scholarly journals Preliminary outcomes of the Motivation and Skills Support (MASS) mobile app: An Ecological Momentary Intervention for social functioning in schizophrenia (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Fulford ◽  
David E. Gard ◽  
Kim T. Mueser ◽  
Jasmine Mote ◽  
Kathryn Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Functioning ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Treatment Termination ◽  
Serious Mental Illnesses ◽  
Ecological Momentary

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 applications, have the potential to provide scalable supports that place elements of evidence-based interventions at the palm of patients’ hands. OBJECTIVE We developed a smartphone app to provide targeted social goal support (e.g., making new friends, improving existing relationships) for people with schizophrenia, called Motivation and Skills Support (MASS), in a standalone open trial. METHODS In this study we present preliminary outcomes in 31 participants who used the MASS app for a period of eight weeks, including social functioning pre- to post-intervention, and momentary reports of treatment targets (social motivation, appraisals) during the intervention. RESULTS Findings suggest the intervention improved self-reported social functioning from baseline to treatment termination, particularly in women participants. Gains were not maintained at three-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 We discuss implications of these findings and future directions for addressing social functioning in schizophrenia using mobile technology. CLINICALTRIAL NCT03404219

Stuttering mHealth Applications: A Qualitative Rubric Assessment (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazwa M. Fadzilah ◽  
Noreen Izza Arshad ◽  
Izuddin Zainal-Abidin ◽  
Hui Min Low ◽  
Ahmad Kamil Mahmood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Evidence ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Standard Form ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evaluation Instrument ◽  
Collective Effort ◽  
Speech Therapists

BACKGROUND Mobile applications (apps) that offer a variety of techniques to improve stuttering have been flourishing in the digital marketplace. In evidence-based clinical practice, speech therapists will recommend audio-enriched mobile apps to individuals with stuttering problems based on empirical research evidence. Unfortunately, many stuttering mobile apps available in the market are developed without a substantial research base. Hence, speech therapists necessitate a guideline which they could use to assess the quality of a stuttering mobile app before recommending the app to stutterers. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a rubric for assessing the quality of the stuttering mobile app in assisting speech therapists to make informed recommendations METHODS The rubric was initially developed based on a set of criteria reviewed from the literature. Online surveys and focused group discussion were then conducted for results verification. RESULTS The outcome of this study is a rubric designed with four categories and 18-evaluative dimensions tailored to analyze the quality of stuttering mobile apps. The stuttering mobile app assessment rubric presented in the serve multiple purposes, including an evaluation instrument, providing guidelines for developing stuttering mobile apps and for creating a standard form that can be shared with professionals to facilitate a collective effort. CONCLUSIONS This rubric also offers a guidance to steer drive the future development of stuttering mobile apps that are evidence-based, and theoretically grounded

Enhancing Wellbeing for Older Adults With Serious Mental Illnesses: Co-Producing a Positive Psychology Course With Certified Older Adult Peer Specialists

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232199204
Author(s):  
Lydia P. Ogden
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Peer Specialists ◽  
Psychology Course ◽  
Serious Mental Illnesses

Compared to peers in the general population, persons aging with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) face physical health disparities, increased isolation, and decreased subjective experiences of quality of life and wellbeing. To date, limited intervention research focuses on addressing specific needs of persons aging with SMIs and no interventions targeted for that population are informed by the theory and science of positive psychology. With the aim of co-producing a positive-psychology-based program to enhance wellbeing for older adults with SMIs, the author held a series of focus groups and individual interviews with six certified older adult peer specialists. Analysis of the data developed in-depth insights into helpful processes, values, and priorities of individuals aging with SMIs, as well as the creation of a wellbeing-enhancing course curriculum.

