Stakeholders' views and opinions on existing guidelines on “How to Choose Mental Health Apps”

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1251050
• Publication Date: 2023-11-23T15:46:17Z
• Authors: Wishah Khan; Bertina Jebanesan; Sarah Ahmed; Chris Trimmer; Branka Agic; Farhana Safa; Aamna Ashraf; Andrew Tuck; Kelsey Kavic; Sapna Wadhawan; Maureen Abbott; Omair Husain; Ishrat Husain; Muhammad Akhter H...; Kwame McKenzie; Yuri Quintana; Farooq Naeem
• Keywords: mHealth; Thematic Analysis; App store

Background Mental health Applications (Mhealth Apps) can change how healthcare is delivered. However, very little known about the efficacy of Mhealth Apps. Currently, only minimum guidance available in Assessment and Evaluation Tools (AETs). Therefore, this project aims to understand AET developers' perspectives end users' experiences opinions on “how choose a App”. Objective The primary objectives were: (1) obtaining stakeholder's development use AETs for Apps, their weaknesses strengths, barriers implementation Apps; (2) App users, analyzation and, obstacles apps; (3) quantify themes related choosing App. Methods This qualitative study, used sampling method recruit six stakeholders (one developer, two developers, an individual with lived experience mental illness, physicians) who were interviewed using topic guide. These examined by researchers (CT, WK, & FN) thematic content analysis. Additionally, anonymous online survey 107 individuals was conducted. Findings Our analyses revealed main themes: (a) needs opportunities; (b) views (c) AETs; (d) barriers; (e) system evaluation and; (f) future directions. first key concept was, all agreed that Apps could significantly impact end-users unaware Secondly, due commercial interests, reliability evaluations requires clear conflict-free guidelines. Thirdly, should be evaluated developed through rigorous methodology. Finally, shared insights into developments respondents chose “health professional” as preferred source selecting app (84%) best suited develop guidelines (70%). Conclusion interviews highlight need regulated importance professionals' engagement process. Similarly, without well-defined roles within care system, it unlikely will have wider spread risk.