%0 Journal Article
%@ 2291-5222
%I JMIR Publications
%V 6
%N 5
%P e108
%T Users’ Perspectives on mHealth Self-Management of Bipolar Disorder: Qualitative Focus Group Study
%A Switsers,Lise
%A Dauwe,Arthur
%A Vanhoudt,Anneleen
%A Van Dyck,Hilde
%A Lombaerts,Koen
%A Oldenburg,JFE
%+ Department of Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, 1050, Belgium, 32 02 629 26 74, lise.switsers@vub.be
%K bipolar disorder
%K self-management
%K mHealth
%K focus groups
%D 2018
%7 02.05.2018
%9 Original Paper
%J JMIR Mhealth Uhealth
%G English
%X 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. 
%M 29720363
%R 10.2196/mhealth.9529
%U http://mhealth.jmir.org/2018/5/e108/
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.9529
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29720363