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Arnautovska U, Milton A, Trott M, Soole R, Siskind D. The role of human involvement and support in digital mental health interventions for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a critical review. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024:00001504-990000000-00132. [PMID: 38994811 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SDD) are characterized by a complex array of psychosis symptoms, and typically require ongoing and long-term support, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological management. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have been suggested as a novel therapeutic approach to enable low-cost, scalable improvements in quality of care for adults living with SSD. However, the types and role of human involvement and support within DMHIs is currently unknown. RECENT FINDINGS Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the potential efficacy of DMHIs for people with SSD, with scant yet emerging systematic evidence on the effects of human support within DMHIs on mental health outcomes. Further, several recent individual studies examined the efficacy of DMHIs with human support among people with SSD and provided valuable insights into the potential key elements of such support on outcomes relevant to this population. SUMMARY The current critical review provides the first narrative synthesis of available evidence to guide clinicians and intervention develops in designing DMHIs with adequate human support that may enhance long-term outcomes of people living with SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urska Arnautovska
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland
| | - Alyssa Milton
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, Australia
| | - Mike Trott
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland
| | - Rebecca Soole
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland
| | - Dan Siskind
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland
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Sood M, Chadda RK, Singh P, Chawla N, Patel R, Patil V, Padmavati R, Thara R, Mohan M, Iyer S, Shah J, Madan J, Birchwood M, Meyer C, Lilford RJ, Furtado V, Currie G, Singh SP. Pilot study to test the feasibility and clinical efficacy of a psychosocial care programme for patients with psychosis in low-resource settings. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 99:104120. [PMID: 38986314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home-based psychosocial care has the potential to improving outcomes in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders (SCZ). There is lack of India data for such care in early psychosis. We developed the "Saksham" programme, a bespoke self-managed home-based psychosocial care model, available in two formats: manual-based and mobile-application based. With the anticipated success of recruitment of early psychosis cases in our setting, we plan to test the such intervention in this population in future trials. AIM To assess the feasibility of the Saksham programme intervention in people with SCZ and its clinical efficacy as an adjunct to treatment as usual. METHODS Seventy-five patient-caregiver pairs (total n=150) were recruited. Patients received either: treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n=25), manual-based Saksham intervention+TAU (n=25), or app-based Saksham intervention+TAU (n=25). Feasibility (i.e. acceptability, practicality, demand, implementation and integration) was assessed at three-months. Participants were assessed for psychopathology, illness-severity, cognition, functioning, disability, and caregiver-coping at baseline, one-month, and three-month. The percentage changes over time were compared across three groups. RESULTS More found the mobile application-based intervention acceptable and easy-to-use than the manual-based intervention (92 % vs 68 %, and 76 % vs 68 %, respectively). Psychopathology and caregiver-burden improved significantly in all three groups (p<0.05). Cognition, disability, functioning, and caregiver burden improved significantly in the two Saksham intervention groups, with greater improvement in the Saksham app group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Home-based intervention is feasible and acceptable in a low-resource setting, with preliminary evidence for effectiveness. These findings need corroboration with randomised controlled trials in early psychosis to ameliorate course of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Sood
- Department of Psychiatry All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Rakesh K Chadda
- Department of Psychiatry All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Pushpendra Singh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Nishtha Chawla
- Department of Psychiatry All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rekha Patel
- Department of Psychiatry All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vaibhav Patil
- Department of Psychiatry All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - R Padmavati
- Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | - Srividya Iyer
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jai Shah
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jason Madan
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Max Birchwood
- Division of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Caroline Meyer
- WMG and Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - R J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vivek Furtado
- Division of Mental Health & Wellbeing Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Graeme Currie
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Swaran P Singh
- Division of Mental Health & Wellbeing Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Torous J, Smith KA, Hardy A, Vinnikova A, Blease C, Milligan L, Hidalgo-Mazzei D, Lambe S, Marzano L, Uhlhaas PJ, Ostinelli EG, Anmella G, Zangani C, Aronica R, Dwyer B, Cipriani A. Digital health interventions for schizophrenia: Setting standards for mental health. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:392-395. [PMID: 38640849 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02446, USA.
| | - Katharine A Smith
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Amy Hardy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Charlotte Blease
- Participatory eHealth and Health Data Research Group, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Digital Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | - Diego Hidalgo-Mazzei
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Digital Innovation Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Sinead Lambe
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK; Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Lisa Marzano
- School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, UK
| | - Peter J Uhlhaas
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Edoardo G Ostinelli
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Gerard Anmella
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Digital Innovation Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Caroline Zangani
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Rosario Aronica
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda- Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Bridget Dwyer
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02446, USA
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Strakeljahn F, Lincoln T, Krkovic K, Schlier B. Predicting the onset of psychotic experiences in daily life with the use of ambulatory sensor data - A proof-of-concept study. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:349-355. [PMID: 38615563 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Predictive models of psychotic symptoms could improve ecological momentary interventions by dynamically providing help when it is needed. Wearable sensors measuring autonomic arousal constitute a feasible base for predictive models since they passively collect physiological data linked to the onset of psychotic experiences. To explore this potential, we investigated whether changes in autonomic arousal predict the onset of hallucination spectrum experiences (HSE) and paranoia in individuals with an increased likelihood of experiencing psychotic symptoms. METHOD For 24 h of ambulatory assessment, 62 participants wore electrodermal activity and heart rate sensors and were provided with an Android smartphone to answer questions about their HSE-, and paranoia-levels every 20 min. We calculated random forests to detect the onset of HSEs and paranoia. The generalizability of our models was tested using leave-one-assessment-out and leave-one-person-out cross-validation. RESULTS Leave-one-assessment-out models that relied on physiological data and participant ID yielded balanced accuracy scores of 80 % for HSE and 66 % for paranoia. Adding baseline information about lifetime experiences of psychotic symptoms increased balanced accuracy to 82 % (HSE) and 70 % (paranoia). Leave-one-person-out models yielded lower balanced accuracy scores (51 % to 58 %). DISCUSSION Using passively collectible variables to predict the onset of psychotic experiences is possible and prediction models improve with additional information about lifetime experiences of psychotic symptoms. Generalizing to new individuals showed poor performance, so including personal data from a recipient may be necessary for symptom prediction. Completely individualized prediction models built solely with the data of the person to be predicted might increase accuracy further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Strakeljahn
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Movement Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tania Lincoln
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Movement Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katarina Krkovic
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Movement Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Björn Schlier
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Movement Sciences, University of Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
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Levin CE, Tauscher J, Meller S, Brian RM, Buck BE, Ben-Zeev D. Cost of Implementing mHealth in Community Mental Health Settings: External Versus Internal Facilitation. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:357-362. [PMID: 37880968 PMCID: PMC11124360 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the costs of two implementation models for the mobile health (mHealth) intervention FOCUS in community mental health settings. The external facilitation (EF) approach uses a hub-and-spoke model, in which a central specialist provides support to clinicians and clients at multiple agencies. With the internal facilitation (IF) approach, frontline clinical staff at each center are trained to serve as their organization's local specialists. METHODS Financial and economic cost data were collected in the context of a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial by using a mixed-methods, top-down expenditure analysis with microcosting approaches. The analysis compared the incremental costs of both models and the costs of successfully engaging clients (N=210) at 20 centers. Costs were characterized as start-up or recurrent (personnel, supplies, contracted services, and indirect costs). RESULTS The average annual financial cost per site was $23,517 for EF and $19,118 for IF. EF yielded more FOCUS users at each center, such that the average monthly financial costs were lower for EF ($167 per client [N=129]) than for IF ($177 per client [N=81]). When using a real-world scenario based on economic costs and a lower organizational indirect rate, the average monthly cost per client was $73 for EF and $59 for IF. Both models reflected substantial cost reductions (about 50%) relative to a previous deployment of FOCUS in a clinical trial. CONCLUSIONS Compared with IF, EF yielded more clients who received mHealth at community mental health centers and had comparable or lower costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin Tauscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
| | | | - Rachel M. Brian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
| | - Benjamin E. Buck
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
| | - Dror Ben-Zeev
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
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Moitra E, Amaral TM, Benz MB, Cambow S, Elwy AR, Kunicki ZJ, Lu Z, Rafferty NS, Rabasco A, Rossi R, Schatten HT, Gaudiano BA. A Hybrid Type 1 trial of a multi-component mHealth intervention to improve post-hospital transitions of care for patients with serious mental illness: Study protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 139:107481. [PMID: 38431134 PMCID: PMC10960682 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition from acute (e.g., psychiatric hospitalization) to outpatient care is associated with increased risk for rehospitalization, treatment disengagement, and suicide among people with serious mental illness (SMI). Mobile interventions (i.e., mHealth) have the potential to increase monitoring and improve coping post-acute care for this population. This protocol paper describes a Hybrid Type 1 effectiveness-implementation study, in which a randomized controlled trial will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of a multi-component mHealth intervention (tFOCUS) for improving outcomes for adults with SMI transitioning from acute to outpatient care. METHODS Adults meeting criteria for schizophrenia-spectrum or major mood disorders (n = 180) will be recruited from a psychiatric hospital and randomized to treatment-as-usual (TAU) plus standard discharge planning and aftercare (CHECK-IN) or TAU plus tFOCUS. tFOCUS is a 12-week intervention, consisting of: (a) a patient-facing mHealth smartphone app with daily self-assessment prompts and targeted coping strategies; (b) a clinician-facing web dashboard; and, (c) mHealth aftercare advisors, who will conduct brief post-hospital clinical calls with patients (e.g., safety concerns, treatment engagement) and encourage app use. Follow-ups will be conducted at 6-, 12-, and 24-weeks post-discharge to assess primary and secondary outcomes, as well as target mechanisms. We also will assess barriers and facilitators to future implementation of tFOCUS via qualitative interviews of stakeholders and input from a Community Advisory Board throughout the project. CONCLUSIONS Information gathered during this project, in combination with successful study outcomes, will inform a potential tFOCUS intervention scale-up across a range of psychiatric hospitals and healthcare systems. CLINICALTRIALS govregistration: NCT05703412.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Moitra
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Toni M Amaral
- Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Madeline B Benz
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Simranjeet Cambow
- Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - A Rani Elwy
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Zachary J Kunicki
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Zhengduo Lu
- Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Neil S Rafferty
- Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Ana Rabasco
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Rita Rossi
- Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Heather T Schatten
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Brandon A Gaudiano
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Eklund R, Eisma MC, Boelen PA, Arnberg FK, Sveen J. The self-help app My Grief: Bereaved parents' experiences of helpfulness, satisfaction and usability. Internet Interv 2024; 35:100712. [PMID: 38298472 PMCID: PMC10828051 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) apps have been shown to be useful to monitor and reduce mental health problems across a variety of stress-related and affective disorders, yet research on the value of apps for prolonged grief is scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to elucidate bereaved parents' experiences of using the self-help app My Grief with a focus on helpfulness, satisfaction, and usability. Data were derived from closed-ended and open-ended questions administered at the 3-month post-assessment of the intervention group (n = 67) within a randomized controlled trial testing the effects of access to the My Grief app. The sample consisted of 88 % women, with a mean age of 47 years, who predominantly lost their child to cancer (41 %), on average 4.8 years ago. Participating parents indicated that the My Grief app helped them increase their knowledge about prolonged grief and track their grief over time. The app was experienced as easy to navigate and around half of the parents used the app more than one day a week. Almost all parents were satisfied with the app and would recommend it to other parents in similar situations. The findings add to the knowledge base justifying mHealth within support systems for bereaved adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakel Eklund
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maarten C. Eisma
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul A. Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - Filip K. Arnberg
