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Cliffe B, Moore E, Whittle K, Stallard P. Is a smartphone application (BlueIce) acceptable and safe for university students who self-harm: an open study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e069862. [PMID: 38663920 PMCID: PMC11043752 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many university students self-harm but few receive support. Smartphone apps have been identified as acceptable sources of support for students who self-harm, but the use of supportive self-harm apps is yet to be explored in this population. OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore the acceptability and safety of a specific app (BlueIce) for university students who self-harm. METHODS This was an exploratory, mixed methods study with 15 university students attending university well-being services with self-harming thoughts and/or behaviours. BlueIce was offered alongside the face-to-face support provided by the well-being service. Self-harming thoughts and behaviours, coping self-efficacy, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured before and after using BlueIce for 6 weeks. Follow-up interviews were also undertaken to explore how students perceived BlueIce in more depth. RESULTS Following app use, there were statistically significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety (baseline M 12.47, SD 4.42; follow-up M 10, SD 4.16) t(14)=2.26, p=0.040, d=0.58 and depression (baseline M 16.5, SD 5.17, follow-up M 12.27, SD 3.66) t(13)=5.50, p<0.001, d=1.47. Qualitative findings showed participants found BlueIce to be acceptable, safe and helpful, and reported that they were more able to cope with difficult feelings and better understand their self-harm triggers following use of the app. CONCLUSION BlueIce was an acceptable, safe and helpful source of support for university students struggling with self-harm thoughts and/or behaviours. This builds on previous findings with adolescents and suggests that BlueIce could be a particularly acceptable and helpful resource for university students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Moore
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Oxford Health NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Kathryn Whittle
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Oxford Health NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol, UK
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Gryglewicz K, Orr VL, McNeil MJ, Taliaferro LA, Hines S, Duffy TL, Wisniewski PJ. Translating Suicide Safety Planning Components Into the Design of mHealth App Features: Systematic Review. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e52763. [PMID: 38546711 PMCID: PMC11009854 DOI: 10.2196/52763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide safety planning is an evidence-based approach used to help individuals identify strategies to keep themselves safe during a mental health crisis. This study systematically reviewed the literature focused on mobile health (mHealth) suicide safety planning apps. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the extent to which apps integrated components of the safety planning intervention (SPI), and if so, how these safety planning components were integrated into the design-based features of the apps. METHODS Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we systematically analyzed 14 peer-reviewed studies specific to mHealth apps for suicide safety planning. We conducted an analysis of the literature to evaluate how the apps incorporated SPI components and examined similarities and differences among the apps by conducting a comparative analysis of app features. An independent review of SPI components and app features was conducted by downloading the available apps. RESULTS Most of the mHealth apps (5/7, 71%) integrated SPI components and provided customizable features that expanded upon traditional paper-based safety planning processes. App design features were categorized into 5 themes, including interactive features, individualized user experiences, interface design, guidance and training, and privacy and sharing. All apps included access to community supports and revisable safety plans. Fewer mHealth apps (3/7, 43%) included interactive features, such as associating coping strategies with specific stressors. Most studies (10/14, 71%) examined the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the safety planning mHealth apps. Usability findings were generally positive, as users often found these apps easy to use and visually appealing. In terms of feasibility, users preferred using mHealth apps during times of crisis, but the continuous use of the apps outside of crisis situations received less support. Few studies (4/14, 29%) examined the effectiveness of mHealth apps for suicide-related outcomes. Positive shifts in attitudes and desire to live, improved coping strategies, enhanced emotional stability, and a decrease in suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors were examined in these studies. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the need for researchers, clinicians, and app designers to continue to work together to align evidence-based research on mHealth suicide safety planning apps with lessons learned for how to best deliver these technologies to end users. Our review brings to light mHealth suicide safety planning strategies needing further development and testing, such as lethal means guidance, collaborative safety planning, and the opportunity to embed more interactive features that leverage the advanced capabilities of technology to improve client outcomes as well as foster sustained user engagement beyond a crisis. Although preliminary evidence shows that these apps may help to mitigate suicide risk, clinical trials with larger sample sizes and more robust research designs are needed to validate their efficacy before the widespread adoption and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Gryglewicz
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Victoria L Orr
- Center for Behavioral Health Research & Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Marissa J McNeil
- Center for Behavioral Health Research & Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Lindsay A Taliaferro
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Serenea Hines
- Center for Behavioral Health Research & Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Taylor L Duffy
- Center for Behavioral Health Research & Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Pamela J Wisniewski
