title: Development of a mental health smartphone app: perspectives of mental health service users.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Current mental health policy emphasises the importance of service user involvement in the delivery of care. Information Technology can have an effect on quality and efficiency of care.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to gain the viewpoint of service users from a local mental health service in developing a mental health app.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Eight volunteers aged 18-49 years were interviewed with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interviewees defined a good app by its ease of use. Common themes included availability of contact information, identifying triggers, the ability to rate mood/anxiety levels on a scale, guided relaxation techniques, and the option to personalise the app. The researchers will aim to produce an app that is easily accessible, highly personalisable and will include functions highlighted as important (i.e. contact information, etc.).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research will assist in the development of an easy-to-use app that could increase access to services, and allow service users to take an active role in their care. In previous studies, apps were developed without the involvement of service users. This study recognises the important role of service users in this area.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nursing and Midwifery , University of Cork , Cork , Republic of Ireland.|b St. Michaels Unit, North Lee Mental Health Services , Cork , Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goodwin
authors.affiliation: c Department of Nursing and Midwifery , University of Cork , Cork , Republic of Ireland.|d Community Mental Health Team, North Lee Mental Health Services , Cork , Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cummins
authors.affiliation: e Department of Allied Psychology , University of Cork , Cork , Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Behan
authors.affiliation: f Home Based Crisis Team, North Lee Mental Health Services , Cork , Republic of Ireland , and.|g Department of Psychiatry , University of Cork , Cork , Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Sinead M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D063731:Mobile Applications / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000068997:Smartphone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: App; mental health; service user; smartphone; technology