Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are highly prevalent and costly to society.  Structured treatment programs can be effective in improving alcohol-related outcomes for patients with AUD.  However, many patients still report alcohol use post-treatment and strategies are needed to help improve treatment outcomes in this population. The CarePartner Program, was developed by researchers/clinicians at the University of Michigan to ensure that patients with chronic health problems and their families have the support they need to avoid complications and know when they should seek medical care. Patients in the CarePartner Program receive regular, scheduled health and behavioral monitoring via automated telephone calls that include tailored advice about disease self-management. Patients’ informal caregivers or “CarePartners” (often a family member of friend) can receive a structured report automatically via e-mail or phone, based on the patient’s automated assessments, that includes information about their patient-partner’s health and what the caregiver can do to help. Urgent health problems are reported to the patient’s health care team automatically. CMCD investigators Mark Ilgen, PhD and John Piette, PhD are leading a pilot study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a new CarePartner program for adults being treated for alcohol use disorders. The study will examine outcomes including ability to recruit participants, participant engagement in the CarePartner program, self-reported satisfaction with the CarePartner and self-reported alcohol use.

For more information, contact Emily Yeagley, at eyeagley@med.umich.edu

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