David Kavanagh*, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia Angela White, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia Judy Proudfoot, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia Judy Drennan, Queensland Univeristy of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia Frances Kay-lambkin, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia Britt Klein, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia Jason Connor, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia Amanda Baker, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia Ross Young, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia Track: Research Presentation Topic: Web 2.0 approaches for behaviour change, public health and biosurveillance Presentation Type: Oral presentation Submission Type: Single Presentation Building: MaRS Centre, 101 College Street, Toronto, Canada Room: CR3 Date: 2009-09-18 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Last modified: 2009-08-13

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This paper describes the findings of a research program in 2009 on alcohol and other drug (AOD) websites. It outlines a literature search, observations of internet searches, 9 focus groups on consumers’ perceptions and preferences, an online consumer survey with 3,313 respondents, surveys of practitioners and online providers, and systematic evaluations of 56 AOD websites. Most visits to AOD websites are short in duration, and are to seek succinct information, although brief screening with personalised feedback are also valued. Few websites give interactive online treatment for alcohol or other drug problems, but as yet there is limited current acceptance of internet-based treatment without therapist guidance. Design and navigation quality is generally acceptable, but quality of content (aside from substance effects) is highly variable. There is little guidance on how users can judge the quality of website content. There are few high-quality trials on the impact of online treatment, although current results are positive. There is a need for further application of current technology to internet-based screening and treatment for alcohol and other drug problems, for additional outcome trials, and for effective marketing of online treatment to both practitioners and potential consumers.