Affiliation:
1. School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Clinical Education Research Center, Health Human Resources Research Center Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
2. Student Research Committee Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
3. Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
4. Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Future Studies in Health Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman Iran
5. Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
Abstract
AbstractBackground and AimsObsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common disorder that, due to its debilitating nature, significantly affects personal abilities, job performance, social adjustment, and interpersonal relationships. There are significant barriers to accessing evidence‐based cognitive‐behavioral therapy as a first‐line treatment for obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Mobile health applications (Apps) offer a promising way to improve access to evidence‐based therapies while overcoming these barriers. The present study was to design and evaluate a prototype of a self‐help application for people with OCD (the most common pattern of OCD) based on the exposure and response prevention (ERP) technique.MethodsThis work was developed in four different phases. (1) Needs assessment: a thorough literature review, reviewing existing related programs and apps, and interviewing patients and psychiatrists; (2) Creating a paper prototype: considering the functional features identified in the previous phase using wireframe sketcher software. (3) Creating a digital prototype: developing an actual prototype using Axure RP software based on the information obtained from an expert panel's evaluation of the paper prototype. (4) Prototype usability evaluation: through a heuristic evaluation with experts and usability testing with patients using the SUS questionnaire.ResultsAfter requirement analysis, requirements were defined in the areas of information and educational elements, and functional capabilities. Prototypes designed based on identified requirements include capabilities such as in‐app online self‐help groups, assessing the severity of the symptoms of the disorder, psychological training, supportive treatment strategies, setting personalized treatment plans, tracking treatment progress through weekly reports provided, anxiety assessment, and setting reminders.ConclusionThe results of the heuristic evaluation with experts made it possible to identify how to provide information and implement the capabilities in a way that is more appropriate and easier for the user.
Funder
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences