Acceptability and quality of the 'Grog Survey App' brief intervention: Helping Aboriginal Australians reflect on their drinking using a digital health tool.

Abstract

Introduction: The Grog Survey App is a validated, visual and interactive self-administered application for tablet computers that is designed to help Aboriginal Australians describe their alcohol consumption. Each person who completes the App also receives a brief intervention with feedback tailored to their survey responses. We aimed to qualitatively assess the acceptability and perceived quality of the Grog App's brief intervention, among higher risk consumers and health providers at an Aboriginal residential rehabilitation centre.

Methods: This descriptive qualitative study analysed feedback from clients (n = 20) and staff (n = 10) of a drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation service on the brief intervention element of the Grog App. Data were collected face-to-face via semi-structured interviews over four consecutive weeks between May and June 2021. A content analysis was conducted, which was informed by the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS).

Results: Client and staff feedback is summarised using four themes from the MARS framework: (i) aesthetics; (ii) engagement; (iii) functionality; and (iv) information. Most clients and staff felt like health messages on the brief intervention were written by 'someone who understands'. Overall, clients and staff described the brief intervention as visually appealing, engaging and likely able to elicit 'lightbulb moments'.

Discussion and conclusion: The brief intervention on the Grog App is unique in its provision of tailored advice based on survey responses to all individuals (i.e., those who do not drink through to those with likely dependence). Further research is needed to assess effectiveness of this brief intervention.