title: Study protocol: a dissemination trial of computerized psychological treatment for depression and alcohol/other drug use comorbidity in an Australian clinical service.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The rise of the internet and related technologies has significant implications for the treatment of complex health problems, including the combination of depression and alcohol/other drug (AOD) misuse. To date, no research exists to test the real world uptake of internet and computer-delivered treatment programs in clinical practice. This study is important, as it is the first to examine the adoption of the SHADE treatment program, a DVD-based psychological treatment for depression and AOD use comorbidity, by clinicians working in a publicly-funded AOD clinical service. The study protocol that follows describes the methodology of this dissemination trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  19 clinicians within an AOD service on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, will be recruited to the trial. Consenting clinicians will participate in a baseline focus group discussion designed to explore their experiences and perceived barriers to adopting innovation in their clinical practice. Computer comfort and openness to innovation will also be assessed. Throughout the trial, current, new and wait-list clients will be referred to the research program via the clinical service, which will involve clients completing a baseline and 15-week follow-up clinical assessment with independent research assistants, comprising a range of mental health and AOD measures. Clinicians will also complete session checklists following each clinical session with a client, outlining the extent to which the SHADE computer program was used. Therapeutic alliance will be measured at intake and discharge from both the clinician and client perspectives.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study will provide comprehensive data on the factors associated with the adoption of an innovative, computer-delivered evidence-based treatment program, SHADE, by clinicians working in an AOD service. The results will contribute to the development of a model of dissemination of SHADE, which could be applied to a range of technological innovations.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Australian Clinical Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12611000382976.
authors: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. f.kaylambkin@unsw.edu.au
authors: Frances J
authors: FJ
authors: Kay-Lambkin
authors: Amanda L
authors: AL
authors: Baker
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: Healey
authors: Samantha
authors: S
authors: Wolfe
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Simpson
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Brooks
authors: Jenny
authors: J
authors: Bowman
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Childs
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D019114:Remote Consultation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted