Shine 2011

About the project

The Shine 2011 team at NHS Bolton is implementing a relapse prevention programme that uses mobile phone technology. The programme consists of multiple phases that can overcome communication barriers between the client and the service, and provide contact during the periods between formal appointments, when the client is most in danger of relapsing.

The first phase is a text-based appointment reminder system, with an opportunity for the client to confirm whether they will be attending their aftercare appointments or not. The second phase is a ‘mood monitoring’ survey where clients are contacted a few times a week via text message with simple questions about their feelings and emotional state. This will trigger a response, the level of which depends on the answers given. The third phase allows clients to contact the service in the event of a relapse or if they are experiencing cravings. This provides clients with a secure way of obtaining support and advice when they most need it.

Consistent texts will help clients focus on their goals and stay on track. If a client is in an emergency situation, motivational advice or personal contact will help drive abstinent behaviours and help prevent relapse.

Why this project?

High rates of alcohol-related relapse have been identified both nationally and internationally. Research data show that within the first year of detoxification, relapse rates vary from 80% to 90%.

The data show that the first three to six months are crucial periods for relapse, and that additional support for clients during this time is required.

Relapse is often due to a lack of commitment to aftercare programmes; a problem that is compounded by the relative lack of contact between the client and key worker during aftercare. This can be due to the high cost of providing one-to-one contact.

The Community Alcohol Team at NHS Bolton identified a lack of client engagement with the aftercare programme, with only 60-70% of clients who have been through detoxification attending aftercare meetings.

In addition, even when clients attend aftercare services, engagement times are necessarily limited.