Patient Perspectives on a Digital Therapeutic for Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Evaluation of an App for Negative...

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are highly predictive of poor functional outcomes, and current treatment approaches have been minimally efficacious for these symptoms. CT-155/BI 3972080 (CT-155) is being developed as a smartphone-based digital therapeutic (DTx) rooted in evidence-based psychosocial interventions. Patient feedback on the usability, facilitators, and barriers to app use are of critical importance for long-term effectiveness of CT-155.

This qualitative analysis explored user experiences with a beta version of CT-155 (CT-155 beta) following participation in an exploratory clinical study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 42 participants at the end of a multicenter, 7-week, single-arm, open-label, study of CT-155 beta (NCT05486312). Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns in participant experiences, focusing on usability, perceived benefits, and challenges.

Participant feedback revealed insights regarding: (1) usability of the app, (2) benefits of use, and (3) considerations for implementation. Participants described the app as accessible and easy to navigate, even among those with limited digital experience. The reported benefits included improved coping, increased motivation, increased social interest and skills, new thought patterns, and engagement with structured daily routines. Implementation considerations included technical issues, a desire for more personalization, and the influence of psychiatric symptoms.

This study provides early insights into patient experiences after using CT-155 beta. The findings support the acceptability of the app and offer user-informed direction for future development. These results informed updates to the study app, which has been evaluated in a phase III confirmatory study.