBA
principal investigator · Thrive Digital Health

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is completed, as verified in Jul 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

Follow this study

Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.

Sign in to follow

Discussion

Questions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.

Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.

Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.

Start the discussion