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josefin Sveen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Crisis Psychology, University of Bergen, Postbox 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Milton A, Ozols A M I, Cassidy T, Jordan D, Brown E, Arnautovska U, Cook J, Phung D, Lloyd-Evans B, Johnson S, Hickie I, Glozier N. Co-Production of a Flexibly Delivered Relapse Prevention Tool to Support the Self-Management of Long-Term Mental Health Conditions: Co-Design and User Testing Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e49110. [PMID: 38393768 PMCID: PMC10926903 DOI: 10.2196/49110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supported self-management interventions, which assist individuals in actively understanding and managing their own health conditions, have a robust evidence base for chronic physical illnesses, such as diabetes, but have been underused for long-term mental health conditions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to co-design and user test a mental health supported self-management intervention, My Personal Recovery Plan (MyPREP), that could be flexibly delivered via digital and traditional paper-based mediums. METHODS This study adopted a participatory design, user testing, and rapid prototyping methodologies, guided by 2 frameworks: the 2021 Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions and an Australian co-production framework. Participants were aged ≥18 years, self-identified as having a lived experience of using mental health services or working in a peer support role, and possessed English proficiency. The co-design and user testing processes involved a first round with 6 participants, focusing on adapting a self-management resource used in a large-scale randomized controlled trial in the United Kingdom, followed by a second round with 4 new participants for user testing the co-designed digital version. A final round for gathering qualitative feedback from 6 peer support workers was conducted. Data analysis involved transcription, coding, and thematic interpretation as well as the calculation of usability scores using the System Usability Scale. RESULTS The key themes identified during the co-design and user testing sessions were related to (1) the need for self-management tools to be flexible and well-integrated into mental health services, (2) the importance of language and how language preferences vary among individuals, (3) the need for self-management interventions to have the option of being supported when delivered in services, and (4) the potential of digitization to allow for a greater customization of self-management tools and the development of features based on individuals' unique preferences and needs. The MyPREP paper version received a total usability score of 71, indicating C+ or good usability, whereas the digital version received a total usability score of 85.63, indicating A or excellent usability. CONCLUSIONS There are international calls for mental health services to promote a culture of self-management, with supported self-management interventions being routinely offered. The resulting co-designed prototype of the Australian version of the self-management intervention MyPREP provides an avenue for supporting self-management in practice in a flexible manner. Involving end users, such as consumers and peer workers, from the beginning is vital to address their need for personalized and customized interventions and their choice in how interventions are delivered. Further implementation-effectiveness piloting of MyPREP in real-world mental health service settings is a critical next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Milton
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ingrid Ozols A M
- mentalhealth@work (mh@work), Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tayla Cassidy
- One Door Mental Health, Sydney, Australia
- School of Social Work and Arts, Charles Sturt University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Dana Jordan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ellie Brown
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Urska Arnautovska
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Jim Cook
- TechLab ICT, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Darren Phung
- TechLab ICT, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Nick Glozier
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, Sydney, Australia
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Brotherdale R, Berry K, Branitsky A, Bucci S. Co-producing digital mental health interventions: A systematic review. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241239172. [PMID: 38665886 PMCID: PMC11044797 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241239172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Smartphone apps (apps) are widely recognised as promising tools for improving access to mental healthcare. However, a key challenge is the development of digital interventions that are acceptable to end users. Co-production with providers and stakeholders is increasingly positioned as the gold standard for improving uptake, engagement, and healthcare outcomes. Nevertheless, clear guidance around the process of co-production is lacking. The objectives of this review were to: (i) present an overview of the methods and approaches to co-production when designing, producing, and evaluating digital mental health interventions; and (ii) explore the barriers and facilitators affecting co-production in this context. Methods A pre-registered (CRD42023414007) systematic review was completed in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five databases were searched. A co-produced bespoke quality appraisal tool was developed with an expert by experience to assess the quality of the co-production methods and approaches. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Results Twenty-six studies across 24 digital mental health interventions met inclusion criteria. App interventions were rarely co-produced with end users throughout all stages of design, development, and evaluation. Co-producing digital mental health interventions added value by creating culturally sensitive and acceptable interventions. Reported challenges included resource issues exacerbated by the digital nature of the intervention, variability across stakeholder suggestions, and power imbalances between stakeholders and researchers. Conclusions Variation in approaches to co-producing digital mental health interventions is evident, with inconsistencies between stakeholder groups involved, stage of involvement, stakeholders' roles and methods employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Brotherdale
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Branitsky
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Buck B, Wingerson M, Whiting E, Snyder J, Monroe-DeVita M, Ben-Zeev D. User-Centered Development of Bolster, an mHealth Intervention for Early Psychosis Caregivers: Needs Assessment, Prototyping, and Field Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e50522. [PMID: 38032692 PMCID: PMC10722359 DOI: 10.2196/50522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers play a critical role in the treatment and recovery of youth and young adults at risk for psychosis. Caregivers often report feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and lacking in resources. Mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to provide scalable, accessible, and in-the-moment support to caregivers. To date, few if any mHealth resources have been developed specifically for this population. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct user-centered design and testing of an mHealth intervention to support early psychosis caregivers. METHODS We conducted a multiphase user-centered development process to develop the Bolster mobile app. In phase 1, a total of 21 caregivers were recruited to participate in a qualitative needs assessment and respond to an initial prototype of the Bolster platform. Content analysis was used to identify key needs and design objectives, which guided the development of the Bolster mobile app. In phase 2, a total of 11 caregivers were recruited to participate in a 1-week field trial wherein they provided qualitative and quantitative feedback regarding the usability and acceptability of Bolster; in addition, they provided baseline and posttest assessments of the measures of distress, illness appraisals, and family communication. RESULTS In phase 1, participants identified psychoeducation, communication coaching, a guide to seeking services, and support for coping as areas to address. Live prototype interaction sessions led to multiple design objectives, including ensuring that messages from the platform were actionable and tailored to the caregiver experience, delivering messages in multiple modalities (eg, video and text), and eliminating a messaging-style interface. These conclusions were used to develop the final version of Bolster tested in the field trial. In phase 2, of the 11 caregivers, 10 (91%) reported that they would use Bolster if they had access to it and would recommend it to another caregiver. They also reported marked changes in their appraisals of illness (Cohen d=0.55-0.68), distress (Cohen d=1.77), and expressed emotion (Cohen d=0.52). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study is the first to design an mHealth intervention specifically for early psychosis caregivers. Preliminary data suggest that Bolster is usable, acceptable, and promising to improve key targets and outcomes. A future fully powered clinical trial will help determine whether mHealth can reduce caregiver burdens and increase engagement in services among individuals affected by psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Buck
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mary Wingerson
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Erica Whiting
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jaime Snyder
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maria Monroe-DeVita
- Supporting Psychosis Innovation through Research Implementation and Training (SPIRIT) Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dror Ben-Zeev
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Loftness BC, Halvorson-Phelan J, OLeary A, Bradshaw C, Prytherch S, Berman I, Torous J, Copeland WL, Cheney N, McGinnis RS, McGinnis EW. The ChAMP App: A Scalable mHealth Technology for Detecting Digital Phenotypes of Early Childhood Mental Health. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2023; PP:10.1109/JBHI.2023.3337649. [PMID: 38019617 PMCID: PMC11133764 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2023.3337649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Childhood mental health problems are common, impairing, and can become chronic if left untreated. Children are not reliable reporters of their emotional and behavioral health, and caregivers often unintentionally under- or over-report child symptoms, making assessment challenging. Objective physiological and behavioral measures of emotional and behavioral health are emerging. However, these methods typically require specialized equipment and expertise in data and sensor engineering to administer and analyze. To address this challenge, we have developed the ChAMP (Childhood Assessment and Management of digital Phenotypes) System, which includes a mobile application for collecting movement and audio data during a battery of mood induction tasks and an open-source platform for extracting digital biomarkers. As proof of principle, we present ChAMP System data from 101 children 4-8 years old, with and without diagnosed mental health disorders. Machine learning models trained on these data detect the presence of specific disorders with 70-73% balanced accuracy, with similar results to clinical thresholds on established parent-report measures (63-82% balanced accuracy). Features favored in model architectures are described using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). Canonical Correlation Analysis reveals moderate to strong associations between predictors of each disorder and associated symptom severity (r = .51-.83). The open-source ChAMP System provides clinically-relevant digital biomarkers that may later complement parent-report measures of emotional and behavioral health for detecting kids with underlying mental health conditions and lowers the barrier to entry for researchers interested in exploring digital phenotyping of childhood mental health.
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Loftness BC, Halvorson-Phelan J, O'Leary A, Bradshaw C, Prytherch S, Berman I, Torous J, Copeland WL, Cheney N, McGinnis RS, McGinnis EW. The ChAMP App: A Scalable mHealth Technology for Detecting Digital Phenotypes of Early Childhood Mental Health. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.19.23284753. [PMID: 38076802 PMCID: PMC10705626 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.23284753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Childhood mental health problems are common, impairing, and can become chronic if left untreated. Children are not reliable reporters of their emotional and behavioral health, and caregivers often unintentionally under- or over-report child symptoms, making assessment challenging. Objective physiological and behavioral measures of emotional and behavioral health are emerging. However, these methods typically require specialized equipment and expertise in data and sensor engineering to administer and analyze. To address this challenge, we have developed the ChAMP (Childhood Assessment and Management of digital Phenotypes) System, which includes a mobile application for collecting movement and audio data during a battery of mood induction tasks and an open-source platform for extracting digital biomarkers. As proof of principle, we present ChAMP System data from 101 children 4-8 years old, with and without diagnosed mental health disorders. Machine learning models trained on these data detect the presence of specific disorders with 70-73% balanced accuracy, with similar results to clinical thresholds on established parent-report measures (63-82% balanced accuracy). Features favored in model architectures are described using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). Canonical Correlation Analysis reveals moderate to strong associations between predictors of each disorder and associated symptom severity (r = .51-.83). The open-source ChAMP System provides clinically-relevant digital biomarkers that may later complement parent-report measures of emotional and behavioral health for detecting kids with underlying mental health conditions and lowers the barrier to entry for researchers interested in exploring digital phenotyping of childhood mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn C Loftness
- University of Vermont's Complex Systems Center and M-Sense Research Group
| | | | | | - Carter Bradshaw
- University of Vermont Medical Center Department of Psychiatry
| | | | - Isabel Berman
- University of Vermont Medical Center Department of Psychiatry
| | - John Torous
- Digital Psychiatry Division for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School
| | | | - Nick Cheney
- University of Vermont Complex Systems Center
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13
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Wu T, Xiao X, Yan S, Fang Y, Wang M, Zu F, Zhang Y, Qian R. Digital health interventions to improve adherence to oral antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071984. [PMID: 37977861 PMCID: PMC10660841 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the current evidence on the potential of digital health interventions (DHIs) to improve adherence to oral antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia by assessing the methodologies, feasibility and effectiveness of DHIs as well as the perceptions of relevant stakeholders. DESIGN The scoping review was conducted based on the methodologies outlined by Levac et al and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library were searched in August 2023 to identify relevant publications from the previous decade. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies published in English focused on improving medication adherence among adult patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder via DHIs were selected. Protocols, editorials, comments, perspectives, reviews, correspondence and conference abstracts were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The extracted data included general information about the study, framework, participants, features and strategies of DHIs, measurement tools for adherence used, and main findings. RESULTS In total, 64 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Features used in DHIs to improve medication adherence included phone calls, text messages, mobile apps, sensors, web-based platforms and electronic devices. Strategies included medication reminders and monitoring, providing medication-related information and suggestions, other illness management suggestions and individual support. Texting and mobile apps were commonly used as medication reminders and monitoring methods. Additionally, the use of sensors combined with other digital technologies has garnered significant attention. All the interventions were considered acceptable and feasible, and several were assessed in pilot trials. Preliminary findings suggest that DHIs could enhance medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia. However, further validation of their effectiveness is required. CONCLUSION DHIs are a promising approach to enhancing medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia. Future interventions should be interactive, focusing on user preference, experience and privacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Xiao
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shirui Yan
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fang
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengying Zu
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhong Zhang
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruilian Qian
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Chemnad K, Aziz M, Belhaouari SB, Ali R. The interplay between social media use and problematic internet usage: Four behavioral patterns. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15745. [PMID: 37159716 PMCID: PMC10163648 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aims to identify typical interplay between the use of social media apps on smartphones and Problematic Internet Usage (PIU). Method Our study utilizes data from a smartphone app that objectively monitors user usage, including the apps used and the start and finish times of each app session. This study included 334 participants who declared a need to be aware of their smartphone usage and control it. Problematic Internet Usage (PIU) was measured using the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-Short Form-6 (PIUQ-SF6). The total PIU score can range from 6 to 30, with a score above 15 indicating that a person is at risk of PIU. Time spent on Social Media (SM) apps of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and whether people used each of these apps were studied along with the total PIU score. K-Prototype clustering was utilized for the analysis. Results Four distinct clusters, typifying the relationship between social media use and PIU, were identified. All the individuals in Cluster 1 (Light SM Use Cluster; Cluster size = 270, 80.84% of total dataset) spent between 0 and 109.01 min on Instagram, between 0 and 69.84 min on Facebook, and between 0 and 86.42 min on WhatsApp and its median PIU score was 17. Those who were in cluster 2 (Highly Visual SM Cluster; Cluster size = 23, 6.89% of total dataset) all used Instagram, and each member spent between 110 and 307.63 min on Instagram daily. The cluster median PIU score and average daily usage of Instagram were respectively 20 and 159.66 min. Those who were in Cluster 3 (Conversational SM Cluster; Cluster size = 19, 5.69% of total dataset) all used WhatsApp, and spent between 76.68 and 225.22 min on WhatsApp daily. The cluster median PIU score and average time spent per day on WhatsApp were 20 and 132.65 min, respectively. Those who were in Cluster 4 (Social Networking Cluster; (Cluster size = 22, 6.59% of total dataset) all used Facebook, and each spent between 73.09 and 272.85 min daily on Facebook. The cluster median PIU score and average time spent per day on Facebook were 18 and 133.61 min respectively. Conclusion The clusters indicate that those who use a particular social media app spend significantly less time on other social media apps. This indicates that problematic attachment to social media occurs primarily for one of three reasons: visual content and reels, conversations with peers, or surfing network content and news. This finding will help tailor interventions to fit each cluster, for example by strengthening interpersonal skills and resistance to peer pressure in the case of Cluster 3 and increasing impulse control in the case of Cluster 2.
