Users’ Perspectives on mHealth Self-Management of Bipolar Disorder: Qualitative Focus Group Study

BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that current mHealth apps for bipolar disorders (BDs) show crucial shortcomings. They lack important functionality, are of inconsistent quality, and are insufficiently evidence-based. mHealth apps need to be better adapted to the needs of users. The perspectives of adult service users with BD regarding mHealth apps have not been well investigated. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the needs and expectations of adults with BD regarding mHealth apps. METHODS: Two focus group sessions were organized in which patients’ views on self-management and design and functionality of an mHealth app for BD were assessed. During session 1, four focus groups were organized to identify users’ needs regarding support for self-management. Session 2 contained three cocreation focus groups. Through this method, the desired functionality and design were explored. RESULTS: Participants indicated that they were in need of support in various ways. Not only support in psychoeducation, including daily routine, sleep pattern, maintaining social contacts, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoidance of stimuli, was considered important for them but also gaining insight into their illness was found to be crucial. CONCLUSIONS: According to the participants, their illness-related information is a key factor in gaining insight into their mood pattern. Participants wanted a functional design that would increase daily use and prevent overstimulation. The results of this study should be taken into account when developing new mHealth apps.