scholarly journals Mental Health Smartphone Apps: Review and Evidence-Based Recommendations for Future Developments

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e7 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bakker ◽  
Nikolaos Kazantzis ◽  
Debra Rickwood ◽  
Nikki Rickard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Previous Systematic Review ◽  
Overall Design ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Preventative Health ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
App Design

Background The number of mental health apps (MHapps) developed and now available to smartphone users has increased in recent years. MHapps and other technology-based solutions have the potential to play an important part in the future of mental health care; however, there is no single guide for the development of evidence-based MHapps. Many currently available MHapps lack features that would greatly improve their functionality, or include features that are not optimized. Furthermore, MHapp developers rarely conduct or publish trial-based experimental validation of their apps. Indeed, a previous systematic review revealed a complete lack of trial-based evidence for many of the hundreds of MHapps available. Objective To guide future MHapp development, a set of clear, practical, evidence-based recommendations is presented for MHapp developers to create better, more rigorous apps. Methods A literature review was conducted, scrutinizing research across diverse fields, including mental health interventions, preventative health, mobile health, and mobile app design. Results Sixteen recommendations were formulated. Evidence for each recommendation is discussed, and guidance on how these recommendations might be integrated into the overall design of an MHapp is offered. Each recommendation is rated on the basis of the strength of associated evidence. It is important to design an MHapp using a behavioral plan and interactive framework that encourages the user to engage with the app; thus, it may not be possible to incorporate all 16 recommendations into a single MHapp. Conclusions Randomized controlled trials are required to validate future MHapps and the principles upon which they are designed, and to further investigate the recommendations presented in this review. Effective MHapps are required to help prevent mental health problems and to ease the burden on health systems.

scholarly journals Mobile Mental Health Apps in China: Systematic App Store Search (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huifang Yin ◽  
Klaas J Wardenaar ◽  
Yuhao Wang ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Wenjin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Main Technique ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

BACKGROUND Smartphones have become ubiquitous in China, offering a promising way to deliver mental health interventions; however, little is known about the current use and characteristics of smartphone apps for mental health. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to gain insight into mobile mental health apps available in China as of December 2018. METHODS A systematic search was conducted to identify and evaluate the most downloaded apps from iOS and Android platforms. Apps were categorized according to their main purpose and downloaded to evaluate their content. Each app’s affiliation, cost, target users, information security, and evidence-based nature were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 172 unique apps that were identified, there were 37 apps (21.5%) for psychological counseling, 50 apps (29.1%) for assessment, 12 apps (7.0%) to relieve stress, 24 apps (14.0%) for psychoeducation, and 49 (28.4%) multipurpose apps (ie, a combination of counseling and assessment). Most apps were developed for adults in the general population (166/172, 96.5%), rather than for psychiatric patients. App-based counseling was mostly provided by psychologists, and of the assessed apps, only 40% (70/172) used evidence-based scales to assess mental health problems such as anxiety or depressed mood. Guided meditation was used as the main technique in stress-relieving apps. CONCLUSIONS Many apps contained useful and evidence-based elements, such as good quality information, validated measurements, and useful meditation methods; however, for mobile apps to contribute significantly to mental health care in China, considerable challenges remain, including the need for more patient-focused apps that can actually take on the role of a health care provider. In addition, efficacy studies are needed.

scholarly journals Mobile Mental Health Apps in China: Systematic App Store Search

10.2196/14915 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e14915
Author(s):  
Huifang Yin ◽  
Klaas J Wardenaar ◽  
Yuhao Wang ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Wenjin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Main Technique ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

Background Smartphones have become ubiquitous in China, offering a promising way to deliver mental health interventions; however, little is known about the current use and characteristics of smartphone apps for mental health. Objective The purpose of this study was to gain insight into mobile mental health apps available in China as of December 2018. Methods A systematic search was conducted to identify and evaluate the most downloaded apps from iOS and Android platforms. Apps were categorized according to their main purpose and downloaded to evaluate their content. Each app’s affiliation, cost, target users, information security, and evidence-based nature were evaluated. Results Of the 172 unique apps that were identified, there were 37 apps (21.5%) for psychological counseling, 50 apps (29.1%) for assessment, 12 apps (7.0%) to relieve stress, 24 apps (14.0%) for psychoeducation, and 49 (28.4%) multipurpose apps (ie, a combination of counseling and assessment). Most apps were developed for adults in the general population (166/172, 96.5%), rather than for psychiatric patients. App-based counseling was mostly provided by psychologists, and of the assessed apps, only 40% (70/172) used evidence-based scales to assess mental health problems such as anxiety or depressed mood. Guided meditation was used as the main technique in stress-relieving apps. Conclusions Many apps contained useful and evidence-based elements, such as good quality information, validated measurements, and useful meditation methods; however, for mobile apps to contribute significantly to mental health care in China, considerable challenges remain, including the need for more patient-focused apps that can actually take on the role of a health care provider. In addition, efficacy studies are needed.

scholarly journals Popular Evidence-Based Commercial Mental Health Apps: Analysis of Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information Quality

