Involving young people in the design of a new smartphone app that helps to reduce episodes of self-harm

2014 Conference

Abstract:

Background: Smartphone technology is an innovative way of assisting people to self-manage their mental health condition. The free smartphone app called “Blue Ice” is designed to enable young people, who self-harm, to utilise techniques they have learnt in clinical therapy and help prevent further episodes of self-harm.

Methods: After consultation with a local young people’s charity, the free smartphone app “Blue Ice” was created with features suggested by the user group, such as a diary function, feedback mechanism to chart progress and ways to summon help in an emergency. This app lets users record their mood and feelings, and utilise ‘mood lifter’ activities. Phones and training were provided.

Results: V1 is now available for android. It is currently being tested by five young people who are being treated for self-harming and clinical depression in Oxford Mental Health Trust with a view to creating V2 based on their feedback.

Conclusions: Smartphone apps for mental health issues can be developed with the input of users. Hard to reach communities can be involved in shaping the features and design of new behaviour changing technology.

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