Experiences of Serving and Ex-Serving Members With the PTSD Coach Australia App: Mixed Methods Study.

Jane Shakespeare-Finch,Gabrial Gossage,Catherine Quinn,Jess Styles,Kelly Brown,Samantha Jackson,Leanne Hides,Angela White,Esben Strodl,David Kavanagh,Loretta Poerio,Dimitri Batras,Karolina K Alichniewicz

doi:10.2196/18447

Abstract

BackgroundPTSD Coach Australia is an app for serving and ex-serving defense members and was adapted for the Australian context in 2013 from PTSD Coach, which was created in the United States.ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a user-centered evaluation of the app from the perspective of serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force.MethodsQualitative data were collected in response to questions to participants in 1 of 5 workshops (n=29) or in telephone interviews (n=24). Quantitative data were collected using the user version of Mobile Apps Rating Scale (uMARS).ResultsAnalysis of the qualitative data demonstrated mixed support for the app. While some people found it extremely useful, especially as an adjunct to therapy, others pointed out limitations and cautioned against the app potentially triggering symptoms in people with PTSD. This perceived risk was usually found to stem from frustration with the app’s functionality rather than its content. Participants spoke about the helpful and unhelpful aspects of the app and barriers to its use and made suggestions for improvement. Many participants encouraged its continued use and highlighted the need for it to be promoted more broadly, as many were not aware of it until they were invited to participate in this research.ConclusionsPTSD Coach Australia was seen in a positive light by some participants, but others thought it had too much text and the potential to trigger a traumatic response in users with PTSD. A need to update the app was also a common comment as was the need to increase awareness of the app’s existence.

Highlights

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Coach Australia was seen in a positive light by some participants, but others thought it had too much text and the potential to trigger a traumatic response in users with PTSD
Current research suggests that serving defense members have higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than members of the general community [1]
the app’s design: (The) study was approved by The Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs Human Research Ethics Committee (DDVA HREC; E017/004), Queensland University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee (1700000173), Greenslopes Research and Ethics Committee (17/17), and Townsville Mater Human Research Ethics Committee (E017-004); command approval for participation was obtained from all Australian defense forces

Summary

Introduction

Current research suggests that serving defense members have higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than members of the general community [1]. Perceived stigma and concerns about potential consequences of a diagnosis of mental disorder remain important barriers to help seeking among serving defense members and veterans [2,3], https://www.jmir.org/2020/10/e18447 XSLFO RenderX. Web-based interventions for mental health issues have demonstrated benefits for self-management of a wide variety of problems, including PTSD [4]. Smartphone apps offer additional advantages over web programs because of their potentially constant accessibility and high community uptake [5,6]. While there is a wide range of mental health apps to support serving and ex-serving defense members [7], there is limited evidence about their acceptability and impact. PTSD Coach Australia is an app for serving and ex-serving defense members and was adapted for the Australian context in 2013 from PTSD Coach, which was created in the United States

Methods

Results

Conclusion