Beyond symptom monitoring: Consumer needs for bipolar disorder self-management using smartphones.

Beyond symptom monitoring: Consumer needs for bipolar disorder self-management using smartphones.

Eur Psychiatry. 2017 Jun 01;44:210-216

Authors: Nicholas J, Boydell K, Christensen H

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.

PMID: 28692910 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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