Gender and Serious Mental Illness: A Feminist Perspective

1992 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol T. Mowbray ◽  
Sandra E. Herman ◽  
Kelly L. Hazel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Gender Composition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Male Clients ◽  
Problem Formulations ◽  
Serious Mental Illnesses ◽  
Female Clients ◽  
Statistical Clustering

Perhaps in reaction to criticisms of “woman as problem” formulations, psychological literature has nearly ignored women with serious mental illnesses (SMI), although epidemiological research indicates that women are overrepresented in these diagnoses. Data are presented on characteristics, functioning, and services received for a sample of nearly 2,500 SMI clients. Statistical clustering of clients with similar profiles produced four out of six clusters with significant differences in proportions of female versus male clients represented. The results indicate that the extent to which SMI clients display gender-related symptoms and behaviors is a significant factor in clinician perceptions and in service utilization. However, results also show substantial overlap in gender composition of the clusters. Discussion centers on the quality of care and appropriateness of services for female clients. Future research is suggested, utilizing a feminist understanding of women's diversity and of sociopolitical factors related to mental health.

scholarly journals Learning from Patient and Site Perspectives to Develop Better Mobile Clinical Trials: Recommendations from the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Geoghegan ◽  
Virginia Nido ◽  
Angie Botto-Ven Bemden ◽  
Zachary Hallinan ◽  
Les Jordan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Evidence Based

In order to harness the potential of mobile technologies to enhance the quality of clinical research, it is critical to first understand how to engage patients and research sites when planning and conducting mobile clinical trials. The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative has developed the first comprehensive, evidence-based set of recommendations for incorporating patient and site perspectives in mobile clinical trials, which can aid in engaging stakeholders, addressing site challenges, and maximizing value for participants.

scholarly journals Mobile Apps for Speech-Language Therapy in Adults With Communication Disorders: Review of Content and Quality

10.2196/18858 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e18858
Author(s):  
Atiyeh Vaezipour ◽  
Jessica Campbell ◽  
Deborah Theodoros ◽  
Trevor Russell
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

Background Worldwide, more than 75% of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience communication disorders. Communication disorders are impairments in the ability to communicate effectively, that is, sending, receiving, processing, and comprehending verbal and nonverbal concepts and symbols. Such disorders may have enduring impacts on employment, social participation, and quality of life. Technology-enabled interventions such as mobile apps have the potential to increase the reach of speech-language therapy to treat communication disorders. However, ensuring that apps are evidence-based and of high quality is critical for facilitating safe and effective treatment for adults with communication disorders. Objective The aim of this review is to identify mobile apps that are currently widely available to adults with communication disorders for speech-language therapy and to assess their content and quality using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Methods Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and webpages were searched to identify mobile apps for speech-language therapy. Apps were included in the review if they were designed for the treatment of adult communication disorders after ABI, were in English, and were either free or for purchase. Certified speech-language pathologists used the MARS to assess the quality of the apps. Results From a total of 2680 apps identified from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and web searches, 2.61% (70/2680) apps met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Overall, 61% (43/70) were available for download on the iPhone Operating System (iOS) platform, 20% (14/70) on the Android platform, and 19% (13/70) on both iOS and Android platforms. A content analysis of the apps revealed 43 apps for language, 17 apps for speech, 8 apps for cognitive communication, 6 apps for voice, and 5 apps for oromotor function or numeracy. The overall MARS mean score was 3.7 out of 5, SD 0.6, ranging between 2.1 and 4.5, with functionality being the highest-scored subscale (4.3, SD 0.6), followed by aesthetics (3.8, SD 0.8), information (3.4, SD 0.6), and engagement (3.3, SD 0.6). The top 5 apps were Naming Therapy (4.6/5), Speech Flipbook Standard (4.6/5), Number Therapy (4.5/5), Answering Therapy, and Constant Therapy (4.4/5). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically identify and evaluate a broad range of mobile apps for speech-language therapy for adults with communication disorders after sustaining ABI. We found a lack of interactive and engaging elements in the apps, a critical factor in sustaining self-managed speech-language therapy. More evidence-based apps with a focus on human factors, user experience, and a patient-led design approach are required to enhance effectiveness and long-term use.

scholarly journals The WorkingWell Mobile Phone App for Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses: Proof-of-Concept, Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study

10.2196/11383 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e11383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Nicholson ◽  
Spenser M Wright ◽  
Alyssa M Carlisle ◽  
Mary Ann Sweeney ◽  
Gregory J McHugo
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Exit Interview ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Serious Mental Illnesses