10.2196/29689 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e29689
Author(s):  
Nancy Lau ◽  
Alison O'Daffer ◽  
Joyce P Yi-Frazier ◽  
Abby R Rosenberg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Evidence Based Treatment ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Consumer Ratings ◽  
App Design ◽  
User Ratings

Background There is a robust market for mobile health (mHealth) apps focused on self-guided interventions to address a high prevalence of mental health disorders and behavioral health needs in the general population. Disseminating mental health interventions via mHealth technologies may help overcome barriers in access to care and has broad consumer appeal. However, development and testing of mental health apps in formal research settings are limited and far outpaced by everyday consumer use. In addition to prioritizing efficacy and effectiveness testing, researchers should examine and test app design elements that impact the user experience, increase engagement, and lead to sustained use over time. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the objective and subjective quality of apps that are successful across both research and consumer sectors, and the relationships between objective app quality, subjective user ratings, and evidence-based behavior change techniques. This will help inform user-centered design considerations for mHealth researchers to maximize design elements and features associated with consumer appeal, engagement, and sustainability. Methods We conducted a user-centered design analysis of popular consumer apps with scientific backing utilizing the well-validated Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Popular consumer apps with research support were identified via a systematic search of the App Store iOS (Apple Inc) and Google Play (Google LLC) and literature review. We evaluated the quality metrics of 19 mental health apps along 4 MARS subscales, namely, Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information Quality. MARS total and subscale scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores representing better quality. We then extracted user ratings from app download platforms and coded apps for evidence-based treatment components. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients to identify associations between MARS scores, App Store iOS/Google Play consumer ratings, and number of evidence-based treatment components. Results The mean MARS score was 3.52 (SD 0.71), consumer rating was 4.22 (SD 0.54), and number of evidence-based treatment components was 2.32 (SD 1.42). Consumer ratings were significantly correlated with the MARS Functionality subscale (r=0.74, P<.001), Aesthetics subscale (r=0.70, P<.01), and total score (r=0.58, P=.01). Number of evidence-based intervention components was not associated with MARS scores (r=0.085, P=.73) or consumer ratings (r=–0.329, P=.16). Conclusions In our analysis of popular research-supported consumer apps, objective app quality and subjective consumer ratings were generally high. App functionality and aesthetics were highly consistent with consumer appeal, whereas evidence-based components were not. In addition to designing treatments that work, we recommend that researchers prioritize aspects of app design that impact the user experience for engagement and sustainability (eg, ease of use, navigation, visual appeal). This will help translate evidence-based interventions to the competitive consumer app market, thus bridging the gap between research development and real-world implementation.

scholarly journals Popular Evidence-Based Commercial Mental Health Apps: Analysis of Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information Quality (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Lau ◽  
Alison O'Daffer ◽  
Joyce P Yi-Frazier ◽  
Abby R Rosenberg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Evidence Based Treatment ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Consumer Ratings ◽  
App Design ◽  
User Ratings

BACKGROUND There is a robust market for mobile health (mHealth) apps focused on self-guided interventions to address a high prevalence of mental health disorders and behavioral health needs in the general population. Disseminating mental health interventions via mHealth technologies may help overcome barriers in access to care and has broad consumer appeal. However, development and testing of mental health apps in formal research settings are limited and far outpaced by everyday consumer use. In addition to prioritizing efficacy and effectiveness testing, researchers should examine and test app design elements that impact the user experience, increase engagement, and lead to sustained use over time. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the objective and subjective quality of apps that are successful across both research and consumer sectors, and the relationships between objective app quality, subjective user ratings, and evidence-based behavior change techniques. This will help inform user-centered design considerations for mHealth researchers to maximize design elements and features associated with consumer appeal, engagement, and sustainability. METHODS We conducted a user-centered design analysis of popular consumer apps with scientific backing utilizing the well-validated Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Popular consumer apps with research support were identified via a systematic search of the App Store iOS (Apple Inc) and Google Play (Google LLC) and literature review. We evaluated the quality metrics of 19 mental health apps along 4 MARS subscales, namely, Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information Quality. MARS total and subscale scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores representing better quality. We then extracted user ratings from app download platforms and coded apps for evidence-based treatment components. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients to identify associations between MARS scores, App Store iOS/Google Play consumer ratings, and number of evidence-based treatment components. RESULTS The mean MARS score was 3.52 (SD 0.71), consumer rating was 4.22 (SD 0.54), and number of evidence-based treatment components was 2.32 (SD 1.42). Consumer ratings were significantly correlated with the MARS Functionality subscale (r=0.74, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), Aesthetics subscale (r=0.70, <i>P</i>&lt;.01), and total score (r=0.58, <i>P</i>=.01). Number of evidence-based intervention components was not associated with MARS scores (r=0.085, <i>P</i>=.73) or consumer ratings (r=–0.329, <i>P</i>=.16). CONCLUSIONS In our analysis of popular research-supported consumer apps, objective app quality and subjective consumer ratings were generally high. App functionality and aesthetics were highly consistent with consumer appeal, whereas evidence-based components were not. In addition to designing treatments that work, we recommend that researchers prioritize aspects of app design that impact the user experience for engagement and sustainability (eg, ease of use, navigation, visual appeal). This will help translate evidence-based interventions to the competitive consumer app market, thus bridging the gap between research development and real-world implementation.