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Surdyka N, Clark A, Duncan A. Educational Technologies for Teaching Social Skills to Individuals With Schizophrenia: Scoping Review. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2023; 43:127-143. [PMID: 35880528 PMCID: PMC9729979 DOI: 10.1177/15394492221108389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia interventions incorporate improving quality of life and social functioning. Educational technologies are a potential treatment method for social skills development among individuals with schizophrenia. The objective of the study is to provide an overview of the characteristics and range of approaches of educational technologies in the context of social skills for individuals with schizophrenia. A scoping review methodological framework was applied. Search strategy was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE® and CINAHL Plus. Data were synthesized using a charting form for a logical, descriptive summary of results. The search yielded 771 results and 23 included studies that met eligibility criteria. The data showed persons with schizophrenia respond well to educational technologies to address illness self-management. Using technology in conjunction with traditional evidence-based interventions demonstrates promising results to improve social skills functioning. Occupational therapists can use educational technologies to decrease the gap in health care services and improve social support for individuals with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Surdyka
- University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Nicole Surdyka, Registered Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1V7.
| | - Amy Clark
- University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Buck B, Wingerson M, Tauscher JS, Enkema M, Wang W, Campbell AT, Ben-Zeev D. Using Smartphones to Identify Momentary Characteristics of Persecutory Ideation Associated With Functional Disability. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2023; 4:sgad021. [PMID: 37601285 PMCID: PMC10439515 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Though often a feature of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, persecutory ideation (PI) is also common in other psychiatric disorders as well as among individuals who are otherwise healthy. Emerging technologies allow for a more thorough understanding of the momentary phenomenological characteristics that determine whether PI leads to significant distress and dysfunction. This study aims to identify the momentary phenomenological features of PI associated with distress, dysfunction, and need for clinical care. Methods A total of 231 individuals with at least moderate PI from 43 US states participated in a study involving 30 days of data collection using a smartphone data collection system combining ecological momentary assessment and passive sensors, wherein they reported on occurrence of PI as well as related appraisals, responses, and cooccurring states. Most (N = 120, 51.9%) participants reported never having received treatment for their PI, while 50 participants had received inpatient treatment (21.6%), and 60 (26.4%) had received outpatient care only. Results Individuals with greater functional disability did not differ in PI frequency but were more likely at the moment to describe threats as important to them, to ruminate about those threats, to experience distress related to them, and to change their behavior in response. Groups based on treatment-seeking patterns largely did not differ in baseline measures or momentary phenomenology of PI as assessed by self-report or passive sensors. Conclusions Smartphone data collection allows for granular assessment of PI-related phenomena. Functional disability is associated with differences in appraisals of and responses to PI at the moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Buck
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Mary Wingerson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Justin S Tauscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Matthew Enkema
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Weichen Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | | | - Dror Ben-Zeev
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Forchuk C, Rudnick A, Corring D, Lizotte D, Hoch JS, Booth R, Frampton B, Mann R, Serrato J. A Smart Technology Intervention in the Homes of People with Mental Illness and Physical Comorbidities. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 23:406. [PMID: 36617004 PMCID: PMC9823432 DOI: 10.3390/s23010406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate support in the home may not be readily available for people living in the community with mental illness and physical comorbidities. This mixed-method study evaluated a smart home technology intervention for individuals within this population as well as providing health care providers with health monitoring capabilities. The study recruited 13 participants who were offered a smartphone, a touchscreen monitor, and health devices, including smartwatches, weigh scales, and automated medication dispensers. Healthcare providers were able to track health device data, which were synchronized with the Lawson Integrated DataBase. Participants completed interviews at baseline as well as at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. Focus groups with participants and care providers were conducted separately at 6-month and 12-month time points. As the sample size was too small for meaningful statistical inference, only descriptive statistics were presented. However, the qualitative analyses revealed improvements in physical and mental health, as well as enhanced communication with care providers and friends/family. Technical difficulties and considerations are addressed. Ethics analyses revealed advancement in equity and fairness, while policy analyses revealed plentiful opportunities for informing policymakers. The economic costs are also discussed. Further studies and technological interventions are recommended to explore and expand upon in-home technologies that can be easily implemented into the living environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Forchuk
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Abraham Rudnick
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1Y6, Canada
| | - Deborah Corring
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Daniel Lizotte
- Department of Computer Science, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey S. Hoch
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Richard Booth
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Barbara Frampton
- Ontario Peer Development Initiative, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4, Canada
| | - Rupinder Mann
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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Bondre AP, Shrivastava R, Raghuram H, Tugnawat D, Khan A, Gupta S, Kumar M, Mehta UM, Keshavan M, Lakhtakia T, Chand PK, Thirthalli J, Patel V, Torous J, Rozatkar AR, Naslund JA, Bhan A. A qualitative exploration of perceived needs and barriers of individuals with schizophrenia, caregivers and clinicians in using mental health applications in Madhya Pradesh, India. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:100063. [PMID: 36688236 PMCID: PMC9792372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction About 3.5 million people are living with schizophrenia in India, with most failing to receive minimally adequate care. Digital mental health applications could potentially decrease this treatment gap; however, these applications should be tailored to meet the needs and overcoming barriers of its end-users to ensure their adoption and sustained usage. Few studies in India have explored the perspectives of target stakeholders to understand how digital tools could be viable for supporting care. Therefore, this study explores the perceived needs and barriers of patients with schizophrenia, caregivers and clinicians in using digital mental health applications. Methods Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with patients having schizophrenia attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary hospital, and their caregivers, and mental health clinicians in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. FGDs were audio-recorded and coded. Framework analysis was employed to guide the analysis, involving deductive and inductive generation of themes, data triangulation and comparison of perspectives between participant groups. Results Six FGDs were conducted with individuals with schizophrenia (n = 11), their caregivers (n = 14), and mental health clinicians (n = 19). Four a priori themes were established: a) Prior experiences with health applications; b) Content of a mental health application; c) Involvement of caregivers in mental health application usage and d) Supporting doctors' work through mental health applications. Additionally, two themes were generated inductively: a) Qualities of a mental health application and b) Data privacy and confidentiality. Conclusion Exploration of stakeholder perspectives on the content, features, and uses of mental health applications is crucial to yield initial insights about the use of these digital programs in India. This study generated a multitude of suggestions on app functionality and components, which can guide ongoing efforts to develop and deliver digital mental health applications for patients living with schizophrenia in low-resource settings, with limited access to mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya P. Bondre
- Sangath, 120 Deepak Society, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462016, India,Corresponding author. 120 Deepak Society: Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462016, India.
| | - Ritu Shrivastava
- Sangath, 120 Deepak Society, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462016, India
| | | | - Deepak Tugnawat
- Sangath, 120 Deepak Society, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462016, India
| | - Azaz Khan
- Sangath, 120 Deepak Society, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462016, India
| | - Snehil Gupta
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Saket Nagar, Bagh Swaniya, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462020, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Saket Nagar, Bagh Swaniya, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462020, India
| | - Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Matcheri Keshavan
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Tanvi Lakhtakia
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Prabhat Kumar Chand
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Jagadisha Thirthalli
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Vikram Patel
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Abhijit R. Rozatkar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Saket Nagar, Bagh Swaniya, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462020, India
| | - John A. Naslund
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Anant Bhan
- Sangath, 120 Deepak Society, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462016, India
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Kwon S, Firth J, Joshi D, Torous J. Accessibility and availability of smartphone apps for schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:98. [PMID: 36385116 PMCID: PMC9668219 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00313-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
App-based interventions have the potential to enhance access to and quality of care for patients with schizophrenia. However, less is known about the current state of schizophrenia apps in research and how those translate to publicly available apps. This study, therefore, aimed to review schizophrenia apps offered on marketplaces and research literature with a focus on accessibility and availability. A search of recent reviews, gray literature, PubMed, and Google Scholar was conducted in August 2022. A search of the U.S. Apple App Store and Google Play App Store was conducted in July 2022. All eligible studies and apps were systematically screened/reviewed. The academic research search produced 264 results; 60 eligible studies were identified. 51.7% of research apps were built on psychosis-specific platforms and 48.3% of research apps were built on non-specific platforms. 83.3% of research apps offered monitoring functionalities. Only nine apps, two designed on psychosis-specific platforms and seven on non-specific platforms were easily accessible. The search of app marketplaces uncovered 537 apps; only six eligible marketplace apps were identified. 83.3% of marketplace apps only offered psychoeducation. All marketplace apps lacked frequent updates with the average time since last update 1121 days. There are few clinically relevant apps accessible to patients on the commercial marketplaces. While research efforts are expanding, many research apps are unavailable today. Better translation of apps from research to the marketplace and a focus on sustainable interventions are important targets for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Kwon
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Firth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Devayani Joshi
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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Mehdizadeh H, Asadi F, Nazemi E, Mehrvar A, Yazdanian A, Emami H. Usability evaluation and Compatibility test of digital self-management support system for children with cancer and their caregivers: using cloud automation testing platform (Preprint). JMIR Pediatr Parent 2022; 6:e43867. [PMID: 36995746 PMCID: PMC10132021 DOI: 10.2196/43867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing development of different smartphone apps in the health care domain, most of these apps lack proper evaluation. In fact, with the rapid development of smartphones and wireless communication infrastructure, many health care systems around the world are using these apps to provide health services for people without sufficient scientific efforts to design, develop, and evaluate them. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of CanSelfMan, a self-management app that provides access to reliable information to improve communication between health care providers and children with cancer and their parents/caregivers, facilitating remote monitoring and promoting medication adherence. METHODS We performed debugging and compatibility tests in a simulated environment to identify possible errors. Then, at the end of the 3-week period of using the app, children with cancer and their parents/caregivers filled out the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) to evaluate the usability of the CanSelfMan app and their level of user satisfaction. RESULTS During the 3 weeks of CanSelfMan use, 270 cases of symptom evaluation and 194 questions were recorded in the system by children and their parents/caregivers and answered by oncologists. After the end of the 3 weeks, 44 users completed the standard UEQ user experience questionnaire. According to the children's evaluations, attractiveness (mean 1.956, SD 0.547) and efficiency (mean 1.934, SD 0.499) achieved the best mean results compared with novelty (mean 1.711, SD 0.481). Parents/caregivers rated efficiency at a mean of 1.880 (SD 0.316) and attractiveness at a mean of 1.853 (SD 0.331). The lowest mean score was reported for novelty (mean 1.670, SD 0.225). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we describe the evaluation process of a self-management system to support children with cancer and their families. Based on the feedback and scores obtained from the usability evaluation, it seems that the children and their parents find CanSelfMan to be an interesting and practical idea to provide reliable and updated information on cancer and help them manage the complications of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mehdizadeh
- Health Information Technology Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Asadi
- Health Information Technology and Management Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eslam Nazemi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azim Mehrvar
- MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azade Yazdanian
- Health Information Technology Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hassan Emami
- Health Information Technology and Management Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Taylor KM, Bradley J, Cella M. A novel smartphone-based intervention targeting sleep difficulties in individuals experiencing psychosis: A feasibility and acceptability evaluation. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:717-737. [PMID: 35481697 PMCID: PMC9541554 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective psychological intervention for sleep difficulties and has been used successfully in individuals with psychosis. However, access is restricted due to lack of resources and staff training. Delivering CBT for sleep problems using smartphone technology may facilitate wider access. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and potential usefulness of a guided, smartphone-based CBT intervention targeting sleep disturbance for individuals with psychosis. DESIGN Participants with psychosis spectrum diagnoses were recruited to a single-arm, uncontrolled study and engaged with the seven-module programme via smartphone app for six weeks with therapist support. METHOD Feasibility was assessed by rates of referral, recruitment and completion. Acceptability was assessed by app usage, a satisfaction questionnaire and qualitative analysis of participants' semi-structured interview. Pre- and post-intervention assessment of sleep, psychotic experiences, mood, well-being and functioning was conducted. Mean change confidence intervals were calculated and reported as an indication of usefulness. RESULTS Fourteen individuals consented to participation, and eleven completed the post-intervention assessment. On average, each participant engaged with 5.6 of 7 available modules. Qualitative feedback indicated the intervention was considered helpful and would be recommended to others. Suggested improvements to app design were provided by participants. Potential treatment benefits were observed for sleep difficulties, and all outcomes considered, except frequency of hallucinatory experiences. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible and acceptable to deliver therapist-guided CBT for sleep problems by smartphone app for individuals with psychosis. This method provides a low-intensity, accessible intervention, which could be offered more routinely. Further research to determine treatment efficacy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Taylor
