RAE Health I-Corps

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R44 · $55,000 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

! PROJECT SUMMARY The research project outlined in this SBIR submission will develop the Realize, Analyze, Engage (RAE) platform into a tool to promote sustained recovery in individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorder. In this proposal, the investigators intend to deploy the RAE system- consisting of a wearable sensor, a smartphone app, and a clinical portal- to provide individuals in recovery and their treatment providers with an opportunity to identify moments of high risk for relapse and to access real time intervention opportunities. Wearable biosensors are small, noninvasive devices that continuously record physiology. These sensors have the ability to detect digital biomarkers of drug use, craving and stress, the latter of which herald an increased risk of relapse. RAE aims to utilize this capability to create a real-time solution for individuals in recovery. The components of RAE are: 1) The Empatica Embrace and/or Garmin VivoSmart, a wrist mounted sensor similar in form factor to a smart watch, that continuously monitors skin temperature, electrodermal activity (EDA) and locomotion. Detection algorithms for stress, craving and drug use will be embedded on the Embrace firmware. 2) The RAE smartphone application (app), for the individual in recovery. The app will be triggered either by detection of an event on the Embrace or manually by the user when needed and will provide multiple options for annotations, stress reduction techniques and immediate contact with individuals in the pre-defined support system via call or SMS text. The app will also log sleep, physical activity, and geographic location of events. 3) The RAE Portal, for the treatment provider, will deliver alerts when an event is detected on the user’s device for the opportunity to intervene in real time and will also provide metrics on the user’s recorded activities. The research plan has two Specific Aims: Aim 1) Technology Deployment: To deploy and optimize the RAE system in a population of individuals in treatment for substance use disorder and Aim 2) Aim 2: Technology Evaluation and Optimization: To evaluate the compliance, usability and accuracy of the RAE system To achieve these aims, the investigators will first deploy the technology in a population of individuals in recovery and collect data on accuracy, usability and functionality (Aim 1). The data from Aim 1 will be used to optimize the system and achieve millstones in Aim 2 which will include sensitivity, specify, accuracy and user compliance targets. The investigators have assembled a leadership team and advisory team with the necessary expertise in business, medicine, wearable technology and engineering to develop RAE into a tool that dramatically improves the success of treatment for substance use disorder, promotes sustained sobriety, and reduces morbidity and mortality from relapse to substance use. !

Key facts

NIH application ID
10045689
Project number
3R44DA046151-01S1
Recipient
CONTINUEYOU, LLC
Principal Investigator
STEPHANIE P CARREIRO
Activity code
R44
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2020
Award amount
$55,000
Award type
3
Project period
2019-06-15 → 2020-12-31