# Reach and Scalability of Digital Therapeutics for Childhood Behavior Problems

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $657,700

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Although evidence-based treatments (EBTs) have been developed for childhood behavior problems, many
families do not have access to these services. Barriers to access include local availability of services,
transportation, cost, and perceived stigma. In this project, we aim to test the effectiveness of a mobile health
(mHealth) system as a standalone versus coach-assisted intervention with the goal of achieving reach and
scalability. The project will consist of an RCT to study the effectiveness of an mHealth system called UseIt!
(Utilizing Skills to Enhance the Impact of Treatment) to deliver treatment remotely and promote the use of
parent management training (PMT) skills and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills. UseIt! is part of the
growing field of digital therapeutics, based on the concept that electronic devices can enhance health
outcomes and reduce costs. Parents of children (ages 5-8) with disruptive behaviors (N = 324 dyads) will be
randomly assigned to Group 1 (standalone app; n = 108), Group 2 (coach-assisted app; n = 108), or Group 3
(control app; n = 108). The outcome assessments (post-treatment and 6-month follow-up) will include
measures of target engagement (PMT/CBT skill acquisition and utilization) and symptom reduction. This RCT
takes an experimental therapeutics approach and is designed to measure target engagement to determine
whether target engagement is associated with symptom reduction. The targets are PMT/CBT skill acquisition
and utilization. Skill deficits in these domains are understood as key maintaining factors for serious disruptive
behavior problems. Aim 1 is to evaluate the effectiveness of the UseIt! mHealth system as both a standalone
and coach-assisted intervention compared to a control app condition. Aim 2 is to assess target (PMT/CBT skill
acquisition and utilization) engagement and validation. Aim 3 is to evaluate the effectiveness of the
components of the UseIt! mHealth system. The project has the potential to make an impact on both scientific
knowledge and clinical practice. In terms of scientific knowledge, the project has the potential to expand our
understanding of target mechanisms. By incorporating reliable and valid measures of the treatment targets, the
project will be informative regardless of the clinical outcome. In terms of clinical practice, digital therapeutics
has the potential to enhance the reach and scalability of skills-based psychosocial interventions. Even small
effects can be meaningful on a population level if the intervention can be delivered easily on a large scale at
low cost. The project is consistent with NICHD’s mission to ensure “that all children have the chance to achieve
their full potential for healthy and productive lives.”

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10904951
- **Project number:** 5R01HD106930-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** OLIVER JAMES LINDHIEM
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $657,700
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10904951

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10904951, Reach and Scalability of Digital Therapeutics for Childhood Behavior Problems (5R01HD106930-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10904951. Licensed CC0.

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