Improving the Utility, Safety, and Ethical Use of a Passive Mood-Tracking App for People With Bipolar Disorder Using...

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Mental health technology
• Bipolar disorder research

Background:

• Coproduction of digital health tools, like passive mood monitoring, enhances utility and safety for users.
• Mood monitoring is common in bipolar disorder (BD) management, with potential for digital innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how a passive behavioral monitoring platform meets the needs of people with BD.
• To consider purpose, function, diversity of need, preferences, risks, and mitigation strategies through coproduction.

Main Methods:

• Iterative coproduction process involving 17 people with BD.
• Three web-based focus groups analyzed thematically.
• Results cross-checked by individuals with lived experience of BD.

Main Results:

• Six themes emerged: purpose of app use, desired features, usage timing, perceived risks, and data sharing preferences.
• Participants desired self-management tools for greater insight and trigger identification.
• Key features include crisis plans and controlled data sharing.

Conclusions:

• People with BD are interested in passive mood monitoring for self-management and understanding triggers.
• Future passive mood monitoring technology development should prioritize user-centered design and not assume mandatory integration with formal mental health services.