User experience and perceived impact of the Eating Disorder Support App: a mixed-methods evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Eating disorder support
• Mental health technology

Background:

• Mobile health (mHealth) offers improved access to evidence-informed eating disorder (ED) support.
• Challenges persist in sustained engagement, inclusivity, and care integration for mHealth ED interventions.
• The co-produced Eating Disorder Support App provides trusted information for individuals, supporters, and professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine user engagement and acceptability of the Eating Disorder Support App.
• To assess the app's perceived impact on knowledge, confidence, and help-seeking behaviors.
• To identify opportunities for app refinement and enhanced user experience.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods evaluation utilizing online surveys and semi-structured interviews.
• Sixteen participants (patients, supporters, healthcare professionals) completed surveys.
• Four participants engaged in in-depth qualitative interviews; data analyzed using descriptive and content analysis.

Main Results:

• High user satisfaction reported regarding app accessibility, clarity, and non-judgemental tone (93.8% rated good/excellent).
• Participants perceived improvements in knowledge, confidence, and intentions for seeking or supporting help-seeking.
• The app was valued as a trusted adjunct to care, enhancing understanding and emotional safety, with suggestions for personalization and content expansion.

Conclusions:

• The Eating Disorder Support App is an acceptable and useful digital resource complementing clinical care and supporting self-management.
• Future research requires larger, diverse samples, longitudinal follow-up, and clinical outcome assessments.
• Continued co-production and lived-experience involvement are crucial for enhancing inclusivity and engagement in digital ED support.