Real-world Implementation of a Smartphone-Based Psychoeducation Program for Bipolar Disorder: Observational...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Psychiatry
• Mobile Health Interventions

Background:

• The SIMPLe app is an internet-delivered self-management tool for bipolar disorder (BD).
• It integrates technology with evidence-based interventions and psychoeducational content.
• The app is available globally for bipolar disorder treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze app usage, engagement, and retention rates using server data.
• To identify user retention patterns within the first six months of app use.
• To explore factors influencing the discontinuation of app usage.

Main Methods:

• An observational ecological study using real-world data from the SIMPLe app.
• Data collected via web-based questionnaires and continuous app usage patterns.
• Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, survival analysis, and user evaluation.

Main Results:

• Out of 503 participants, 77.5% used the app; 44.4% completed follow-up.
• App engagement decreased gradually over six months.
• Retention was associated with age, time since illness onset, and diagnosis duration.

Conclusions:

• User retention significantly decreased over six months, with one-third remaining at the 6-month mark.
• Age and duration of living with BD strongly correlate with app engagement.
• Identifying user profiles can optimize app prescription and management for individuals with BD.