Autonomy undermined: how NHS institutional culture fails pregnant patients.

Alcohol use is a major contributor to disease burden globally [], with regional, rural and remote populations (henceforth, regional and remote) often experiencing elevated risks compared to their major city counterparts. In Australia, individuals living in regional and remote areas are more likely to consume alcohol at harmful levels and experience greater alcohol related harm, including hospitalizations and emergency department presentations [, ]. Similar trends are established internationally with regional and remote residents, particularly men, experiencing disproportionate harms from alcohol and other drug use [], compounded by reduced access to treatment, cultural stigma and geographic isolation [, ]. In response to these barriers, digital health interventions, such as Telehealth, mobile apps and wearable devices, have emerged as a scalable and accessible means of delivering care. The COVID‐19 pandemic accelerated the global adoption of digital health []. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of digital health interventions do show mixed results in the treatment of mental health conditions and alcohol and other drugs issues depending on the behavior, substance and population targeted and the type of digital intervention used [, , ]. Some commercially available apps even promote harmful drinking and other drug use []. Digital health interventions (non‐commercial) targeting alcohol use however generally show promising results [, , , ]. Although challenges remain (for example, internet reliability and suitability for high‐risk clients), online delivery of alcohol and other drugs treatment and support services have been shown to increase engagement and maintain continuity of care, particularly in regional and remote areas [, ]. Online mutual help groups and mobile apps have also shown promise in supporting behavior change and reducing relapse risk [, , ].