edwin d. boudreaux, phd. i have consulted and own shares of polaris health directions, a small...
TRANSCRIPT
Disclosures
I have consulted and own shares of Polaris Health Directions, a small business that creates e-health interventions.
Objectives
To be familiar with important considerations when evaluating apps.
To learn about rating or evaluation agencies and websites.
To evaluate some specific apps. Mood management Tobacco
To be able to start using at least 1 app on Monday when you return to work
Evaluating Apps: Basics
What is the target behavior, disorder, or symptom?
Dumbphone vs. smartphone Text only for dumbphone Android vs. iPhone
What features does the app have? Tracking Intervention
Evaluating Apps: Usability
Usability No universal metric but it is really
important Initial usability▪ Can the individual learn to use it within 5
minutes? Long-term sustainability▪ Fatigue and desensitization is a problem
You can often test drive them on the computer
Evaluating Apps: Theory Based?
Not theory based Theory informed
Reference to a theory but not clear exactly how it’s linked
Theory driven Clearly linked to a specific theory or
theories
Evaluating Apps: Evidence Base?
Not rooted in any evidence Evidence informed
App itself hasn’t been studied but it is rooted in traditions that have.
Empirically supported App has been found to be superior to a
control condition at modifying target.
“Rating” Agencies
This aspect is in it’s infancy. Health On Net – Internet
www.hon.ch/ Consumer reports
http://news.consumerreports.org/health/2009/10/there-really-is-an-app-for-that-health-interestor-will-be.html
“Rating” Agencies: Happtique www.happtique.com
http://www.happtique.com/wp-content/uploads/App-Certification-Standards-final.pdf
Operability Privacy Security Content
C1. App is based on one or more credible information sources such as an accepted protocol, published guidelines, evidence-based practice, peer-reviewed journal, etc.
C1.01 Source is documented C1.02 If based on other than recognized source,
documentation about how the content was formulated is provided.
Good Vetting Websites
National Center for telehealth and technology
http://t2health.org/products/mobile-apps iMedicalApps
http://www.imedicalapps.com/filter/?cat-medical-specialty20=3378
Good Vetting Websites
Telemental Health comparisons http://www.telementalhealthcomparisons
.com
Mobihealthnews http://mobihealthnews.com/research/
ABCT Technology and Behavior SIG http://www.techandbehavior.com/wordpr
ess
Mood Management Apps
Commercially available Search iTunes and Google Play
Depression Anxiety
Compiled top downloaded apps Described them based on their features Chose 5 to complete an in depth eval on
1 Text 2 iPhone 2 Android
Mood247
https://www.mood247.com
Practical mood monitoring text program Asks for mood rating 1 time a day (0 – 10) Allows journaling Must go on-line to see graph
Patient and provider on-line viewing capabilities
Irrational Thinking CBT Test https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co
m.excelatlife.cbttest&hl=en 110 item test to map cognitive styles, CBT
related articles
Irrational Thinking CBT Test
PROS Intuitive interface
Theory driven (CBT)
Evidence informed
Combined with Cognitive Diary CBT app it’s more powerful
CONS Interface
aesthetics are a bit crude
Limited features – “one time app”
Only available in English
Positive Activity Jackpot
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=t2.paj&hl=en
Suggestions and monitoring for positive activities, including “random”
Positive Activity Jackpot
PROS Intuitive interface
Complex but easy-to-follow
Theory driven (BT)
Evidence informed (Lewinsohn, Linehan both referenced)
Activities can be done alone, in pairs, or groups (~400 activities)
Can generate activities based on proximity (GPS)
Interconnectity with Facebook and Twitter
CONS
Only available in English
Could potentially exhaust realistic options
Time investment necessary to get full functionality
T2 Mood Tracker
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/t2-mood-tracker/id428373825?mt=8
Track and share mood ratings with provider
T2 Mood Tracker
PROS Intuitive interface
Theory driven (CBT)
Evidence informed
Many features to allow customization of ratings, prompts, access of support
Generates pdf or CSV reports to print or email to provider
CONS
Predominately centered on rating and journaling
Only available in English
Time investment necessary to get full functionality
eCBT Mood
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ecbt-mood/id324060472?mt=8
Track and share mood ratings with provider Psychoeducation
eCBT Mood
PROS Intuitive interface
Theory driven (CBT)
Evidence informed
Ratings can be shared with provider, others
Helps to ID and challenge automatic thoughts
CONS
Only available in English
Time investment necessary to get full functionality