Alert plan-application “MySolutions” - lived experiences of users with a serious mental illness

INTRODUCTION: In daily life an alert or relaps prevention plan can be a helpful tool in preventing patients with severe mental illness (SMI) from relapse. However, patients often find it hard to keep the paper version close by. A smartphone version could be a solution. “MySolutions” is a webapplication providing the possibility to add e.g. pictures or music to the alert plan, which could be helping in time of need. OBJECTIVES: To describe the lived experiences of patients with (SMI) with the webapplication ‘MySolutions’ and get insight in the helping and hindering characteristics of the application. METHODS: Qualitative research in a fenomenological framework. Eight interviews were held with outpatients with SMI. All interviews where methodically analyzed using the steps of Colaizzi (1978). RESULTS: In general, users were enthousiastic about the look and feel of the application. Using the application was considerd easy. Lived experiences of participants displayed the following themes: Autonomy, Acceptance, Frustration, Self confidence, and Reassurance. By practicing and adding photos and music, they perceived the webapplication to be a personal aid tool for experienced problems related to mental vulnerability in daily life. Participants also reported more difficulties in using the application in times of dysregulation. CONCLUSIONS: The webapplication can be a valuable addition to the alert plan for people with SMI due to the possibility of personalization and the fact it is always available on a mobile phone. The application seems particularly suiting for people in a stabile phase. Future research should focus on phase of recovery in relation to use of the application. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.