Alert plan-application “MySolutions” - lived experiences of users with a serious mental illness

Abstract

Introduction In daily life an alert or relaps prevention plan can be a helpful tool in preventing patients with severe mental illness (SMI) from relapse. However, patients often find it hard to keep the paper version close by. A smartphone version could be a solution. “MySolutions” is a webapplication providing the possibility to add e.g. pictures or music to the alert plan, which could be helping in time of need. Objectives To describe the lived experiences of patients with (SMI) with the webapplication ‘MySolutions’ and get insight in the helping and hindering characteristics of the application. Methods Qualitative research in a fenomenological framework. Eight interviews were held with outpatients with SMI. All interviews where methodically analyzed using the steps of Colaizzi (1978). Results In general, users were enthousiastic about the look and feel of the application. Using the application was considerd easy. Lived experiences of participants displayed the following themes: Autonomy, Acceptance, Frustration, Self confidence, and Reassurance. By practicing and adding photos and music, they perceived the webapplication to be a personal aid tool for experienced problems related to mental vulnerability in daily life. Participants also reported more difficulties in using the application in times of dysregulation. Conclusions The webapplication can be a valuable addition to the alert plan for people with SMI due to the possibility of personalization and the fact it is always available on a mobile phone. The application seems particularly suiting for people in a stabile phase. Future research should focus on phase of recovery in relation to use of the application. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• users experience
• Serious mental illness
• relapse prevention plan
• alert plan