scholarly journals “Smartphone Apps Are Cool, but Do They Help Me?”: A Qualitative Interview Study of Adolescents’ Perspectives on Using Smartphone Interventions to Manage Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3289
Author(s):  
Anja Čuš ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Susanne Ohmann ◽  
Paul L. Plener ◽  
Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major mental health problem associated with negative psychosocial outcomes and it most often starts in early adolescence. Despite this, adolescents are rarely involved in informing the development of interventions designed to address their mental health problems. This study aimed to (1) assess adolescents’ needs and preferences about future interventions that are delivered through smartphones and (2) develop a framework with implications for designing engaging digital mental health interventions. Fifteen adolescent girls, aged 12–18 years, who met diagnostic criteria for a current NSSI disorder and were in contact with mental health services, participated in semi-structured interviews. Following a reflexive thematic analysis approach, this study identified two main themes: (1) Experiences of NSSI (depicts the needs of young people related to their everyday experiences of managing NSSI) and (2) App in Context (portrays preferences of young people about smartphone interventions and reflects adolescents’ views on how technology itself can improve or hinder engaging with these interventions). Adolescent patients expressed interest in using smartphone mental health interventions if they recognize them as helpful, relevant for their life situation and easy to use. The developed framework suggests that digital mental health interventions are embedded in three contexts (i.e., person using the intervention, mental health condition, and technology-related factors) which together need to inform the development of engaging digital resources. To achieve this, the cooperation among people with lived experience, mental health experts, and human computer interaction professionals is vital.

scholarly journals Provider self-efficacy in delivering evidence-based psychosocial interventions: A scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 263348952098825
Author(s):  
Cheri J Shapiro ◽  
Kathleen Watson MacDonell ◽  
Mariah Moran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

Background: Among the many variables that affect implementation of evidence-based interventions in real-world settings, self-efficacy is one of the most important factors at the provider level of the social ecology. Yet, research on the construct of provider self-efficacy remains limited. Objectives: This scoping review was conducted to enhance understanding of the construct of provider self-efficacy and to examine how the construct is defined and measured in the context of implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions. Design: Online databases were used to identify 190 papers published from 1999 to June of 2018 that included search terms for providers, evidence-based, and self-efficacy. To be eligible for the scoping review, papers needed to focus on the self-efficacy of mental health providers to deliver evidence-based psychosocial interventions. A total of 15 publications were included in the review. Results: The construct of provider self-efficacy is not clearly defined but is typically described as confidence to deliver a specific intervention or practice. A range of measures are used to assess provider self-efficacy across both provider and intervention types. Conclusions: Standardized definition and measurement of provider self-efficacy is needed to advance practice and implementation research. Plain language abstract: Provider self-efficacy is known to influence implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions. However, the ways in which provider self-efficacy is defined and measured in implementation research literature is not well understood; furthermore, it is not clear what types of providers and interventions are represented in this literature. This scoping review adds to current research by revealing that there is no agreed upon definition or measure of provider self-efficacy in the context of implementation of evidence-based interventions, and that the research includes multiple types of providers (e.g., social workers, counselors, psychologists) and interventions. Self-efficacy appears to change as a function of training and support. To further research in this area, a common definition and agreed upon measures of this construct are needed.

Making It Work: Administrator Views on Sustaining Evidence-Based Mental Health Interventions

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 494-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen K. Raffel ◽  
Mo Yee Lee ◽  
Cynthia V. Dougherty ◽  
Gilbert J. Greene
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

scholarly journals Nationwide assessment of the mental health of UK Doctoral Researchers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassie M Hazell ◽  
Jeremy Niven ◽  
Laura Chapman ◽  
Paul Roberts ◽  
Sam Cartwright-Hatton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems

Doctoral Researchers (DRs) are an important part of the academic community and, after graduating, make substantial social and economic contributions. Despite this importance, DR wellbeing has long been of concern. Recent studies have concluded that DRs may be particularly vulnerable to poor mental health problems, but direct comparisons of the prevalence of mental health problems between them and a control group is lacking. Here, by comparing DRs with educated working controls, we show that DRs report significantly greater anxiety and depression, and that this difference is not explained by a higher rate of pre-existing mental health problems. Moreover, most DRs perceive poor mental health as a ‘normal’ part of the PhD process. Thus, our findings suggest a hazardous impact of PhD study on mental health, with DRs being particularly at risk of developing common mental health problems. This provides an evidence-based mandate for universities and funders to reflect upon practices related to DR training and mental health. Our attention should now be directed towards understanding what factors may explain heightened anxiety and depression among DRs so as to inform preventative measures and interventions.

scholarly journals Education on depression in mental health apps: Systematic assessment of characteristics and adherence with evidence-based guidelines (Preprint)

10.2196/28942 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Martinengo ◽  
Anne-Claire Stona ◽  
Lorainne Tudor Car ◽  
Jimmy Lee ◽  
Konstadina Griva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines
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