- Department of PsychologyInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | - Matteo Cella
- Department of PsychologyInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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22
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Dong D, Mu TY, Xu JY, Dai JN, Zhou ZN, Zhang QZ, Shen CZ. A WeChat-based self-compassion training to improve the treatment adherence of patients with schizophrenia in China: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol 2022; 13:931802. [PMID: 36110273 PMCID: PMC9469756 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAt present, adherence to antipsychotic treatment is often poor, leading to the recurrence of symptoms. This increases the likelihood of the patient experiencing disability and thus increases the disease burden for the patient, their family, and society as a whole. However, to date, there is no clear evidence regarding the effect of medication adherence interventions on outcomes for patients with schizophrenia. Moreover, the traditional intervention methods are limited by manpower and resources in low- and middle-income countries. Recent studies have demonstrated that increasing a patient’s level of self-compassion may improve their treatment adherence. Online mental health care interventions have advantages in terms of feasibility and acceptability for patients with schizophrenia. In this regard, a WeChat-based self-compassion training protocol to improve patient treatment adherence was designed in this study and will be evaluated in the future to determine its impact on patients with schizophrenia.MethodsThe protocol for the randomized controlled trial (RCT) is based on the SPIRIT 2013 statement. This parallel RCT will aim to recruit 392 patients with schizophrenia who will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio into a 3-week intervention or control group. Both groups will receive routine care. The intervention group will also receive WeChat-based self-compassion training, which requires participants to complete three tasks every day, including a reading task, a meditation task, and a self-compassion journal task. The control group will receive WeChat-based psychological health education, which will only require participants to read positive articles about psychological health every day. Medication adherence, self-compassion, stigma, and social support will be measured at baseline (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1), and 3 weeks after the intervention (T2). Program feasibility will be evaluated throughout the course of the study, and acceptability will be measured immediately after the intervention (T1).Expected results:The intervention described here will address the barriers to accessing mental health care for people with schizophrenia, including patients’ desire for independent management, difficulty accessing providers, and concerns about privacy and stigma. The current study provides guidance for clinical nurses to carry out psychological intervention, with the ultimate aim of addressing the problems associated with a shortage of psychological professionals in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Die Dong
- College of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting-Yu Mu
- College of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yi Xu
- College of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Ning Dai
- College of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Nan Zhou
- College of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Cui-Zhen Shen
- College of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Cui-Zhen Shen,
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23
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Buck B, Kopelovich SL, Tauscher JS, Chwastiak L, Ben-Zeev D. Developing the Workforce of the Digital Future: Leveraging Technology to Train Community-Based Mobile Mental Health Specialists. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1-7. [PMID: 35967965 PMCID: PMC9362666 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-022-00270-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Challenges in training, dissemination, and implementation have impeded the ability of providers to integrate promising digital health tools in real-world services. There is a need for generalizable strategies to rapidly train real-world providers at scale to support the adoption of digital health. This study describes the development of principles guiding rapid training of community-based clinicians in the support of digital health. This training approach was developed in the context of an ongoing trial examining implementation strategies for FOCUS, a mobile mental health intervention designed for people with serious mental illness. The SAIL (Simple, Accessible, Inverted, Live) model introduces how digital tools can be leveraged to facilitate rapid training of community agency-based personnel to serve as digital mental health champions, promoters, and providers. This model emphasizes simple and flexible principles of intervention delivery, accessible materials in a virtual learning environment, inverted or "flipped" live training structure, and live consultation calls for ongoing support. These initial insights lay the groundwork for future work to test and replicate generalizable training strategies focused on real-world delivery of digital mental health services. These strategies have the potential to remove key obstacles to the implementation and dissemination of digital health interventions for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Buck
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah L. Kopelovich
- Supporting Psychosis Innovation through Research, Implementation and Training (SPIRIT) Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Justin S. Tauscher
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Lydia Chwastiak
- Supporting Psychosis Innovation through Research, Implementation and Training (SPIRIT) Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Dror Ben-Zeev
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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24
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Gumley AI, Bradstreet S, Ainsworth J, Allan S, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Birchwood M, Briggs A, Bucci S, Cotton S, Engel L, French P, Lederman R, Lewis S, Machin M, MacLennan G, McLeod H, McMeekin N, Mihalopoulos C, Morton E, Norrie J, Reilly F, Schwannauer M, Singh SP, Sundram S, Thompson A, Williams C, Yung A, Aucott L, Farhall J, Gleeson J. Digital smartphone intervention to recognise and manage early warning signs in schizophrenia to prevent relapse: the EMPOWER feasibility cluster RCT. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-174. [PMID: 35639493 DOI: 10.3310/hlze0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse is a major determinant of outcome for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Early warning signs frequently precede relapse. A recent Cochrane Review found low-quality evidence to suggest a positive effect of early warning signs interventions on hospitalisation and relapse. OBJECTIVE How feasible is a study to investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a digital intervention to recognise and promptly manage early warning signs of relapse in schizophrenia with the aim of preventing relapse? DESIGN A multicentre, two-arm, parallel-group cluster randomised controlled trial involving eight community mental health services, with 12-month follow-up. SETTINGS Glasgow, UK, and Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Service users were aged > 16 years and had a schizophrenia spectrum disorder with evidence of a relapse within the previous 2 years. Carers were eligible for inclusion if they were nominated by an eligible service user. INTERVENTIONS The Early signs Monitoring to Prevent relapse in psychosis and prOmote Wellbeing, Engagement, and Recovery (EMPOWER) intervention was designed to enable participants to monitor changes in their well-being daily using a mobile phone, blended with peer support. Clinical triage of changes in well-being that were suggestive of early signs of relapse was enabled through an algorithm that triggered a check-in prompt that informed a relapse prevention pathway, if warranted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcomes were feasibility of the trial and feasibility, acceptability and usability of the intervention, as well as safety and performance. Candidate co-primary outcomes were relapse and fear of relapse. RESULTS We recruited 86 service users, of whom 73 were randomised (42 to EMPOWER and 31 to treatment as usual). Primary outcome data were collected for 84% of participants at 12 months. Feasibility data for people using the smartphone application (app) suggested that the app was easy to use and had a positive impact on motivations and intentions in relation to mental health. Actual app usage was high, with 91% of users who completed the baseline period meeting our a priori criterion of acceptable engagement (> 33%). The median time to discontinuation of > 33% app usage was 32 weeks (95% confidence interval 14 weeks to ∞). There were 8 out of 33 (24%) relapses in the EMPOWER arm and 13 out of 28 (46%) in the treatment-as-usual arm. Fewer participants in the EMPOWER arm had a relapse (relative risk 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.98), and time to first relapse (hazard ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.74) was longer in the EMPOWER arm than in the treatment-as-usual group. At 12 months, EMPOWER participants were less fearful of having a relapse than those in the treatment-as-usual arm (mean difference -4.29, 95% confidence interval -7.29 to -1.28). EMPOWER was more costly and more effective, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £3041. This incremental cost-effectiveness ratio would be considered cost-effective when using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. LIMITATIONS This was a feasibility study and the outcomes detected cannot be taken as evidence of efficacy or effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS A trial of digital technology to monitor early warning signs that blended with peer support and clinical triage to detect and prevent relapse is feasible. FUTURE WORK A main trial with a sample size of 500 (assuming 90% power and 20% dropout) would detect a clinically meaningful reduction in relapse (relative risk 0.7) and improvement in other variables (effect sizes 0.3-0.4). TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as ISRCTN99559262. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 27. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Funding in Australia was provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1095879).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Gumley
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Simon Bradstreet
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John Ainsworth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephanie Allan
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maximillian Birchwood
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Andrew Briggs
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sue Cotton
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lidia Engel
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul French
- Department of Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Reeva Lederman
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shôn Lewis
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Machin
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Graeme MacLennan
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hamish McLeod
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicola McMeekin
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Cathy Mihalopoulos
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Morton
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John Norrie
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Swaran P Singh
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Chris Williams
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alison Yung
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lorna Aucott
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - John Farhall
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John Gleeson
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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25
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Ghaemi SN, Sverdlov O, van Dam J, Campellone T, Gerwien R. A Smartphone-Based Intervention as an Adjunct to Standard-of-Care Treatment for Schizophrenia: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e29154. [PMID: 35343910 PMCID: PMC9002609 DOI: 10.2196/29154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antipsychotic medications have limited benefits in schizophrenia, and cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial as an adjunct. There may be potential for implementing mobile cognitive behavioral therapy–based treatment for schizophrenia in addition to standard antipsychotic medications. Objective This study aims to determine whether PEAR-004, a smartphone-based investigational digital therapeutic, improves the symptoms of an acute psychotic exacerbation of schizophrenia when it is added to standard treatments. Methods This was a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled, rater-blinded, parallel group proof‑of‑concept study of 112 participants with moderate acute psychotic exacerbation in schizophrenia. This study was conducted in 6 clinical trial research sites in the United States from December 2018 to September 2019. The primary outcome, change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) from baseline to week 12 or the last available visit, was analyzed using the mixed-effects regression model for repeated measures, applied to an intent-to-treat sample. Results The total PANSS scores slightly decreased from baseline over the study period in both groups; the treatment difference at day 85 between PEAR-004 and sham was 2.7 points, in favor of the sham (2-sided P=.09). The secondary scales found no benefit, except for transient improvement in depressive symptoms with PEAR-004. Application engagement was good, and patient and clinical investigator satisfaction was high. No safety concerns were observed. There was some evidence of study site heterogeneity for the onboarding processes and directions on PEAR-004 product use at baseline and throughout the study. However, these differences did not affect the efficacy results. Conclusions In the largest-to-date randomized, sham-controlled study of a digital therapeutic in schizophrenia, PEAR-004 did not demonstrate an effect on the primary outcome—total PANSS scores—when compared with a nonspecific digital sham control. The secondary and exploratory results also did not demonstrate any notable benefits, except for possible temporary improvement in depressive symptoms. This study provided many useful scientific and operational insights that can be used in the further clinical development of PEAR-004 and other investigational digital therapeutics. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03751280; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03751280
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nassir Ghaemi
- Novaris Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Joris van Dam
- Novaris Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
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26
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Individual Decision Model for Using technology in Digital Era. J ORGAN END USER COM 2022. [DOI: 10.4018/joeuc.302651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Digital transformation has brought about great social changes, and individuals are constantly facing the challenge of using emerging technologies. This article, for the first time, combines the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Contract Theory to build a decision model to solve the above challenge. The decision model is constructed according to the key factors that influence the individual decision process, including technological relative advantages, intrinsic motivation, risk-taking, use-cost, technological complexity and compatibility. Through the analysis of the cost utility of each party in Health CrowdSensing technology, the question of whether individuals use the technology is transformed into the question of cost utility. In the experiments, the validity of the decision model is verified by numerical analysis. The decision model proposed in this article provides theoretical basis and experimental verification for further research on how an individual decides whether to use technology or not.
