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BackUp: Development and evaluation of a smart-phone application for coping with suicidal crises
Kirsten Pauwels1,2, Saskia Aerts1,2, Ekke Muijzers1,2
1Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Ghent, Flanders, Belgium.
Plos One
|June 22, 2017
Summary
A new mobile app, BackUp, was developed to help individuals in suicidal crisis. Both experts and users found the app valuable for suicide prevention, indicating potential for digital tools in mental health care.
Area of Science:
- Digital mental health
- Suicide prevention technologies
- Mobile health interventions
Background:
- Suicide is a significant public health concern with profound societal impact.
- Innovative technologies like smartphones offer novel avenues for suicide prevention.
- Smartphone apps provide accessible, low-threshold tools to overcome help-seeking barriers for individuals with suicidal ideation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development, testing, and implementation of the BackUp mobile application.
- To assess the usability and perceived value of BackUp for individuals experiencing suicidal crises.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing suicide prevention apps informed the selection of evidence-based tools.
- Key features integrated into the app include a safety planning tool, hope box, coping cards, and a reach-out module.
- The application underwent testing by an expert panel (n=9) and end-users (n=21).
Main Results:
- BackUp was positively evaluated by both expert and end-user panels as a valuable suicide prevention tool.
- End-users reported a small, non-significant decrease in suicidal ideation after using the app, measured by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation.
- The integrated tools were rated as usable during suicidal crises, with most testers using the app multiple times.
Conclusions:
- The BackUp app demonstrates the potential of self-help digital tools to positively influence suicidal ideation.
- Mobile applications can extend the reach of suicide prevention efforts to individuals not engaged with traditional interventions.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand the impact and effectiveness of suicide prevention apps.
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