Effectiveness of a remedial program for impaired driving offenders delivered in-person versus via videoconferencing: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Remedial education programs are effective at reducing impaired driving recidivism. The Back on Track (BOT) program in Ontario, Canada, was mandated to be delivered in-person; however, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to online delivery. Existing literature suggests that substance use treatment delivered via videoconferencing is as effective as treatment delivered in-person; however, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of these delivery modes for impaired driving education.

Purpose

Conducted a randomized controlled trial examining effectiveness of in-person versus online delivery of BOT.

Method

145 participants attending the 8-hour BOT workshop were randomly assigned to in-person (n = 71) or videoconference (n = 75) modalities. Assessments were collected immediately, 6 months, and 9–12 months following workshop participation.

Results

Immediately following the workshop, participants in both conditions demonstrated positive change on a 5-point scale measuring negative affect, attitudes, and behavioural intentions related to impaired driving. Mean increase from baseline ranged from 0.13 to 0.48 for the in-person and 0.05 to 0.12 for the videoconference conditions. Participants in both in-person and videoconference conditions demonstrated high mean scores on client satisfaction (64 out of 70 for both groups), clarity of presentation (108 and 107 out of 110, respectively), and learner engagement (123 and 124 out of 135, respectively). Positive mean changes from baseline in number of days consuming alcohol and tobacco were seen 9–12 months following workshop participation in both in-person (0.9 and 14.3) and videoconference conditions (3.3 and 10.4). Few differences between conditions were identified.

Conclusion

Findings provide support for continued online BOT program delivery.