Depression Related Mobile Apps for Self-Management in Underserved Integrated Primary Care Population-Presentation and Q&A

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Margaret Emerson, an assistant professor and ANCC board-certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, discusses the use of mobile apps for self-management of depression in underserved integrated primary care populations. She highlights the challenges faced in providing care for individuals with serious mental illness, such as depression, including access to care, wait times, transportation, and the co-management of medical and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Emerson emphasizes the importance of technology in addressing these challenges and promoting self-management. She mentions that 81% of Americans own a smartphone and that over two-thirds of adults are willing to use their smartphones to manage their health. The availability of depression-related apps is rapidly increasing, with approximately 10,000 mental health-related apps available in the digital marketplace. However, Dr. Emerson acknowledges that not all apps are created equal and that there is a need for evaluation and selection of appropriate apps. She shares her experience in identifying and evaluating apps for her patient population, highlighting the importance of considering factors such as smartphone ownership, self-management interest, patient activation, and health literacy. Dr. Emerson also discusses the challenges faced in incorporating apps into clinical practice, such as privacy concerns and the need for training and support for healthcare providers. She suggests strategies for promoting app engagement, such as personalization, education, support for technology use, and data integration. Lastly, Dr. Emerson mentions resources available for app evaluation, including the APA evaluation model screener, the mHealth app usability questionnaire, and the One Mind Cyber Guide. Overall, Dr. Emerson emphasizes the potential benefits of mobile apps for self-management of depression in underserved integrated primary care populations, but also highlights the need for careful evaluation and personalized interventions.

Keywords

mobile apps

self-management

depression

underserved populations

integrated primary care

access to care

evaluation

patient activation

privacy concerns

app engagement