Developing the WorkingWell mobile app to promote job tenure for individuals with serious mental illnesses.
Individuals living with serious mental illnesses are key stakeholders in user experience design and the development of theWorkingWellmobile app to enhance on-the-job follow-along support. In this study, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) consumers identify challenges in sustaining employment, provide data regarding their use of technology, and suggest technology-based solutions for coping on the job to inform app development.



Focus groups were conducted in 3 agencies providing IPS services to examine consumers' perspectives on supported employment, work, and their preferences for technology-based supports. Qualitative data were coded thematically in a multistep, collaborate approach to ensure trustworthiness. Survey data were collected to describe participants and their current technology use; these data were analyzed descriptively.



A total of 25 IPS consumers reported work challenges related to interpersonal relationships and social situations; job characteristics, tasks, and expectations; illness- and treatment-related issues; lifestyle/wellness and conditions apart from work; and motivation. The majority owned mobile phones, felt comfortable using technology, and could see how technology-based tools could help sustain employment. Participants highlighted the potential benefits of technology-based supports for work challenges, and underscored the potential for independence and empowerment as a consequence.



Study findings suggest the value of aWorkingWellmobile app that is innovative, easy to access, self-directed, and individually tailored to enhance IPS follow-along support. TheWorkingWellapp, if proven effective, will provide an empowering set of tools designed with input from individuals with serious mental illnesses, and integrated into a single, accessible interface. (PsycINFO Database Record
Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Center for Technology & Behavioral Health, The Geisel School of Medicine.
Joanne
J
Nicholson
Community & Family Medicine, Center for Technology & Behavioral Health, The Geisel School of Medicine.
Elizabeth A
EA
Carpenter-Song
Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Center for Technology & Behavioral Health, The Geisel School of Medicine.
Lynn H
LH
MacPherson
Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Center for Technology & Behavioral Health, The Geisel School of Medicine.
Justin S
JS
Tauscher
Fort Point Design, LLC.
T Chris
TC
Burns
Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Center for Technology & Behavioral Health, The Geisel School of Medicine.
Sarah E
SE
Lord
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016832:Employment, Supported / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D063731:Mobile Applications; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D000067250:Psychiatric Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult