Co-creating DigiPer mobile application: A digital peer support tool for managing mental, physical, and social health...

People with serious mental illness (SMI) often encounter physical health issues and persistent symptoms of mental illness. Digital tools and peer support can empower people with SMI to self-manage their mental, physical, and social health. This study aims to co-create and culturally adapt the DigiPer mobile application with service users, peer support workers, and Norwegian community mental healthcare professionals.

We used a qualitative participatory design and principles of co-creation to develop DigiPer. We conducted workshops, videoconference demonstrations, and application testing with key stakeholders in the co-creation process. Written material from the co-creation process was transcribed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Five themes and ten subthemes were developed. Theme (1) Feedback and challenges in DigiPer functioning, including usability in DigiPer and managing complexity in DigiPer classes. Theme (2) The peer support worker's role within DigiPer should include recognizing and addressing user challenges and balancing self-responsibility and support. Theme (3) The content of DigiPer addresses day-to-day challenges, supporting personal growth and goal setting, and DigiPer can be used as a tool to build supportive networks. Theme (4) DigiPer can encourage a healthy lifestyle, address substance uses and smoking habits and improve sleep and stress management. Theme (5) Provides a holistic view of health, connecting users to relevant services and addressing the need for support to overcome financial challenges.

DigiPer demonstrated usability among Norwegian community mental healthcare stakeholders. It was perceived as relevant and functional and a promising tool to help people with SMI to self-manage their mental, physical, and social health. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to refine digital peer support interventions in Norway.