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27
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Shields C, Cunningham SG, Wake DJ, Fioratou E, Brodie D, Philip S, Conway NT. User-Centered Design of A Novel Risk Prediction Behavior Change Tool Augmented With an Artificial Intelligence Engine (MyDiabetesIQ): A Sociotechnical Systems Approach. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e29973. [PMID: 35133280 PMCID: PMC8864521 DOI: 10.2196/29973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes and its complications account for 10% of annual health care spending in the United Kingdom. Digital health care interventions (DHIs) can provide scalable care, fostering diabetes self-management and reducing the risk of complications. Tailorability (providing personalized interventions) and usability are key to DHI engagement/effectiveness. User-centered design of DHIs (aligning features to end users’ needs) can generate more usable interventions, avoiding unintended consequences and improving user engagement. Objective MyDiabetesIQ (MDIQ) is an artificial intelligence engine intended to predict users’ diabetes complications risk. It will underpin a user interface in which users will alter lifestyle parameters to see the impact on their future risks. MDIQ will link to an existing DHI, My Diabetes My Way (MDMW). We describe the user-centered design of the user interface of MDIQ as informed by human factors engineering. Methods Current users of MDMW were invited to take part in focus groups to gather their insights about users being shown their likelihood of developing diabetes-related complications and any risks they perceived from using MDIQ. Findings from focus groups informed the development of a prototype MDIQ interface, which was then user-tested through the “think aloud” method, in which users speak aloud about their thoughts/impressions while performing prescribed tasks. Focus group and think aloud transcripts were analyzed thematically, using a combination of inductive and deductive analysis. For think aloud data, a sociotechnical model was used as a framework for thematic analysis. Results Focus group participants (n=8) felt that some users could become anxious when shown their future complications risks. They highlighted the importance of easy navigation, jargon avoidance, and the use of positive/encouraging language. User testing of the prototype site through think aloud sessions (n=7) highlighted several usability issues. Issues included confusing visual cues and confusion over whether user-updated information fed back to health care teams. Some issues could be compounded for users with limited digital skills. Results from the focus groups and think aloud workshops were used in the development of a live MDIQ platform. Conclusions Acting on the input of end users at each iterative stage of a digital tool’s development can help to prioritize users throughout the design process, ensuring the alignment of DHI features with user needs. The use of the sociotechnical framework encouraged the consideration of interactions between different sociotechnical dimensions in finding solutions to issues, for example, avoiding the exclusion of users with limited digital skills. Based on user feedback, the tool could scaffold good goal setting, allowing users to balance their palatable future complications risk against acceptable lifestyle changes. Optimal control of diabetes relies heavily on self-management. Tools such as MDMW/ MDIQ can offer personalized support for self-management alongside access to users’ electronic health records, potentially helping to delay or reduce long-term complications, thereby providing significant reductions in health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Shields
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Scott G Cunningham
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah J Wake
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Evridiki Fioratou
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sam Philip
- Grampian Diabetes Research Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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28
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Ybarra ML, Rodriguez KM, Fehmie DA, Mojtabai R, Cullen B. Acceptability of Texting 4 Relapse Prevention, Text Messaging-Based Relapse Prevention Program for People With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:123-128. [PMID: 34570061 PMCID: PMC10069806 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT We report process outcomes of the pilot randomized controlled trial of Texting 4 Relapse Prevention (T4RP), a text messaging-based relapse prevention program for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (SAD). Forty people were randomized to either the intervention or treatment as usual control group at a 2:1 ratio. Process indicators were collected at 6 months post enrollment.Over 90% of patients agreed or strongly agreed that the text messages were easy to understand, easy to answer, positive, and helped them feel supported. Patient acceptability was positively associated with recovery (β = 0.29, p = <0.001) and patient-provider communication scores (β = 1.04, p < 0.001), and negatively associated with symptoms of the disorder (β = -0.27, p = 0.07). Acceptability was similar by diagnosis (β, SAD diagnosis = 0.40, p = 0.90) and age (β = 0.05, p = 0.67). Findings suggest that a text messaging intervention aimed at preventing relapse is feasible and perceived as beneficial in individuals with schizophrenia and SAD. Future research might include a targeted study of T4RP within the context of hospital discharge when people with schizophrenia/SAD are at highest risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele L. Ybarra
- Center for Innovative Public Health Research, 555 N El Camino Real A347, San Clemente, CA 92672 USA
| | - Katrina M. Rodriguez
- Department of Mental Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287 USA
| | - Desiree A. Fehmie
- Center for Innovative Public Health Research, 555 N El Camino Real A347, San Clemente, CA 92672 USA
| | - Ramin Mojtabai
- Department of Mental Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287 USA
| | - Bernadette Cullen
- Department of Mental Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287 USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287 USA
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29
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Buck B, Nguyen J, Porter S, Ben-Zeev D, Reger GM. FOCUS mHealth Intervention for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness in an Outpatient Department of Veterans Affairs Setting: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Usability Study. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e26049. [PMID: 35089151 PMCID: PMC8838564 DOI: 10.2196/26049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) face barriers to accessing in-person evidence-based interventions that improve illness management. Mobile health (mHealth) has been demonstrated to be feasible, acceptable, effective, and engaging among individuals with SMIs in community mental health settings. mHealth for SMIs has not been tested within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). OBJECTIVE This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an mHealth intervention for SMI in the context of VA outpatient care. METHODS A total of 17 veterans with SMIs were enrolled in a 1-month pilot trial of FOCUS, a smartphone-based self-management intervention for SMI. At baseline and posttest, they completed measures examining symptoms and functional recovery. The participants provided qualitative feedback related to the usability and acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS Veterans completed on an average of 85.0 (SD 96.1) interactions with FOCUS over the 1-month intervention period. They reported high satisfaction, usability, and acceptability, with nearly all participants (16/17, 94%) reporting that they would recommend the intervention to a fellow veteran. Clinicians consistently reported finding mHealth-related updates useful for informing their care. Qualitative feedback indicated that veterans thought mHealth complemented their existing VA services well and described potential opportunities to adapt FOCUS to specific subpopulations (eg, combat veterans) as well as specific delivery modalities (eg, groups). In the 1-month period, the participants experienced small improvements in self-assessed recovery, auditory hallucinations, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The FOCUS mHealth intervention is feasible, acceptable, and usable among veterans. Future work should develop and examine VA-specific implementation approaches of FOCUS for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Buck
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Janelle Nguyen
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shelan Porter
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dror Ben-Zeev
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Greg M Reger
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, United States
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Lee J, Schnall R. Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale: Psychometric Evaluation. JMIR Med Inform 2022; 10:e28621. [PMID: 35072630 PMCID: PMC8822430 DOI: 10.2196/28621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rigorous development of mobile technologies requires the use of validated instruments to evaluate the usability of these tools, which has become more relevant with the expansion of these technologies. Although various usability evaluation tools have been developed, there are relatively few simple evaluation instruments that have been validated across diseases and languages in mobile health (mHealth) information technology for use in multiple diseases. Objective The purpose of this study is to validate the Korean version of the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Korean Health-ITUES) and assess its applicability for different health conditions. Methods To develop the Korean Health-ITUES, we used a validation process involving the following 3 steps: (1) customization of the Health-ITUES for menstrual symptoms, (2) translation of the Health-ITUES from English into Korean, and (3) examination of the reliability and validity of the instrument. The translation process adhered to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for translation and back-translation, expert review, and reconciliation. Results The Korean Health-ITUES showed reliable internal consistency with Cronbach α=.951; meanwhile, factor loadings of the 20 items in the 4 subscales ranged from 0.416 to 0.892. Conclusions The Health-ITUES demonstrated reliability and validity for its use in assessing mHealth apps’ usability in young Korean women with menstrual discomfort. Given the strong psychometric properties of this tool in Korean and English and across 2 different health conditions, the Health-ITUES is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the usability of mHealth apps. The Health-ITUES is also a valid instrument for evaluating mHealth technologies, which are widely used by patients to self-manage their health and by providers to improve health care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisan Lee
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Life & Health Sciences, Hoseo University, Asan, Republic of Korea
- The Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Hoseo University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Mehdizadeh H, Asadi F, Emami H, Mehrvar A, Nazemi E. mHealth Self-Management System to Supporting Children with a Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and their caregivers in low-middle income country: Qualitative Co-Design Study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e36721. [PMID: 35228195 PMCID: PMC9055480 DOI: 10.2196/36721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The unique features of smartphones have extended their use in different fields, especially in the health care domain. These features offer new opportunities to support patients with chronic conditions by providing them with information, education, and self-management skills. We developed a digital self-management system to support children with cancer and their caregivers in Iran (low- and middle-income country). Objective This study is aimed at the development and preliminary evaluation of a cancer self-management system (CanSelfMan) tailored to the needs of children with cancer and their parents or caregivers. Methods This study was conducted in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team between January and February 2020 at MAHAK’s Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center. We developed a self-management system in six stages: requirement analysis, conformity assessment, preparation of educational content, app prototyping, preliminary evaluation, and developing the final version. Results A total of 35 people (n=24, 69% parents and n=11, 31% children) volunteered to participate in the study. However, only 63% (15/24) of parents and 73% (8/11) of children were eligible to participate. By adopting a user-centered design approach, we developed a mobile app, CanSelfMan, that includes five main modules (knowledge base, self-management tips, self-assessment report, ask a question, and reminders) that provide access to reliable information about acute lymphocytic leukemia and the self-management skills required for side effect measurement and reporting. A web-based dashboard was also developed for oncologists and included a dashboard to monitor users’ symptoms and answer their questions. Conclusions The CanSelfMan app can support these groups by providing access to reliable information about cancer, facilitating communication between children or parents and health care providers, and helping promote medication adherence through a reminder function. The active participation of the target group can help identify their needs. Therefore, through the involvement of stakeholders such as patients, caregivers, and oncologists in the design process, we improved usability and ensured that the final product was useful. This app is now ready to proceed with feasibility studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mehdizadeh
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Asadi
- Health Information Technology and Management Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Emami
- Health Information Technology and Management Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azim Mehrvar
- MAHAK Hematology Oncology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eslam Nazemi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Emerson MR, Buckland S, Lawlor MA, Dinkel D, Johnson DJ, Mickles MS, Fok L, Watanabe-Galloway S. Addressing and evaluating health literacy in mHealth: a scoping review. Mhealth 2022; 8:33. [PMID: 36338314 PMCID: PMC9634204 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-22-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent surveys have revealed many adults have basic or below basic health literacy, which is linked to medical errors, increased illness, and compromised public health. Health literacy as a concept is multi-faceted extending beyond the individual to include social structures and the context in which health information is being accessed. Delivering health information via mobile devices (mHealth) expands the amount of information available while presenting challenges to ensuring these materials are suitable for a variety of literacy needs. The aims of this study are to discover how health literacy is addressed and evaluated in mHealth app development. METHODS A scoping review of 5 peer-reviewed databases was conducted. Eligible articles were written in English, addressed general literacy or mHealth/digital/eHealth literacy, and collected literacy information in order to incorporate literacy into the design and/or modification of an app or collected literacy information to describe the population being studied. The "Health Literacy Online" (HLO) United States (U.S.) government guide was used as a framework. RESULTS Thirty-two articles were reviewed. Articles included health literacy recommendations for all HLO categories and some recommendations not aligned with these categories. Most articles addressed health literacy using specific HLO categories though none incorporated every HLO category. The most common categories addressed engagement and testing of mHealth content. Though several studies addressed health literacy through a formal assessment tool, most did not. Evaluation of health literacy in mHealth was end-user focused and did not extensively evaluate content for fit to a variety of individuals with limited health literacy. CONCLUSIONS The recommendations seen consistently in our results in conjunction with formal HLO categories can act as beginning steps towards development of a health literacy evaluation tool for mHealth apps themselves. It is clear efforts are being made to reduce barriers to using mHealth for those with literacy deficits, however, it was also clear that this space has room to be more pragmatic in evaluation of mHealth tools for literacy. End user engagement in design and testing is necessary in future mHealth literacy tool development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sydney Buckland
- College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maxwell A. Lawlor
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Danae Dinkel
- College of Education Health and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - David J. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria S. Mickles
- College of Public Health University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Louis Fok
- College of Public Health University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Digitized thought records: a practitioner-focused review of cognitive restructuring apps. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x22000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mental health (MH) apps can be used as adjunctive tools in traditional face-to-face therapy to help implement components of evidence-based treatments. However, practitioners interested in using MH apps face a variety of challenges, including knowing which apps would be appropriate to use. Although some resources are available to help practitioners identify apps, granular analyses of how faithfully specific clinical skills are represented in apps are lacking. This study aimed to conduct a review and analysis of MH apps containing a core component of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) – cognitive restructuring (CR). A keyword search for apps providing CR functionality on the Apple App and Android Google Play stores yielded 246 apps after removal of duplicates, which was further reduced to 15 apps following verification of a CR component and application of other inclusionary/exclusionary criteria. Apps were coded based on their inclusion of core elements of CR, and general app features including app content, interoperability/data sharing, professional involvement, ethics, and data safeguards. They were also rated on user experience as assessed by the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Whereas a majority of the CR apps include most core CR elements, they vary considerably with respect to more granular sub-elements of CR (e.g. rating the intensity of emotions), other general app features, and user experience (average MARS = 3.53, range from 2.30 to 4.58). Specific apps that fared best with respect to CR fidelity and user experience dimensions are highlighted, and implications of findings for clinicians, researchers and app developers are discussed.
