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BACKGROUND: Victims of trauma are at high risk for mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Regular assessment of mental health symptoms in the post-trauma period is necessary to identify those at greatest risk and provide treatment. The multiple demands of the acute post-trauma period present numerous barriers to such assessments. Mobile apps are a method by which to overcome these barriers in order to regularly assess symptoms, identify those at risk, and connect patients to needed services. OBJECTIVE: The current study conducted a usability evaluation of a system to monitor mental health symptoms after a trauma. The system was developed to promote ease of use and facilitate quick transmission of data. METHODS: A sample of 21 adults with a history of trauma completed a standardized usability test in a laboratory setting followed by a qualitative interview. RESULTS: Usability testing indicated that the app was easy to use and that patients were able to answer several questions in less than 1 minute (mean SD 29.37 7.53; range 15-57). Qualitative analyses suggested that feedback should be included in such an app and recommendations for the type of feedback were offered. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that a mobile app to monitor post-trauma mental health symptoms would be well received by victims. Personalized feedback to the user was identified as critical to promote the usability of the software.
Price et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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