Mobile Mindfulness Intervention on an Acute Psychiatric Unit: Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Digital Health
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Aggression and violence are prevalent on acute psychiatric inpatient units, negatively impacting staff and patients.
• Limited staff time and training in acute settings hinder treatment delivery.
• Mobile technology offers a novel platform for interventions, but its feasibility and usability in this context are untested.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of a mobile mindfulness app for acute psychiatric inpatients.
• To evaluate the app's potential for reducing anger and aggression in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder with a history of violence.

Main Methods:

• 13 acute psychiatric inpatients used a mindfulness app (Headspace) for one week.
• Participants completed usability questionnaires and qualitative interviews.
• Measures of mindfulness, anger, and cognitive ability were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• 10 out of 13 participants completed the study; all found the app engaging and easy to use.
• 83% of participants felt comfortable using the app and would recommend it.
• 50% completed the initial guided meditations, indicating engagement with the intervention.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study on a commercial app intervention in acute psychiatric inpatient settings.
• Acutely ill inpatients found the Headspace app easy to use and beneficial for anxiety, sleep, and boredom.
• No increase in psychotic symptoms or episodes of aggression/violence were reported.