Validation and selection of criteria for evaluating apps for managing depression: a Delphi study

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Mental health technology
• App evaluation

Background:

• Increasing use of mental health apps without robust evidence of effectiveness or safety.
• Need for standardized tools to assess these digital interventions.
• EvalDepApps project aims to create a validated assessment tool for depression management apps.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine essential criteria for evaluating depression management apps.
• Establish consensus on evaluation standards through expert and user input.

Main Methods:

• Modified Delphi study involving 43 participants assessing 51 criteria.
• Two rounds of online rating to achieve consensus on criterion relevance.
• Analysis of participant comments to refine criteria.

Main Results:

• A final list of 28 criteria was established through consensus.
• Key criteria focused on Safety and Privacy (25%) and Clinical Effectiveness (25%).
• Usability and Functionality (17.9%) also emerged as significant evaluation aspects.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing data safety and clinical effectiveness is essential for app assessment.
• The developed criteria will inform the EvalDepApps assessment tool.
• The tool will aid professionals and users in selecting safe and effective depression apps.