- Department of Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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Wüllner S, Hermenau K, Krutkova M, Petras IK, Hecker T, Siniatchkin M. Mobile applications in adolescent psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1345808. [PMID: 38420028 PMCID: PMC10899334 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1345808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To bridge the gap in adolescent psychotherapy created by the increasing need for mental health interventions and the limited possibilities of in-person treatment during the pandemic, many health care providers opted to offer online mental health care programs. As a result, the number of mental health apps available in app stores experienced a sharp increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The aim of the current review is to provide an overview of feasibility and effectiveness studies testing mobile applications in adolescent psychotherapy during the peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a literature search in Pubmed, PsychInfo, Google Scholar, OpenSIGLE and OpenGREY for papers published from June 2020 to June 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated app-based interventions intended for psychotherapeutic treatment and targeted adolescents between 12 and 27 years of age with symptoms of psychological disorders. The quality of each study was assessed using the Systematic Assessment of Quality in Observational Research (SAQOR). Effectiveness outcomes were analyzed by vote counting and calculating a binomial probability test. Results The search yielded 31 relevant studies that examined 27 different apps with a total of 1,578 adolescent participants. Nine articles were primary effectiveness studies and 22 focused on feasibility measures as primary outcome. There was evidence that mental health apps influenced adolescents' psychotherapy, with 83% of the studies with effectiveness outcomes favoring the intervention (p = 0.002). Sixty-one percent of the included studies were rated at low or very low quality. Conclusions The pandemic has given apps a firm and important role in healthcare that will probably continue to expand in the future. To ensure that mental health apps are truly effective and beneficial for adolescents' psychotherapy, we need a standardized measurement of quality features of mental health apps and higher quality app evaluation studies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=406455, PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [CRD42023406455].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wüllner
- University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital Bethel, Bielefeld University, Medical School East Westphalia, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Katharin Hermenau
- University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital Bethel, Bielefeld University, Medical School East Westphalia, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Mariya Krutkova
- University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital Bethel, Bielefeld University, Medical School East Westphalia, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Ira-Katharina Petras
- University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital Bethel, Bielefeld University, Medical School East Westphalia, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Conflict and Violence Research, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Siniatchkin
- University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital Bethel, Bielefeld University, Medical School East Westphalia, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Rheinberger D, Baffsky R, McGillivray L, Z Q Gan D, Larsen M, Torok M. Digital therapeutics in the hospital for suicide crisis - content and design recommendations from young people and hospital staff. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241230072. [PMID: 38362237 PMCID: PMC10868481 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241230072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Hospital emergency departments lack the resources to adequately support young people who present for suicidal crisis. Digital therapeutics could fill this service gap by providing psychological support without creating additional burden on hospital staff. However, existing research on what is needed for successful integration of digital therapeutics in hospital settings is scant. Thus, this study sought to identify key considerations for implementing digital therapeutics to manage acute suicidal distress in hospitals. Method Participants were 17 young people who recently presented at the hospital for suicide-related crisis, and 12 hospital staff who regularly interacted with young people experiencing mental ill-health in their day-to-day work. Interviews were conducted via videoconference. Framework analysis and reflexive thematic analysis were used to interpret the data obtained. Results Qualitative insights were centred around three major themes: hospital-specific content, therapeutic content, and usability. Digital therapeutics were seen as a useful means for facilitating hospital-based assessment and treatment planning, and for conducting post-discharge check-ins. Therapeutic content should be focused on helping young people self-manage suicide-related distress while they wait for in-person services. Features to promote usability, such as the availability of customisable features and the use of inclusive design or language, should be considered in the design of digital therapeutics. Conclusions Digital therapeutics in hospital settings need to benefit both patients and staff. Given the unique context of the hospital setting and acute nature of suicidal distress, creating specialty digital therapeutics may be more viable than integrating existing ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demee Rheinberger
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel Baffsky
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Daniel Z Q Gan
