Depression Related Mobile Apps for Self-Management in Underserved Integrated Primary Care Population

Depression is one of most common mental health conditions and the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting about one in 10 adults in the US. Depression treatment is vital for underserved primary care patients who often experience multiple chronic medical conditions along with higher rates of health disparities. These challenges are very complex. Emerging evidence suggests mobile app technology can aid in the self-management of depression. Yet, there is limited research exploring the use of mobile health apps in this population with specific gaps concerning the feasibility of integrating these tools. Filling this gap is needed to inform evidence-based training, clinician tools, and educational materials to facilitate the implementation of mobile apps into clinical care.

This talk will first review the evidence of mobile health apps to meet clinical and wellness goals for people with SMI. Using this evidence as a launching point, the talk will then outline the opportunity for technology to augment integrated care for people with SMI. To illustrate real world examples, the talk will focus on a case with the goal of offering case based learning from a study that explored the feasibility of integrating depression self-management smartphone apps into primary care for an underserved patient population. Adult patients with an active or previous depression diagnosis were eligible to participate. Participants were asked to complete measures which explored health literacy, and patient activation, along with questions pertaining to smartphone ownership, type of data plan, and willingness to use apps for self-management. Patient and provider/staff focus groups were conducted at clinic sites to explore the feasibility of using smartphone apps for depression management. Initial findings suggest that patients are likely to attempt app use for self-management when physicians make this suggestion. Results also suggest that giving patients an array of smartphone apps to choose from increases their likelihood of app use. The presentation will offer learners a suite of tools and resources to implement such in their care settings. Cultural and other real world considerations will be discussed.

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