The Stimulant Treatment Program team at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney is testing a new smartphone app,
S-Check, designed to help Australians manage their methamphetamine use.
In Australia, one in 70 people have used methamphetamine in the past year. Harms related to methamphetamine use are increasing, yet many who experience harm do not seek help, or delay seeking help for many years.
To address this, The Stimulant Treatment Program at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney has developed the S-Check app, based on the model of care at its
S-Check Clinic. The app aims to be a readily accessible tool for people who might not access regular treatment and support.
The S-Check app is designed to provide up-to-date information about methamphetamine. Its features allow people to track their use, help identify any associated health problems and provides links to support services if necessary.
How S-Check works
The key features of the S-Check app are questionnaires, reminders, alerts, information, and regular check-ins to track ongoing health. Individual health assessment is made through six key categories:
- Physical health
- Methamphetamine use
- Psychological wellbeing
- Sexual health
- Cognitive health
- Social health and lifestyle
In each category, app users will be asked to respond to a series of questions about themselves and their methamphetamine use. The app will evaluate responses and provide individualised feedback on methamphetamine related risks and harm, as well as suggestions on how best to manage use. App users will be provided with relevant information and support should they need it.
Importantly, users can access the 'Help Now' section with a list of emergency and support services should urgent help be required. Finally, if the app assesses that the user should seek help from a health professional, a referral letter can be generated and downloaded from the app to present to their GP.
Research trial
The
S-Check app is currently being trialled by The Stimulant Treatment Program at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney. The trial is open to anyone who reports using methamphetamine in the past month, is over 18 years old, resides in Australia, and has access to a personal smartphone to participate in the study.
If you wish to participate in the trial, the app is available free to download via the Google Play or the Apple App stores.
For more information on the S-Check app trial, visit scheckapp.org.au or contact Emily Li on
svhs.scheckapptrial@svha.org.au.
[This project has been approved by the St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney HREC Ref No: 18/171]
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide counselling, information, referrals, and support. Or start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5:00pm.
ADIS can also provide up-to-date information about service availability in your area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
