The experience of self-monitoring using the PolarUs bipolar disorder self-management app: a qualitative report of...

Self-monitoring is key to detecting and preventing mood episodes in bipolar-disorder (BD). An increasing number of smartphone apps have been developed to facilitate this aspect of self-management; however, the feasibility and efficacy of these interventions is heterogenous. To improve understanding of the subjective experience of app-based self-monitoring interventions for BD, the present study describes a qualitative investigation of the perspectives of individuals participating in an evaluation of a novel self-management app.

Twenty-five individuals with BD were given access to PolarUs, an app-based self-management intervention, and were later questioned about perceptions of and engagement with this tool. Thematic analysis was used to identify important aspects of the experience of self-monitoring as part of an app-based intervention.

Four themes describing experiences of self-monitoring were generated. These included increased self-awareness, the use of self-monitoring to guide self-management, positive and negative emotional responses to self-monitoring, and unmet needs for self-monitoring apps. Three subthemes describing unmet needs were identified, including the provision of proactive coping suggestions, support reviewing data, and tracking additional symptoms, behaviours and life areas.

The present study highlights the importance of taking the subjective experience of users into account during the development, evaluation, and implementation of app-based monitoring interventions in BD. Implications for the use of passively collected data and personalisation of app delivery are discussed.