J Nicholas1, K Boydell2, H Christensen2. 1. Black Dog institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: j.nicholas@blackdog.org.au. 2. Black Dog institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential use of smartphone apps to support self-management in young adults with bipolar disorder. METHODS: We recruited 89 young adults (18-30 years) with bipolar disorder to complete a cross-sectional online survey. The survey contained quantitative and qualitative questions regarding technology use, current use of disorder-management apps, types of apps desired for disorder management, and app features that users would consider important when selecting apps. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Almost all participants used a smartphone daily and 40% currently used apps for disorder management. Of those not currently using apps, 79% indicated they would like to try them. On average, participants rated 61% of the self-management strategies listed as desirable for app support, with sleep-management, understanding early warning signs and triggers, and stay-well plans the most frequently endorsed. App features considered important during app selection were ease-of-use, scientific quality, flexibility/customisation, and data privacy. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that young adults with bipolar disorder are interested in a wide range of apps for self-management. Participants were interested in apps to support self-management strategies considered clinically important for disorder management. Many of these app needs are currently unmet. Results suggest diversifying and prioritising app capabilities to ensure evidence-based resources for a broader range of app functions are available to consumers.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential use of smartphone apps to support self-management in young adults with bipolar disorder. METHODS: We recruited 89 young adults (18-30 years) with bipolar disorder to complete a cross-sectional online survey. The survey contained quantitative and qualitative questions regarding technology use, current use of disorder-management apps, types of apps desired for disorder management, and app features that users would consider important when selecting apps. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Almost all participants used a smartphone daily and 40% currently used apps for disorder management. Of those not currently using apps, 79% indicated they would like to try them. On average, participants rated 61% of the self-management strategies listed as desirable for app support, with sleep-management, understanding early warning signs and triggers, and stay-well plans the most frequently endorsed. App features considered important during app selection were ease-of-use, scientific quality, flexibility/customisation, and data privacy. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that young adults with bipolar disorder are interested in a wide range of apps for self-management. Participants were interested in apps to support self-management strategies considered clinically important for disorder management. Many of these app needs are currently unmet. Results suggest diversifying and prioritising app capabilities to ensure evidence-based resources for a broader range of app functions are available to consumers.
Authors: Jennifer Nicholas; Katie Shilton; Stephen M Schueller; Elizabeth L Gray; Mary J Kwasny; David C Mohr Journal: JMIR Mhealth Uhealth Date: 2019-04-05 Impact factor: 4.773
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