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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, Torous J, Cipriani A. Digital Mental Health for Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental Illnesses: An International Consensus on Current Challenges and Potential Solutions. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e57155. [PMID: 38717799 PMCID: PMC11112473 DOI: 10.2196/57155] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital approaches may be helpful in augmenting care to address unmet mental health needs, particularly for schizophrenia and severe mental illness (SMI). OBJECTIVE An international multidisciplinary group was convened to reach a consensus on the challenges and potential solutions regarding collecting data, delivering treatment, and the ethical challenges in digital mental health approaches for schizophrenia and SMI. METHODS The consensus development panel method was used, with an in-person meeting of 2 groups: the expert group and the panel. Membership was multidisciplinary including those with lived experience, with equal participation at all stages and coproduction of the consensus outputs and summary. Relevant literature was shared in advance of the meeting, and a systematic search of the recent literature on digital mental health interventions for schizophrenia and psychosis was completed to ensure that the panel was informed before the meeting with the expert group. RESULTS Four broad areas of challenge and proposed solutions were identified: (1) user involvement for real coproduction; (2) new approaches to methodology in digital mental health, including agreed standards, data sharing, measuring harms, prevention strategies, and mechanistic research; (3) regulation and funding issues; and (4) implementation in real-world settings (including multidisciplinary collaboration, training, augmenting existing service provision, and social and population-focused approaches). Examples are provided with more detail on human-centered research design, lived experience perspectives, and biomedical ethics in digital mental health approaches for SMI. CONCLUSIONS The group agreed by consensus on a number of recommendations: (1) a new and improved approach to digital mental health research (with agreed reporting standards, data sharing, and shared protocols), (2) equal emphasis on social and population research as well as biological and psychological approaches, (3) meaningful collaborations across varied disciplines that have previously not worked closely together, (4) increased focus on the business model and product with planning and new funding structures across the whole development pathway, (5) increased focus and reporting on ethical issues and potential harms, and (6) organizational changes to allow for true communication and coproduction with those with lived experience of SMI. This study approach, combining an international expert meeting with patient and public involvement and engagement throughout the process, consensus methodology, discussion, and publication, is a helpful way to identify directions for future research and clinical implementation in rapidly evolving areas and can be combined with measurements of real-world clinical impact over time. Similar initiatives will be helpful in other areas of digital mental health and similarly fast-evolving fields to focus research and organizational change and effect improved real-world clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Hardy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charlotte Blease
- Participatory eHealth and Health Data Research Group, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lea Milligan
- MQ Mental Health Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Hidalgo-Mazzei
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Digital Innovation Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sinéad Lambe
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Marzano
- School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Uhlhaas
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edoardo G Ostinelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Anmella
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Digital Innovation Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caroline Zangani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rosario Aronica
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Ca' Granda, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 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, United States
| | - John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Nagar R, Quirk HD, Anderson PL. User experiences of college students using mental health applications to improve self-care: Implications for improving engagement. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100676. [PMID: 37867616 PMCID: PMC10587513 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate themes on 'user experiences' among college students (N = 265) enrolled in an upper-division Psychopathology course who were assigned a project in which they were instructed to identify a self-care goal, choose from a list of six mental health-focused mobile applications (apps) provided by the instructor, and use the app over the course of three weeks to support progress towards their goal. Prior literature on user experiences typically evaluates user reviews, or asks participants to reflect on past app use or anticipate future use. Students reported their experiences using the app during key decision points: app selection, while using the app, and at the conclusion of the assignment. Using thematic analysis, results identified seven central themes and eight subthemes pertaining to the content of the app (e.g., app features) and the context of using the app (e.g., classroom assignment). Content-wise students liked: 1) features with a strong evidence base, namely, thought diaries and guided meditations; 2) progress tracking, because it increased