Key learning aims
(1)
To identify no-cost mobile health apps that practitioners can adopt to facilitate cognitive restructuring.
(2)
To review how well the core elements of cognitive restructuring are represented in these apps.
(3)
To characterize these apps with respect to their user experience and additional features.
(4)
To provide examples of high-quality apps that represent cognitive restructuring with fidelity and facilitate its clinical implementation.
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Pickering D, Serafimovska A, Cho S, Blaszczynski A, Gainsbury S. Online self-exclusion from multiple gambling venues: Stakeholder co-design of a usable and acceptable self-directed website. Internet Interv 2021; 27:100491. [PMID: 35004185 PMCID: PMC8715329 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gambling self-exclusion programs are under-utilised and barriers to entry include shame and embarrassment with face-to-face registration, and complex and effortful procedures. The current study aimed to facilitate self-exclusion from gambling venues via an online self-directed website. A co-design approach was used to elicit key stakeholders' perspectives on required website features, functionality, and to identify variables potentially impacting on development and implementation. Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were conducted across four stakeholders (N = 25): self-exclusion end users (consumers, n = 5), gambling counsellors (n = 7), venue staff (n = 6), and policy makers (n = 7). Overall, stakeholder perspectives were consistent with content analysis indicating the importance of website user-friendliness, flexibility, supportiveness, and trustworthiness. Importantly, these attributes were linked to target end users': perceived vulnerabilities, diverse backgrounds and individual expectations. Participants believed that the entire self-exclusion process should be conducted online, including identity verification, whilst expecting high-level data security measures to protect their personal privacy. A separate webpage was also suggested containing relevant information and links to additional help services, such as counselling. This study describes an adaptable co-design framework for developing a usable and acceptable self-exclusion website. Future studies should empirically test system usability and acceptability to refine and maximise system uptake upon implementation. Findings may have broader implications for digital health intervention design.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Pickering
- Corresponding author at: School of Psychology (M02), Level 2, Brain & Mind Centre, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
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Schick A, Paetzold I, Rauschenberg C, Hirjak D, Banaschewski T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Boehnke JR, Boecking B, Reininghaus U. Effects of a Novel, Transdiagnostic, Hybrid Ecological Momentary Intervention for Improving Resilience in Youth (EMIcompass): Protocol for an Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e27462. [PMID: 34870613 PMCID: PMC8686407 DOI: 10.2196/27462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most mental disorders first emerge in youth and, in their early stages, surface as subthreshold expressions of symptoms comprising a transdiagnostic phenotype of psychosis, mania, depression, and anxiety. Elevated stress reactivity is one of the most widely studied mechanisms underlying psychotic and affective mental health problems. Thus, targeting stress reactivity in youth is a promising indicated and translational preventive strategy for adverse mental health outcomes that could develop later in life and for improving resilience. Compassion-focused interventions offer a wide range of innovative therapeutic techniques that are particularly amenable to being implemented as ecological momentary interventions (EMIs), a specific type of mobile health intervention, to enable youth to access interventions in a given moment and context in daily life. This approach may bridge the current gap in youth mental health care. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the clinical feasibility, candidate underlying mechanisms, and initial signals of the efficacy of a novel, transdiagnostic, hybrid EMI for improving resilience to stress in youth-EMIcompass. METHODS In an exploratory randomized controlled trial, youth aged between 14 and 25 years with current distress, a broad Clinical High At-Risk Mental State, or the first episode of a severe mental disorder will be randomly allocated to the EMIcompass intervention (ie, EMI plus face-to-face training sessions) in addition to treatment as usual or a control condition of treatment as usual only. Primary (stress reactivity) and secondary candidate mechanisms (resilience, interpersonal sensitivity, threat anticipation, negative affective appraisals, and momentary physiological markers of stress reactivity), as well as primary (psychological distress) and secondary outcomes (primary psychiatric symptoms and general psychopathology), will be assessed at baseline, postintervention, and at the 4-week follow-up. RESULTS The first enrollment was in August 2019, and as of May 2021, enrollment and randomization was completed (N=92). We expect data collection to be completed by August 2021. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to establish feasibility, evidence on underlying mechanisms, and preliminary signals of the efficacy of a compassion-focused EMI in youth. If successful, a confirmatory randomized controlled trial will be warranted. Overall, our approach has the potential to significantly advance preventive interventions in youth mental health provision. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017265; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017265. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/27462.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Schick
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Isabell Paetzold
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Rauschenberg
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dusan Hirjak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jan R Boehnke
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Boecking
- Tinnitus Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Balaskas A, Schueller SM, Cox AL, Doherty G. The Functionality of Mobile Apps for Anxiety: Systematic Search and Analysis of Engagement and Tailoring Features. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e26712. [PMID: 34612833 PMCID: PMC8529472 DOI: 10.2196/26712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A range of mobile apps for anxiety have been developed in response to the high prevalence of anxiety disorders. Although the number of publicly available apps for anxiety is increasing, attrition rates among mobile apps are high. These apps must be engaging and relevant to end users to be effective; thus, engagement features and the ability to tailor delivery to the needs of individual users are key. However, our understanding of the functionality of these apps concerning engagement and tailoring features is limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to review how cognitive behavioral elements are delivered by anxiety apps and their functionalities to support user engagement and tailoring based on user needs. METHODS A systematic search for anxiety apps described as being based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was conducted on Android and iPhone marketplaces. Apps were included if they mentioned the use of CBT for anxiety-related disorders. We identified 597 apps, of which 36 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed through direct use. RESULTS Cognitive behavioral apps for anxiety incorporate a variety of functionalities, offer several engagement features, and integrate low-intensity CBT exercises. However, the provision of features to support engagement is highly uneven, and support is provided only for low-intensity CBT treatment. Cognitive behavioral elements combine various modalities to deliver intervention content and support the interactive delivery of these elements. Options for personalization are limited and restricted to goal selection upon beginning use or based on self-monitoring entries. Apps do not appear to provide individualized content to users based on their input. CONCLUSIONS Engagement and tailoring features can be significantly expanded in existing apps, which make limited use of social features and clinical support and do not use sophisticated features such as personalization based on sensor data. To guide the evolution of these interventions, further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of different types of engagement features and approaches to tailoring therapeutic content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Balaskas
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen M Schueller
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Anna L Cox
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Doherty
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Yee LM, Leziak K, Jackson J, Strohbach A, Saber R, Niznik CM, Simon MA. Patient and Provider Perspectives on a Novel Mobile Health Intervention for Low-Income Pregnant Women With Gestational or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2021; 15:1121-1133. [PMID: 32627582 PMCID: PMC8442184 DOI: 10.1177/1932296820937347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy is burdensome given the intensity of required patient engagement and skills, especially for women with greater social disadvantage. Mobile health (mHealth) technology is a promising avenue for DM health promotion, but few evidence-based mHealth tools exist for pregnancy. Thus, we designed a theory-driven mHealth tool called SweetMama, and planned a priori to gather usability and acceptability feedback from patients and providers to ensure a user-centered design. METHODS In this qualitative assessment, we solicited patient and provider feedback on this novel educational and motivational mobile application for low-income pregnant women with type 2 or gestational DM. Patients and providers participated in separate focus groups. Participants shared feedback regarding SweetMama's visual appeal, architecture, and content. SweetMama modifications were made in an iterative manner. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative technique. RESULTS Patient (N = 16) and provider (N = 29) feedback was organized as positive feedback, negative feedback, or additional desired features. Within each category, themes addressed SweetMama visual features, information, or functional features. The majority of negative feedback was addressed and multiple desired features were implemented via iterative application development, resulting in a user-friendly, efficient, and potentially impactful mHealth app designed to support the unique needs of this population. CONCLUSIONS SweetMama users had largely positive feedback about the mHealth tool's appeal, content, and functionality. Suggested improvements were incorporated in preparation for further evaluation steps, which include longitudinal usability testing, feasibility trials, and larger trials to determine the efficacy of SweetMama use for improving perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Lynn M. Yee, MD, MPH, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Northwestern
University Feinberg School of Medicine, 250 E. Superior Street, #5-2145,
Chicago, IL 60611-3008, USA.