Background The disparities in employment for individuals with serious mental illnesses have been well documented, as have the benefits of work. Mobile technology can provide accessible in-the-moment support for these individuals. The WorkingWell mobile app was developed to meet the need for accessible follow-along supports for individuals with serious mental illnesses in the workplace. Objective We explore the usability, usage, usefulness, and overall feasibility of the WorkingWell mobile app with individuals with serious mental illnesses who are actively employed and receiving community-based services. Methods In this proof-of-concept, mixed-methods, 2-month feasibility study (N=40), employed individuals with serious mental illnesses were recruited in mental health agencies. Participants completed surveys regarding background characteristics and cellphone use at enrollment and responded to interview items regarding app usability, usage, and usefulness in technical assistance calls at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of participation and in the exit interview at 8 weeks. Data on the frequency of app usage were downloaded on a daily basis. A version of the System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered in the exit interview. Overall feasibility was determined by the percent of users completing the study, responses to an interview item regarding continued use, and findings on usability, usage, and usefulness. General impressions were obtained from users regarding user support materials, technical assistance, and study procedures. Results Most participants were male (60%, 24/40), aged 55 or younger (70%, 28/40), white (80%, 32/40), had less than a 4-year college education (78%, 31/40), were employed part-time (98%, 39/40), had been working more than 6 months (60%, 24/40), and indicated a diagnosis of bipolar, schizoaffective, or depressive disorder (84%, 16/25). The majority of participants owned cellphones (95%, 38/40) and used them multiple times per day (83%, 33/40). Their average rating on SUS usability items was 3.93 (SD 0.77, range 1.57-5.00), reflecting positive responses. In general, participants indicated WorkingWell was “very easy,” “straightforward,” “simple,” and “user friendly.” Usability challenges were related to personal issues (eg, memory) or to difficulties with the phone or app. Data on app usage varied considerably. The most frequent navigations were to the home screen, followed by Rate My Day and My Progress, and then by Manage the Moment and Remind Me. The app was described as useful by most participants; 86% (30/35) agreed the app would help them manage better on the job. Of the 40 original participants, 35 (87%) completed the study. Conclusions The WorkingWell app is a feasible approach to providing accessible, as-needed employment support for individuals with serious mental illnesses. The app would benefit from modifications to address recommendations from feasibility testing. Controlled research with larger samples, more diverse in individual characteristics and workplace settings, is essential to demonstrating the effectiveness of the app.

scholarly journals Technology to assess and support self-management in serious mental illness

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-183 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Traditional Assessment ◽  
Repeated Sampling ◽  
Ecological Momentary

The functional impairment associated with serious mental illness (SMI) places an immense burden on individuals and society, and disability often persists even after efficacious treatment of psychopathologic symptoms. Traditional methods of measuring functioning have limitations, and numerous obstacles reduce the reach and impact of evidence-based interventions developed to improve functioning in SMI. This review describes the potential of technological innovations for overcoming the challenges involved in both functional assessment and intervention in people with SMI. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA), which involves the repeated sampling of naturalistic behaviors and experiences while individuals carry out their daily lives, has provided a new window through which the determinants of day-to-day function in SMI can be observed. EMA has several advantages over traditional assessment methods and has in recent years evolved to use mobile-based platforms, such as text messaging and smartphone applications, for both assessment and promotion of self-management in people with SMI. We will review promising data regarding the acceptability, adherence, and efficacy of EMA-based mobile technologies; explore ways in which these technologies can extend the reach and impact of evidence-based psychosocial rehabilitative interventions in SMI; and outline future directions for research in this important area.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer-Related Apps in Google Play and App Store: Evaluate of Their Functionality and Quality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aydanur AYDIN ◽  
Ayla GÜRSOY
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
App Store

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of breast cancer-related apps which can be accessed from Turkey. Methods: The research covers 707 mobile applications, which were searched using the keywords "cancer", "oncology" and "breast cancer" in Google and App store stores between January and June 2019. The quality of apps was assessed with the user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Results: Mobile applications focus on communication, education and treatment order / plan categories. The average MARS quality score for applications in all of the two stores was determined as 3.42. According to the average score of the scale sub-dimensions; It was seen that they were ranked as functionality, aesthetics, information quality and participation. MARS scale sub-groups were listed as functionality, aesthetics, knowledge quality, and participation. Conclusion: e-Health is a subject that has just started to be used actively in health. Although basic information about breast cancer was used, information on prevention, early diagnosis and precautions was relatively limited and was not personalized. Support from healthcare professionals and further efforts should be made to develop evidence-based breast cancer knowledge and innovative technology and applications regarding cancer. Implications for practice: e-Health technologies are a good tool in breast cancer, but appear to lack evidence-based content and individual specific areas such as age and education level.

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