scholarly journals Mobile Apps Use by Primary Care Patients to Manage Their Depressive Symptoms: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Pung ◽  
Susan Louise Fletcher ◽  
Jane Maree Gunn
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Primary Care Patients ◽  
Depression Management

BACKGROUND Mobile applications (apps) are emerging as tools with the potential to revolutionise the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression. At the forefront of community health sector, general practitioners (GPs) are in a unique position to guide the integration of technology and depression management, however little is currently known about how primary care patients with depressive symptoms are currently using apps. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the natural patterns of mobile app use amongst patients with depressive symptoms, in order to facilitate understanding of the potential role for mobile apps in managing depressive symptoms in the community. METHODS Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with primary care patients in Victoria, Australia, who reported symptoms of depression and were enrolled in a larger randomized controlled trial of depression care. Interviews explored current depression management strategies and the use of mobile apps (if any). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was iteratively conducted using QSR NVivo 11 Pro to identify emergent themes. RESULTS A total of 16 participants aged between 20 to 58 years took part in the interviews, with 11 reporting the use of at least one mobile app to manage depressive symptoms and 5 reporting no app use. A variety of apps were described including relaxation, mindfulness, cognitive, exercise, gaming, social media and wellbeing apps to aid with depressive symptoms. Amongst users, there were four main patterns of app use: skill acquisition, social connectedness, inquisitive trial, and safety netting. Factors that influenced app use included accessibility, perceptions of technology and personal compatibility. Healthcare providers also had a role in initiating app use. CONCLUSIONS Mobile apps are being utilised for self-management of depressive symptoms by primary care patients. This study provided insight into the natural patterns and perspectives of app use, which enhances understanding of how this technology may be integrated into the toolbox for the management of depression.

A Mobile App to Prevent Depression Among Low-Income Primary Care Patients in the Dominican Republic: Sociocultural Adaptations

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-424
Author(s):  
Susan Caplan ◽  
Angelina Sosa Lovera ◽  
Esther Veloz Comas ◽  
Jonas Attilus
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Culturally Congruent ◽  
Primary Care Patients

Introduction: Mental health mobile apps (MHapps) can provide depression treatment to people worldwide who do not have access to care, but few apps are culturally targeted to the population. In this series of studies, we described sociocultural considerations of MHapp development, and we explored participants’ perceptions of acceptability, usability, and cultural relevance of the MHapp. Method: Individual interviews were conducted in three separate primary care sites in the Dominican Republic among convenience samples of staff and patients ( n = 23, 18, and 21, respectively), using mixed methods of data collection. Results: Modifications were made during the iterative design process to reflect user preferences, which included a female gendered voice, the addition of animations, and changes to the psychoeducational content. Discussion: Primary care patients reported strong interest in MHapps due to its convenience, privacy, and affordability. Our findings support the necessity of detailed examination of user preferences to develop culturally congruent MHapp psychoeducation.

Integrating Clinical Nurse Specialists into the Treatment of Primary Care Patients with Depression

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph W. Swindle ◽  
Jaya K. Rao ◽  
Ahdy Helmy ◽  
Laurie Plue ◽  
X. H. Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Nurse Specialist ◽  
Clinical Nurse ◽  
Primary Care Patients

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of integrating generalist and specialist care for veterans with depression. Method: We conducted a randomized trial of patients screening positive for depression at two Veterans Affairs Medical Center general medicine clinic firms. Control firm physicians were notified prior to the encounter when eligible patients had PRIME-MD depression diagnoses. In the intervention firm, a mental health clinical nurse specialist (CNS) was to: design a treatment plan; implement that plan with the primary care physician; and monitor patients via telephone or visits at two weeks, one month and two months. Primary outcomes (depressive symptoms, patient satisfaction with health care) were collected at 3 and 12 months. Results: Of 268 randomized patients, 246 (92%) and 222 (83%) completed 3- and 12-month follow-up interviews. There were no between-group differences in depressive symptoms or satisfaction at 3 or 12 months. The intervention group had greater chart documentation of depression at baseline (63% versus 33%, p = 0.003) and a higher referral rate to mental health services at 3 months (27% versus 9%, p = 0.019). There was no difference in the rate of new prescriptions for, or adequate dosing of, anti-depressant medications. In 40% of patients, CNSs disagreed with the PRIME-MD depression diagnosis, and their rates of watchful waiting were correspondingly high. Conclusions: Implementing an integrated care model did not occur as intended. Experienced CNSs often did not see the need for treatment in many primary care patients identified by the PRIME-MD. Integrating integrated care models in actual practice may prove challenging.

Do measures of depressive symptoms function differently in people with spinal cord injury versus primary care patients: the CES-D, PHQ-9, and PROMIS®-D

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karon F. Cook ◽  
Michael A. Kallen ◽  
Charles Bombardier ◽  
Alyssa M. Bamer ◽  
Seung W. Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Primary Care Patients
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