| | - Karolina Leziak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jenise Jackson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Angelina Strohbach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rana Saber
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority
Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Charlotte M. Niznik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melissa A. Simon
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
and Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine,
Chicago, IL, USA
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Alshehri F, Alshaikh F. Exploring the Constituent Elements of a Successful Mobile Health Intervention for Prediabetic Patients in King Saud University Medical City Hospitals in Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e22968. [PMID: 34061762 PMCID: PMC8335605 DOI: 10.2196/22968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-management of prediabetic patients is crucial since they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Mobile health (mHealth) apps could contribute to potentially reducing the burden of diabetes by supporting the self-management of prediabetic patients. Objective This study aimed to explore the constituent elements of a successful mHealth intervention for prediabetic patients in King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) hospitals in Saudi Arabia using the Centre for eHealth Research (CeHRes) roadmap. Methods This study used the CeHRes roadmap as a developmental guideline for proposing mHealth app features for self-management of prediabetic patients and was performed in 3 phases with one round in each phase. First, a contextual inquiry was conducted via an online self-administered questionnaire for both health care providers and patients. Second, the value specification phase elaborated on the outcomes from the contextual inquiry phase. Finally, prototype user design was performed in cocreation with end users. The design phase was also conducted via an online self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the proposed features of mHealth apps by prediabetic patients. Results A total of 20 health care providers participated in the study. The results revealed that the most powerful intervention for prediabetes was a combination of medication, physical activity, and healthy diet plans (12/20, 60%). Furthermore, the most common challenge faced by prediabetes patients was patient adherence to healthy diet and physical activity recommendations (10/20, 50%). Almost all patients believed that mHealth apps would be useful for prediabetic patients. A total of 48 prediabetic patients participated in the study. The results indicated that the most powerful intervention for prediabetic patients is a combination of healthy diet and physical activity plans (21/48, 44%), and the most frequent challenge that may lead the patients to discontinue the current intervention was the commitment to a physical activity plan (35/48, 75%). Furthermore, 15% (17/48) of patients use well-being and health apps to manage their current health status. The most common difficulties faced by the patients were navigating app features (mean 2.02 [SD 1.7]) followed by the app language (mean 1.88 [SD 2.0]); these difficulties occurred at a significantly higher rate among those with secondary or lower educational levels as compared to undergraduate and postgraduate levels (P<.05). Finally, the features proposed in the prototype design scored more than 2.5 points higher and indicate the need for these features to be included in the mHealth app. Conclusions This study aimed to provide real-world insights into the development of an mHealth app for a diabetes prevention intervention by involving both health care providers and prediabetic patients in KSUMC hospitals. Therefore, the proposed app, which comprises all necessary features, may aid patients with prediabetes in self-management and making changes in their lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayz Alshehri
- Executive Department of Information Technology, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahdah Alshaikh
- Community Health Department, Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ben-Zeev D, Meller S, Snyder J, Attah DA, Albright L, Le H, Asafo SM, Collins PY, Ofori-Atta A. A Digital Toolkit (M-Healer) to Improve Care and Reduce Human Rights Abuses Against People With Mental Illness in West Africa: User-Centered Design, Development, and Usability Study. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e28526. [PMID: 34255712 PMCID: PMC8285751 DOI: 10.2196/28526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The resources of West African mental health care systems are severely constrained, which contributes to significant unmet mental health needs. Consequently, people with psychiatric conditions often receive care from traditional and faith healers. Healers may use practices that constitute human rights violations, such as flogging, caging, forced fasting, and chaining. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to partner with healers in Ghana to develop a smartphone toolkit designed to support the dissemination of evidence-based psychosocial interventions and the strengthening of human rights awareness in the healer community. METHODS We conducted on-site observations and qualitative interviews with healers, a group co-design session, content development and prototype system build-out, and usability testing. RESULTS A total of 18 healers completed individual interviews. Participants reported on their understanding of the causes and treatments of mental illnesses. They identified situations in which they elect to use mechanical restraints and other coercive practices. Participants described an openness to using a smartphone-based app to help introduce them to alternative practices. A total of 12 healers participated in the co-design session. Of the 12 participants, 8 (67%) reported having a smartphone. Participants reported that they preferred spiritual guidance but that it was acceptable that M-Healer would provide mostly nonspiritual content. They provided suggestions for who should be depicted as the toolkit protagonist and ranked their preferred content delivery modality in the following order: live-action video, animated video, comic strip, and still images with text. Participants viewed mood board prototypes and rated their preferred visual design in the following order: religious theme, nature motif, community or medical, and Ghanaian culture. The content was organized into modules, including an introduction to the system, brief mental health interventions, verbal de-escalation strategies, guided relaxation techniques, and human rights training. Each module contained several scripted digital animation videos, with audio narration in English or Twi. The module menu was represented by touchscreen icons and a single word or phrase to maximize accessibility to users with limited literacy. In total, 12 participants completed the M-Healer usability testing. Participants commented that they liked the look and functionality of the app and understood the content. The participants reported that the information and displays were clear. They successfully navigated the app but identified several areas where usability could be enhanced. Posttesting usability measures indicated that participants found M-Healer to be feasible, acceptable, and usable. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to develop a digital mental health toolkit for healers in West Africa. Engaging healers in user-centered development produced an accessible and acceptable resource. Future field testing will determine whether M-Healer can improve healer practices and reduce human rights abuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dror Ben-Zeev
- BRiTE Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Suzanne Meller
- BRiTE Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jaime Snyder
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dzifa A Attah
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Liam Albright
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hoa Le
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Seth M Asafo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Pamela Y Collins
- Department of Global Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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The Usage of Mobile Apps to Fight Violence against Women: A Survey on a Sample of Female Students Belonging to an Italian University. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18136968. [PMID: 34209846 PMCID: PMC8297081 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of violence against women continues to grow and this plague has had a huge impact from a clinical, social and judicial point of view. For this reason, alongside the efforts made at the legislative level to prevent the phenomenon and to improve assistance to victims in recent years, efforts to contain and better manage this phenomenon have also grown in the extra-legislative sphere: for example, through the application of new technological solutions and safety planning. In recent years, there has been an increase in the marketing of mobile phone apps dedicated to the prevention of violence against women, with different functions and different objectives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and propensity to download this type of app in a group of 1782 Italian female university students. This research was performed using an online questionnaire administered to female students attending four different courses (law, medicine, healthcare professionals and political sciences) at one Italian university. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to analyze associations between responses to questionnaire and the type and the year of course. The results show that 62.6% of our sample are unaware of the existence of these apps and that 79.5% of the sample would be willing to download one in the future. With regard to whom to turn to after a violent incident, the majority of those interviewed (43.9%) would turn to the police and not to health facilities. According to our findings, law female students (52.7%) think, more than any other category, that the most effective way to improve public safety and reduce the number of victims lies in legislative solutions. Our results suggest that, although this type of technology may be promising, it is necessary to improve the knowledge and dissemination of these apps in order to make them a useful tool for prevention, education and assistance in cases of violence against women.
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Steare T, Giorgalli M, Free K, Harju-Seppänen J, Akther S, Eskinazi M, O'Hanlon P, Rostill H, Amani S, Lloyd-Evans B, Osborn D, Johnson S. A qualitative study of stakeholder views on the use of a digital app for supported self-management in early intervention services for psychosis. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:311. [PMID: 34147075 PMCID: PMC8214784 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital tools such as Smartphones have the potential to increase access to mental health support including self-management interventions for individuals with psychosis, and ultimately to improve outcomes. Self-management strategies, including relapse prevention and crisis planning and setting personal recovery goals, are intended to assist people with long-term conditions to take an active role in their recovery, with evidence for a range of benefits. However, their implementation is inconsistent, and access and uptake need to be improved. The current study explores the acceptability of a Smartphone app (My Journey 3) that has been developed to facilitate supported self-management in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services. METHODS Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with twenty-one EIP service users who had access to My Journey 3 as part of a feasibility trial, and with thirteen EIP service clinicians who were supporting service users with the app. Interviews focused on the acceptability and usability of My Journey 3. Data was coded to themes based on the Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions framework. RESULTS Many service user participants found My Journey 3 to be acceptable. The symptom and medication trackers in particular were described as helpful. A smaller number of service users disliked the intervention. Individual-level factors that appeared to influence acceptability and engagement included recovery stage and symptom severity. Clinicians tended to report that My Journey 3 was a potentially positive addition to service users' care, but they often felt unable to provide support due to competing demands in their work, which in turn may have impacted acceptability and usage of the app. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the app is perceived as having potential to improve users' capacity to self-manage and work towards recovery goals, but barriers prevented many clinicians providing consistent and effective support as intended. Further evaluation of supported self-management apps in psychosis is warranted but needs to address implementation challenges from the start.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Steare
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Maria Giorgalli
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Katherine Free
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Jasmine Harju-Seppänen
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Syeda Akther
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michelle Eskinazi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- R&D Department, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Puffin O'Hanlon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Helen Rostill
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK
| | - Sarah Amani
- EIP Programme (South of England), NHS England, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - David Osborn
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- R&D Department, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
- R&D Department, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Fulford D, Gard DE, Mueser KT, Mote J, Gill K, Leung L, Mow J. Preliminary Outcomes of an Ecological Momentary Intervention for Social Functioning in Schizophrenia: Pre-Post Study of the Motivation and Skills Support App. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e27475. [PMID: 34128812 PMCID: PMC8277369 DOI: 10.2196/27475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses often lack access to evidence-based interventions, particularly interventions that target meaningful recovery outcomes such as social functioning and quality of life. Mobile technologies, including smartphone apps, have the potential to provide scalable support that places elements of evidence-based interventions at the palm of patients' hands. OBJECTIVE We aim to develop a smartphone app-called Motivation and Skills Support-to provide targeted social goal support (eg, making new friends and improving existing relationships) for people with schizophrenia enrolled in a stand-alone open trial. METHODS In this paper, we presented preliminary outcomes of 31 participants who used the Motivation and Skills Support app for 8 weeks, including social functioning pre- to postintervention, and momentary reports of treatment targets (eg, social motivation and appraisals) during the intervention. RESULTS The findings suggest that the intervention improved self-reported social functioning from baseline to treatment termination, particularly in female participants. Gains were not maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Furthermore, increased social functioning was predicted by momentary reports of social appraisals, including perceived social competence and the extent to which social interactions were worth the effort. CONCLUSIONS The implications of these findings and future directions for addressing social functioning in schizophrenia using mobile technology have been discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03404219; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03404219.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fulford
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David E Gard
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kim T Mueser
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jasmine Mote
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Somerville, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn Gill
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lawrence Leung
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Mow
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Buck B, Chander A, Brian RM, Wang W, Campbell AT, Ben-Zeev D. Expanding the Reach of Research: Quantitative Evaluation of a Web-Based Approach for Remote Recruitment of People Who Hear Voices. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e23118. [PMID: 34081011 PMCID: PMC8212619 DOI: 10.2196/23118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Similar to other populations with highly stigmatized medical or psychiatric conditions, people who hear voices (ie, experience auditory verbal hallucinations [AVH]) are often difficult to identify and reach for research. Technology-assisted remote research strategies reduce barriers to research recruitment; however, few studies have reported on the efficiency and effectiveness of these approaches. Objective This study introduces and evaluates the efficacy of technology-assisted remote research designed for people who experience AVH. Methods Our group developed an integrated, automated and human complementary web-based recruitment and enrollment apparatus that incorporated Google Ads, web-based screening, identification verification, hybrid automation, and interaction with live staff. We examined the efficacy of that apparatus by examining the number of web-based advertisement impressions (ie, number of times the web-based advertisement was viewed); clicks on that advertisement; engagement with web-based research materials; and the extent to which it succeeded in representing a broad sample of individuals with AVH, assessed through the self-reported AVH symptom severity and demographic representativeness (relative to the US population) of the sample recruited. Results Over an 18-month period, our Google Ads advertisement was viewed 872,496 times and clicked on 11,183 times. A total amount of US $4429.25 was spent on Google Ads, resulting in 772 individuals who experience AVH providing consent to participate in an entirely remote research study (US $0.40 per click on the advertisement and US $5.73 per consented participant) after verifying their phone number, passing a competency screening questionnaire, and providing consent. These participants reported high levels of AVH frequency (666/756, 88.1% daily or more), distress (689/755, 91.3%), and functional interference (697/755, 92.4%). They also represented a broad sample of diversity that mirrored the US population demographics. Approximately one-third (264/756, 34.9%) of the participants had never received treatment for their AVH and, therefore, were unlikely to be identified via traditional clinic-based research recruitment strategies. Conclusions Web-based procedures allow for time saving, cost-efficient, and representative recruitment of individuals with AVH and can serve as a model for future studies focusing on hard-to-reach populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Buck
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ayesha Chander
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rachel M Brian
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Weichen Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Andrew T Campbell
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Dror Ben-Zeev