awareness of mood/stressors, motivated students to see improvement, and helped them stay on track. Students appreciated having 3) crisis support resources; 4) app interfaces that allowed for customization (poor app interfaces were sometimes cited as the reason for disengagement); and 5) apps that included varied, comprehensive resources such that it felt like a one-stop shop. In addition to the content of features and design interface, the context in which mental health apps are introduced and used is important. The remaining themes related to the context in which the app was used, including 6) preparation for app usage, such as reviewing scholarly/credible sources, and 7) social support from fellow students completing the same assignment. Future research should evaluate the 'who, what, when, why, where, and how' of app utilization during key decision points, such as initial app selection or subscription renewal, to better understand the impact of user experience on engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Nagar
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, United States of America
| | - Heather D. Quirk
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, United States of America
| | - Page L. Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, United States of America
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Singh S, Sharma P, Ghimire P, Shrestha R, Gnanavel S. Assessment of App Store Description and Privacy Policy to Explore Ethical and Safety Concerns Associated with the Use of Mental Health Apps for Depression. Indian J Psychol Med 2023; 45:173-178. [PMID: 36925500 PMCID: PMC10011839 DOI: 10.1177/02537176221142046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental Health apps (MH apps) could help address the huge unmet mental health care need of developing countries. This study aimed to explore potential ethical, data safety, and privacy issues associated with using MH apps for depression. Methods A cross-sectional assessment of the top 50 MH apps (by Google Play store search result ordering) for depression available in India was conducted in November 2021. Results Most apps were listed under the category of health and fitness (54%). The median number of total and dangerous permissions requested at the time of download was nine and three, respectively. Privacy policy in English was available for 76%. The average length of the privacy policy was 2171 words, and the mean Flesch-Kincaid reading grade level was 12 (much higher than the recommended cut-off of eight). Important features relevant to safeguarding consumer confidentiality, including names of third parties with which user data could be shared (42%), explicit consent before sharing data with third parties (16%), and assurance regarding the collection of de-identifiable data (11%), were missing from the majority of privacy policies. Conclusion There is an urgent need to improve the accessibility and usability of privacy policies by app developers, with the active involvement of other stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarndeep Singh
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pawan Sharma
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Pratistha Ghimire
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Roshan Shrestha
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Sundar Gnanavel
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Bear HA, Ayala Nunes L, DeJesus J, Liverpool S, Moltrecht B, Neelakantan L, Harriss E, Watkins E, Fazel M. Determination of Markers of Successful Implementation of Mental Health Apps for Young People: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40347. [DOI: 10.2196/40347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Smartphone apps have the potential to address some of the current issues facing service provision for young people’s mental health by improving the scalability of evidence-based mental health interventions. However, very few apps have been successfully implemented, and consensus on implementation measurement is lacking.
Objective
This review aims to determine the proportion of evidence-based mental health and well-being apps that have been successfully adopted and sustained in real-world settings. A secondary aim is to establish if key implementation determinants such as coproduction, acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, and engagement contribute toward successful implementation and longevity.
Methods
Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, an electronic search of 5 databases in 2021 yielded 18,660 results. After full-text screening, 34 articles met the full eligibility criteria, providing data on 29 smartphone apps studied with individuals aged 15 to 25 years.
Results
Of 34 studies, only 10 (29%) studies were identified that were evaluating the effectiveness of 8 existing, commercially available mental health apps, and the remaining 24 (71%) studies reported the development and evaluation of 21 newly developed apps, of which 43% (9/21) were available, commercially or otherwise (eg, in mental health services), at the time of enquiry. Most studies addressed some implementation components including adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and engagement. Factors including high cost, funding constraints, and lengthy research processes impeded implementation.
Conclusions
Without addressing common implementation drivers, there is considerable redundancy in the translation of mobile mental health research findings into practice. Studies should embed implementation strategies from the outset of the planned research, build collaborations with partners already working in the field (academic and commercial) to capitalize on existing interventions and platforms, and modify and evaluate them for local contexts or target problems and populations.
Trial Registration
PROSPERO CRD42021224365; https://tinyurl.com/4umpn85f
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