Development of weCope, a mobile app for illness self-management in schizophrenia

Authors

  • Raquel F. Simões de Almeida University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences
  • Tiago J. Sousa Polytechnic of Porto, School of Health
  • Ana S. Couto Polytechnic of Porto, School of Health
  • António J. Marques Polytechnic of Porto, School of Health
  • Cristina M. Queirós University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences
  • Constantino L. Martins Polytechnic of Porto, School of Engineering

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000000182

Keywords:

Schizophrenia, illness self-management, mobile applications, technology

Abstract

Objective: To describe the development of weCope, a Portuguese mobile app for people with schizophrenia. Methods: The development of weCope followed 4 stages: I-102 people with psychotic disorders completed an online questionnaire; II-a multidisciplinary focus group was conducted among five mental health professionals; III-we developed the app; IV-9 participants used weCope during 8 weeks to assess its efficiency. Results: weCope targets coping with voices, problem solving, goals setting and stress management, and results indicated that: weCope improved symptoms, sense of recovery and personal and social functioning; 59% of the participants were willing to download an application for illness self-management; professionals revealed some concerns about mHealth but enhanced the high importance to develop these apps; usability testing revealed that 89% considered weCope useful for illness self-management. However, the more years with mental illness, the less importance is given to a mobile application for this purpose. Discussion: weCope was developed through a comprehensive development process and may contribute to a subjective perception of the patient’s better well-being and health condition.

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Published

2019-09-11

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 1 (2019)

Section

Original Articles

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Development of weCope, a mobile app for illness self-management in schizophrenia. (2019). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 46(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000000182