ADEPT: Using complexity science and digital technology to improve co-morbid Alcoholuse disorder and DEpression Prevention and Treatment - interview transcripts with patients and professional care providers

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression frequently co-occur, resulting in adverse impacts on individuals, communities, and the health and social care system. Yet despite the existence of effective treatments for these conditions, evidence-based interventions remain poorly implemented, with service users and providers reporting fragmented delivery of services. Improved integration of substance use and mental health services has been identified as a top UK and global policy priority. Better understanding the complex AUD and depression prevention and treatment system, and harnessing available digital technology, including electronic interventions, could potentially support this ambition. However, future initiatives must actively involve providers and users in their development to ensure relevance, feasibility, and legitimacy.The National Institute for Health Research funded ‘ADEPT’ Study has two aims. First, to use complex systems approaches to better understand the challenges that service users/providers currently experience in accessing/delivering care for people with co-occurring AUD and depression, focusing on the North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care System area (NENC ICS) (Phase 1). Second, to develop a system-level, digital intervention, to help individuals with co-occurring AUD and depression access appropriate care (Phase 2).The deposited data relate to Phase of the study - semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20-25 service providers and 35-40 patients/service users, to explore their views on/experiences of accessing/providing co-morbid AUD and depression services in the NENC ICS, and their perspectives on using digital technology to improve care.