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Larsen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Shin HD, Zaheer J, Torous J, Strudwick G. Designing Implementation Strategies for a Digital Suicide Safety Planning Intervention in a Psychiatric Emergency Department: Protocol for a Multimethod Research Project. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e50643. [PMID: 37943582 PMCID: PMC10667981 DOI: 10.2196/50643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide prevention is currently a national health priority in Canada. Emergency departments (EDs) are critical settings for suicide prevention, and in our local psychiatric ED at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, we plan to embed an app-based tool called the Hope app to support suicide safety planning intervention. The app is free and available on app stores, and usability tests have been completed. As a next step to embed this new tool into the routine clinical workflow, research is needed to assess determinants of and design strategies for implementation with the end goal of routinization. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this 2-phased research is to implement the app in the routine clinical workflow in our local psychiatric ED. The specific objectives are as follows: (1) understanding ED clinicians' perceptions and experience of implementing the app in routine practice and identifying barriers to and facilitators of implementation (phase 1) and (2) using findings and outputs from phase 1 and collaborating with service users, families, and ED clinicians to co-design implementation strategies for the app (phase 2). METHODS We will use an integrated knowledge translation approach throughout this project. In phase 1, we will conduct interviews with ED clinicians to identify implementation determinants using a behavior change framework. In phase 2, a co-design team comprising clinicians, ED service users, and families will design implementation strategies that align with the determinants identified in phase 1. RESULTS This protocol presents detailed information about the entire structure of the 2-phased research project. Ethics approval for conducting the qualitative descriptive study (phase 1) has been obtained, and the recruitment and data collection processes will be completed no later than December 2023. Ethics approval for phase 2 is underway. CONCLUSIONS Involving multiple knowledge user groups early in the research and decision-making process is crucial for successful implementation. Although co-designing is commonly practiced during innovation development, there is often a misconception that the responsibility for implementing what has been designed falls on others. This research aims to fill this methodological gap in the health informatics literature. By the end of this project, we will have developed theory-informed implementation strategies to support Centre for Addiction and Mental Health ED clinicians in adopting the Hope app to complete safety planning intervention. These strategies, guided by a behavior change framework, will target clinicians' behavior change and seamlessly integrate the app into the routine clinical workflow. In addition, this research project will provide recommendations on how to involve multiple knowledge user groups and offer insights into how the methodology used can be adapted to other areas within the health informatics literature. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/50643.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwayeon Danielle Shin
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Juveria Zaheer
- Health Outcomes and Performance Evaluation (HOPE) Research Unit, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Ontario, Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan Emergency Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gillian Strudwick
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Rodante DE, Chiapella LC, Olivera Fedi R, Papávero EB, Lavoie KL, Daray FM. A randomized 3-month, parallel-group, controlled trial of CALMA m-health app as an adjunct to therapy to reduce suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in adolescents: study protocol. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1087097. [PMID: 37547219 PMCID: PMC10397405 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1087097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors are among the leading causes of death and injury in adolescents and youth worldwide. Mobile app development could help people at risk and provide resources to deliver evidence-based interventions. There is no specific application for adolescents and young people available in Spanish. Our group developed CALMA, the first interactive mobile application with the user in Spanish, which provides tools based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to manage a crisis of suicidal or non-suicidal self-directed violence with the aim of preventing suicide in adolescents and youth. Methods To test the effectiveness, safety and level of engagement of the CALMA app in people aged 10 to 19 who are treated in mental health services of two public hospitals, we will conduct a parallel-group, two-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants will be assessed face-to-face and via video call at four timepoints: day-0 (baseline), day-30, day-60, and day-90. A total of 29 participants per group will be included. Change in the frequency of suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors will be compared between groups, as well as the level of emotional dysregulation, level of app engagement and time of psychiatric admission during the follow-up period. Discussion This study is particularly relevant to young people given their widespread use of mobile technology, while there are currently no available smartphone app-based self-guided psychological strategies in Spanish that attempt to reduce suicidal behavior in adolescents who are assisted in the public health sector from low and middle-income countries in Latin America. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT05453370.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demián Emanuel Rodante
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- “Dr. Braulio A. Moyano” Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- FORO Foundation for Mental Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Carla Chiapella
- Pharmacology Area, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Olivera Fedi
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana Belén Papávero
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- FORO Foundation for Mental Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Pedro de Elizalde Children’s General Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kim L. Lavoie
- Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Federico Manuel Daray
