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Despite tons of research, $$, & hype surrounding #mentalhealth #apps, usage rates are low.
What's going on?
This sounds like a question for…
implementation science! 
Our review is now in JTBS w/ @christojoe1979 @slrshimada Tim Hogan
https://rdcu.be/b6Uva
Thread
What's going on?
This sounds like a question for…
implementation science! Our review is now in JTBS w/ @christojoe1979 @slrshimada Tim Hogan
https://rdcu.be/b6Uva
Thread
The i-PARIHS implementation framework uses the following formula:
Successful Implementation= Facilitation (Innovation + Recipients + Context)
That means when we think about mental health (MH) app implementation, we need to think about features of…
2/
Successful Implementation= Facilitation (Innovation + Recipients + Context)
That means when we think about mental health (MH) app implementation, we need to think about features of…
2/
the innovation itself (MH apps)
-Is the app meeting an identified need that alternatives (such as non-MH gaming apps) cannot?
-Is the app visually appealing & well-designed? (eg, push notifications, gamification, tailored/dynamic recs & coaching based on use patterns)
3/
-Is the app meeting an identified need that alternatives (such as non-MH gaming apps) cannot?
-Is the app visually appealing & well-designed? (eg, push notifications, gamification, tailored/dynamic recs & coaching based on use patterns)
3/
the app's recipients (patients, providers)
-There's a big difference btwn pt/provider interest in an app vs actually using it
-Providers don't know which apps to recommend (+apps change often)
-Owning a smartphone does not = app readiness (need to think about data/Wifi)
4/
-There's a big difference btwn pt/provider interest in an app vs actually using it
-Providers don't know which apps to recommend (+apps change often)
-Owning a smartphone does not = app readiness (need to think about data/Wifi)
4/
the context (app stores, healthcare systems)
-An app's ranking in app stores is based on user ratings, not effectiveness..this is a problem.
-Incorporating MH apps into healthcare systems requires leadership support/commitment of time & funds to ensure sustainability
5/
-An app's ranking in app stores is based on user ratings, not effectiveness..this is a problem.
-Incorporating MH apps into healthcare systems requires leadership support/commitment of time & funds to ensure sustainability
5/
…and *facilitation* is critical to ensure successful implementation.
-Facilitation can come in the form of provider training about effective apps, direct to consumer advertisement, or targeted/tailored coaching/messaging provided to app users to encourage sustained use.
6/
-Facilitation can come in the form of provider training about effective apps, direct to consumer advertisement, or targeted/tailored coaching/messaging provided to app users to encourage sustained use.
6/
All of these elements contribute to
*successful implementation.*
This could be measured via # of app downloads, clicks, completed modules, app versions, integration into healthcare systems/EMRs, or the # of providers who successfully refer their patients to use the app.
7/
*successful implementation.*
This could be measured via # of app downloads, clicks, completed modules, app versions, integration into healthcare systems/EMRs, or the # of providers who successfully refer their patients to use the app.
7/
-Funding must be more nimble/adaptive to ensure that the app being developed is actually usable
- Grants should leverage the clinical talents of MH researchers AND the app-developing talents of industry (eg SBIR)
-Grants need implementation aims to ensure actual uptake!!
8/
- Grants should leverage the clinical talents of MH researchers AND the app-developing talents of industry (eg SBIR)
-Grants need implementation aims to ensure actual uptake!!
8/
Thanks for reading!
w/ cites throughout of the excellent work of @amitba @andrewdcarlo @DDEbert @DHidalgoMazzei @LHoffmanLICSW @JacobChristine @EGLattie @DrLipschitzPhD @DavidCMohr @steveschueller @JohnTorousMD and many others
@SpringerPsych @VA_CHOIR @vahsrd
9/9
w/ cites throughout of the excellent work of @amitba @andrewdcarlo @DDEbert @DHidalgoMazzei @LHoffmanLICSW @JacobChristine @EGLattie @DrLipschitzPhD @DavidCMohr @steveschueller @JohnTorousMD and many others
@SpringerPsych @VA_CHOIR @vahsrd
9/9
