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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

J. Nicholas ,
K. Boydell  and
H. Christensen
J. Nicholas*
Affiliation:
Black Dog institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
K. Boydell
Affiliation:
Black Dog institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
H. Christensen
Affiliation:
Black Dog institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
*
* Corresponding author at: Black Dog Institute and School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia. E-mail address:j.nicholas@blackdog.org.au (J. Nicholas).
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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.

Keywords

mHealthBipolar disorderSelf-managementBD, bipolar disordermHealth, mobile health
Type
Original article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 44 , July 2017 , pp. 210 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2017

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