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Farmacología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Shin HD, Durocher K, Sequeira L, Zaheer J, Torous J, Strudwick G. Information and communication technology-based interventions for suicide prevention implemented in clinical settings: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:281. [PMID: 36959599 PMCID: PMC10037806 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09254-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large number of information and communication technology (ICT) based interventions exist for suicide prevention. However, not much is known about which of these ICTs are implemented in clinical settings and their implementation characteristics. In response, this scoping review aimed to systematically explore the breadth of evidence on ICT-based interventions for suicide prevention implemented in clinical settings and then to identify and characterize implementation barriers and facilitators, as well as evaluation outcomes, and measures. METHODS We conducted this review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A search strategy was applied to the following six databases between August 17-20, 2021: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts. We also supplemented our search with Google searches and hand-searching reference lists of relevant reviews. To be included in this review, studies must include ICT-based interventions for any spectrum of suicide-related thoughts and behaviours including non-suicidal self-injury. Additionally, these ICTs must be implemented in clinical settings, such as emergency department and in-patient units. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist to prepare this full report. RESULTS This review included a total of 75 citations, describing 70 studies and 66 ICT-based interventions for suicide prevention implemented in clinical settings. The majority of ICTs were computerized interventions and/or applications (n = 55). These ICTs were commonly used as indicated strategies (n = 49) targeting patients who were actively presenting with suicide risk. The three most common suicide prevention intervention categories identified were post-discharge follow-up (n = 27), screening and/or assessment (n = 22), and safety planning (n = 20). A paucity of reported information was identified related to implementation strategies, barriers and facilitators. The most reported implementation strategies included training, education, and collaborative initiatives. Barriers and facilitators of implementation included the need for resource supports, knowledge, skills, motivation as well as engagement with clinicians with research teams. Studies included outcomes at patient, clinician, and health system levels, and implementation outcomes included acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and penetration. CONCLUSION This review presents several trends of the ICT-based interventions for suicide prevention implemented in clinical settings and identifies a need for future research to strengthen the evidence base for improving implementation. More effort is required to better understand and support the implementation and sustainability of ICTs in clinical settings. The findings can also serve as a future resource for researchers seeking to evaluate the impact and implementation of ICTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwayeon Danielle Shin
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Keri Durocher
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Health, Community Service & Creative Design, Lambton College, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lydia Sequeira
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juveria Zaheer
- Health Outcomes and Performance Evaluation (HOPE) Research Unit, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan Emergency Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gillian Strudwick
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Cliffe B, Moore E, Whittle K, Stallard P. The acceptability, safety, and effects of a smartphone application for university students who self-harm: an open study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022. [DOI: 10.2196/40492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Cliffe B, Stokes Z, Stallard P. The Acceptability of a Smartphone App (BlueIce) for University Students Who Self-harm. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 27:565-581. [PMID: 34983335 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2021.2022552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
University students are twice as likely to self-harm than community controls but, unfortunately, help-seeking among this population is particularly low. Given the stigma around self-harm, the face-to-face nature of traditional support for self-harm can be a barrier to help-seeking. Smartphone applications (apps) are a possible alternative source of support, and research has shown that students are receptive to this option. This study sought to assess the acceptability of a smartphone app called BlueIce for university students who self-harm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 students with a history of self-harm. A qualitative content analysis was undertaken and five categories were identified: the content of BlueIce, the use of BlueIce with university students, the function of BlueIce, comparison with other support, and the implementation and uptake of BlueIce. Responses to BlueIce were very positive with students believing BlueIce to be a helpful resource that was perceived as more accessible than alternative support. Participants believed it could provide help in moments of distress as well as helping individuals learn longer-term coping skills. Others felt that BlueIce would not be adequate for some people and would be better used alongside other face-to-face support. Overall, it was clear that BlueIce was acceptable to the students in this study. Future research should seek to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of BlueIce within a university setting with students. HIGHLIGHTSStudents who self-harm found the BlueIce app to be an acceptable and appealing source of support for self-harm as well as other mental health difficulties.Participants felt that the app was more accessible than other forms of support, particularly for individuals who prefer not to discuss self-harm with a professional.Some felt that BlueIce could provide immediate support in moments of distress, while others believed it to be a longer-term solution that could help students learn more adaptive coping strategies.
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