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Daniëls NEM, Hochstenbach LMJ, van Zelst C, van Bokhoven MA, Delespaul PAEG, Beurskens AJHM. Factors That Influence the Use of Electronic Diaries in Health Care: Scoping Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e19536. [PMID: 34061036 PMCID: PMC8207255 DOI: 10.2196/19536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A large number of people suffer from psychosocial or physical problems. Adequate strategies to alleviate needs are scarce or lacking. Symptom variation can offer insights into personal profiles of coping and resilience (detailed functional analyses). Hence, diaries are used to report mood and behavior occurring in daily life. To reduce inaccuracies, biases, and noncompliance with paper diaries, a shift to electronic diaries has occurred. Although these diaries are increasingly used in health care, information is lacking about what determines their use. Objective The aim of this study was to map the existing empirical knowledge and gaps concerning factors that influence the use of electronic diaries, defined as repeated recording of psychosocial or physical data lasting at least one week using a smartphone or a computer, in health care. Methods A scoping review of the literature published between January 2000 and December 2018 was conducted using queries in PubMed and PsycInfo databases. English or Dutch publications based on empirical data about factors that influence the use of electronic diaries for psychosocial or physical purposes in health care were included. Both databases were screened, and findings were summarized using a directed content analysis organized by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results Out of 3170 articles, 22 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis. Eleven themes were determined in the CFIR categories of intervention, user characteristics, and process. No information was found for the CFIR categories inner (eg, organizational resources, innovation climate) and outer (eg, external policies and incentives, pressure from competitors) settings. Reminders, attractive designs, tailored and clear data visualizations (intervention), smartphone experience, and intrinsic motivation to change behavior (user characteristics) could influence the use of electronic diaries. During the implementation process, attention should be paid to both theoretical and practical training. Conclusions Design aspects, user characteristics, and training and instructions determine the use of electronic diaries in health care. It is remarkable that there were no empirical data about factors related to embedding electronic diaries in daily clinical practice. More research is needed to better understand influencing factors for optimal electronic diary use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E M Daniëls
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Laura M J Hochstenbach
- Research Centre for Remote Health Care, Faculty of Health Care, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Catherine van Zelst
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marloes A van Bokhoven
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Philippe A E G Delespaul
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Mondriaan Mental Health Trust, Heerlen/Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Anna J H M Beurskens
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Gowarty MA, Aschbrenner KA, Brunette MF. Acceptability and Usability of Mobile Apps for Smoking Cessation Among Young Adults With Psychotic Disorders and Other Serious Mental Illness. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:656538. [PMID: 34025477 PMCID: PMC8138181 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.656538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) are over twice as likely to smoke cigarettes than those in the general population, but little research has evaluated the efficacy of interventions for this group. While smartphone apps are a promising tool to address this need, their usability should be evaluated among young adults with psychotic disorders, whose symptoms and cognitive impairments may be a barrier to app use. Methods: We compared usability and acceptability of National Cancer Institute apps (QuitGuide and quitSTART) between young adult smokers with SMI psychotic disorders and other SMI diagnoses. We evaluated objective app usability at the initial study visit and following 2 weeks of independent use via a video-recorded task-completion protocol. Perceptions of usability and acceptability were assessed with semi-structured interviews. Engagement was assessed with backend app use data. Results: Participants had a mean age of 29 years old (SD = 4). Of the participants without psychotic disorders (n = 10), all were diagnosed with SMI post-traumatic stress disorder (SMI-PTSD). QuitGuide objective task completion rates were high and similar between diagnosis groups, whereas quitSTART task completion was initially lower among users with psychotic disorder compared to users with SMI-PTSD at Visit 1, and improved by Visit 2. Mean app interactions, mean days of use, and median completed notifications were dramatically higher among quitSTART users compared to QuitGuide users. Compared to quitSTART users with SMI-PTSD, quitSTART users with psychotic disorders had similar daily app interactions over the first week of use (mean 3.8 ± 2.4 interactions), and numerically lower mean daily app interactions during the second week (1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 3.4 ± 2.5), whereas completed notifications remained stable among quitSTART users in both diagnosis groups over time. Qualitative comments indicated general acceptability of both apps among both diagnosis groups. Conclusions: Both QuitGuide and quitSTART were usable and appealing among young adult smokers with psychotic disorders and SMI-PTSD, although quitSTART engendered a dramatically greater level of engagement compared to QuitGuide. Initial coaching to support initiation and app notifications to promote prolonged engagement may be important for young adult smokers with psychotic disorders. Replication and efficacy testing for quitSTART is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minda A. Gowarty
- Departments of Internal and Family Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Kelly A. Aschbrenner
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Mary F. Brunette
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
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Chivilgina O, Elger BS, Jotterand F. Digital Technologies for Schizophrenia Management: A Descriptive Review. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2021; 27:25. [PMID: 33835287 PMCID: PMC8035115 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-021-00302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
While the implementation of digital technology in psychiatry appears promising, there is an urgent need to address the implications of the absence of ethical design in the early development of such technologies. Some authors have noted the gap between technology development and ethical analysis and have called for an upstream examination of the ethical issues raised by digital technologies. In this paper, we address this suggestion, particularly in relation to digital healthcare technologies for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The introduction of digital technologies in psychiatry offers a broad spectrum of diagnostic and treatment options tailored to the health needs and goals of patients' care. These technologies include wearable devices, smartphone applications for high-immersive virtual realities, smart homes, telepsychiatry and messaging systems for patients in rural areas. The availability of these technologies could increase access to mental health services and improve the diagnostics of mental disorders. In this descriptive review, we systematize ethical concerns about digital technologies for mental health with a particular focus on individuals suffering from schizophrenia. There are many unsolved dilemmas and conflicts of interest in the implementation of these technologies, such as (1) the lack of evidence on efficacy and impact on self-perception; (2) the lack of clear standards for the safety of their daily implementation; (3) unclear roles of technology and a shift in the responsibilities of all parties; (4) no guarantee of data confidentiality; and (5) the lack of a user-centered design that meets the particular needs of patients with schizophrenia. mHealth can improve care in psychiatry and make mental healthcare services more efficient and personalized while destigmatizing mental health disorders. To ensure that these technologies will benefit people with mental health disorders, we need to heighten sensitivity to ethical issues among mental healthcare specialists, health policy makers, software developers, patients themselves and their proxies. Additionally, we need to develop frameworks for furthering sustainable development in the digital technologies industry and for the responsible usage of such technologies for patients with schizophrenia in the clinical setting. We suggest that digital technology in psychiatry, particularly for schizophrenia and other serious mental health disorders, should be integrated into treatment with professional supervision rather than as a self-treatment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Chivilgina
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Bernice S Elger
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Unit of Health Law & Humanitarian Medicine At the Institute for Legal Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Jotterand
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
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Ben-Zeev D, Razzano LA, Pashka NJ, Levin CE. Cost of mHealth Versus Clinic-Based Care for Serious Mental Illness: Same Effects, Half the Price Tag. Psychiatr Serv 2021; 72:448-451. [PMID: 33557599 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared the costs of implementing a smartphone-delivered mobile health (mHealth) intervention (called FOCUS) with the costs of implementing a clinic-based group intervention (Wellness Recovery Action Planning [WRAP]) for serious mental illness. Treatments were delivered in parallel in a randomized controlled trial and produced comparable clinical outcomes. METHODS Retrospective cost data were collected by using mixed-methods, top-down expenditure analysis with microcosting procedures. Costs were organized by input categories, including personnel, supplies, equipment, overhead, and indirect costs. All estimates are reported in US$. RESULTS The average annual cost to providers was $78,212 for WRAP and $40,439 for FOCUS. In both groups, labor accounted for the largest cost, followed by indirect costs and overhead costs. When indirect costs were excluded, WRAP cost $520 per client per month, compared with $256 for FOCUS. CONCLUSIONS mHealth produced the same patient outcomes as clinic-based group treatment at approximately half the cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dror Ben-Zeev
- BRiTE (Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Ben-Zeev), and Department of Global Health (Levin), University of Washington, Seattle; Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (Razzano); Thresholds Inc., Chicago (Razzano, Pashka)
| | - Lisa A Razzano
- BRiTE (Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Ben-Zeev), and Department of Global Health (Levin), University of Washington, Seattle; Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (Razzano); Thresholds Inc., Chicago (Razzano, Pashka)
| | - Nicole J Pashka
- BRiTE (Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Ben-Zeev), and Department of Global Health (Levin), University of Washington, Seattle; Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (Razzano); Thresholds Inc., Chicago (Razzano, Pashka)
| | - Carol E Levin
- BRiTE (Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Ben-Zeev), and Department of Global Health (Levin), University of Washington, Seattle; Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (Razzano); Thresholds Inc., Chicago (Razzano, Pashka)
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Rotondi AJ, Grady J, Hanusa BH, Haas GL, Spring MR, Abebe KZ, Luther J, Gurklis J. Key Variables for Effective eHealth Designs for Individuals With and Without Mental Health Disorders: 2^12-4 Fractional Factorial Experiment. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23137. [PMID: 33759796 PMCID: PMC8262839 DOI: 10.2196/23137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND eHealth applications not only offer the potential to increase service convenience and responsiveness but also expand the ability to tailor services to improve relevance, engagement, and use. To achieve these goals, it is critical that the designs are intuitive. Limited research exists on designs that work for those with a severe mental illness (SMI), many of whom have difficulty traveling for treatments, reject or infrequently seek treatment, and tend to discontinue treatments for significant periods. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the influence of 12 design variables (eg, navigational depth, reading level, and use of navigational lists) on the usability of eHealth application websites for those with and without SMI. METHODS A 212-4 fractional factorial experiment was used to specify the designs of 256 eHealth websites. This approach systematically varied the 12 design variables. The final destination contents of all websites were identical, and only the designs of the navigational pages varied. The 12 design elements were manipulated systematically to allow the assessment of combinations of design elements rather than only one element at a time. Of the 256 websites, participants (n=222) sought the same information on 8 randomly selected websites. Mixed effect regressions, which accounted for the dependency of the 8 observations within participants, were used to test for main effects and interactions on the ability and time to find information. Classification and regression tree analyses were used to identify effects among the 12 variables on participants' abilities to locate information, for the sample overall and each of the 3 diagnostic groups of participants (schizophrenia spectrum disorder [SSD], other mental illnesses, and no mental illness). RESULTS The best and worst designs were identified for each of these 4 groups. The depth of a website's navigation, that is, the number of screens users needed to navigate to find the desired content, had the greatest influence on usability (ability to find information) and efficiency (time to find information). The worst performing designs for those with SSD had a 9% success rate, and the best had a 51% success rate: the navigational designs made a 42% difference in usability. For the group with other mental illnesses, the design made a 50% difference, and for those with no mental illness, a 55% difference was observed. The designs with the highest usability had several key design similarities, as did those with the poorest usability. CONCLUSIONS It is possible to identify evidence-based strategies for designing eHealth applications that result in significantly better performance. These improvements in design benefit all users. For those with SSD or other SMIs, there are designs that are highly effective. Both the best and worst designs have key similarities but vary in some characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando J Rotondi
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,University of Pittsburgh Center for Behavioral Health, Media, and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jonathan Grady
- Computer Science, Thomas College, Waterville, ME, United States
| | - Barbara H Hanusa
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gretchen L Haas
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael R Spring
- Department of Information Sciences and Technology, School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kaleab Z Abebe
- Center for Research on Health Care Data Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - James Luther
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - John Gurklis
- Behavioral Health, VA Pittsburgh Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Tokosi TO, Twum-Darko M. Mobile Health Crowdsensing (MHCS) Intervention on Chronic Disease Awareness: Protocol for a Systematic Review. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e24589. [PMID: 33739288 PMCID: PMC8088872 DOI: 10.2196/24589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health crowdsensing (MHCS) involves the use of mobile communication technologies to promote health by supporting health care practices (eg, health data collection, delivery of health care information, or patient observation and provision of care). MHCS technologies (eg, smartphones) have sensory capabilities, such as GPS, voice, light, and camera, to collect, analyze, and share user-centered data (explicit and implicit). The current literature indicates no scientific study related to MHCS interventions for chronic diseases. The proposed systematic review will examine the impact of MHCS interventions on chronic disease awareness. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are to identify and describe various MHCS intervention strategies applied to chronic disease awareness. METHODS Literature from various databases, such as MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, will be examined. Trial registers, reports, grey literature, and unpublished academic theses will also be included. All mobile technologies, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, and tablets that have short message service, multimedia message service, video, and audio capabilities, will be included. MHCS will be the primary intervention strategy. The search strategy will include keywords such as mHealth, crowdsensing, and awareness among other medical subject heading terms. Articles published from January 1, 1945, to December 31, 2019, will be eligible for inclusion. The authors will independently screen and select studies, extract data, and assess the risk of bias, with discrepancies resolved by an independent party not involved in the study. The authors will assess statistical heterogeneity by examining the types of participants, interventions, study designs, and outcomes in each study, and pool studies judged to be statistically homogeneous. In the assessment of heterogeneity, a sensitivity analysis will be considered to explore statistical heterogeneity. Statistical heterogeneity will be investigated using the chi-square test of homogeneity on Cochrane Q test, and quantified using the I2 statistic. RESULTS The preliminary search query found 1 paper. Further literature search commenced in mid-March 2021 and is to be concluded in April 2021. The proposed systematic review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42020161435). Furthermore, the use of search data extraction and capturing in Review Manager version 5.3 (Cochrane) commenced in January 2021 and ended in February 2021. Further literature search will begin in mid-March 2021 and will be concluded in April 2021. The final stages will include analyses and writing, which are anticipated to start and be completed in May 2021. CONCLUSIONS The knowledge derived from this study will inform health care stakeholders-including researchers, policy makers, investors, health professionals, technologists, and engineers-of the impact of MHCS interventions on chronic disease awareness. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/24589.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope Oluwaseyi Tokosi
- Graduate Centre for Management, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Twum-Darko
- Graduate Centre for Management, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
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50
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Bianco CL, Myers AL, Smagula S, Fortuna KL. Can Smartphone Apps Assist People with Serious Mental Illness in Taking Medications as Prescribed? Sleep Med Clin 2021; 16:213-222. [PMID: 33485529 PMCID: PMC8034491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adherence research commonly happens in a silo, focused on a particular disease state or type of therapy. Learning from outside disciplines can bring new insights and ideas. This article presents adherence research as related to people with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness (SMI) and medication adherence through smartphone applications (apps). Individuals with SMI have high rates of not taking medication, increasing risks of relapse and hospitalization. Advances in technology may be advantageous in promoting taking medication. Smartphones apps have been designed for people with SMI. Further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy on improving rates of taking medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Bianco
- Department of Psychiatry Research, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, 2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 401, Concord, NH 03301, USA
| | - Amanda L Myers
- Department of Public Health, Rivier University, Nashua, NH, USA
| | - Stephen Smagula
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Room E-1120, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Karen L Fortuna
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth College, 2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 401, Concord, NH 03301, USA.
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