Smartphone-based Intervention Research Articles

Effectiveness of Applying Green Heart, a Smartphone-Based Self-management Intervention to Control Smoking: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health concern and are the most common cause of death and disability, necessitating preventive interventions targeting modifiable risk factors. Recently, mobile-health technology has been developed to improve the delivery of cardiovascular prevention by risk factor modification. The "Green Heart" mobile application (app) was designed to aid in risk factor control among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. This parallel-group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolled 1590 CAD patients, including 668 current smokers, randomly assigned to control (paper-based education) and intervention (application-based) groups. The app encompassed three modules targeting smoking cessation, dyslipidemia control, and blood pressure management. This study evaluated the impact of the smoking cessation module on behavioral change among current smokers. Green Heart assesses nicotine dependence, offering personalized quit plans, educational content, motivational messages, and automated progress tracking. The odds of smoking behavior changes during the 24-week follow-up underwent assessment. The intention-to-treat analysis highlighted significantly elevated rates of smoking cessation and reductions in the intervention group versus the control group. Adherence to the app (per-treatment analysis) also demonstrated significantly more favorable smoking behavior changes among the application users. Logistic regression emphasized higher odds of quitting and reduction in smoking in the application group, showing an odds ratio of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.16-3.97) compared to those not using the app (P=0.015). Our results confirmed that complete adherence to the app for at least 24 weeks was linked to alterations in cigarette smoking behavior among CAD patients. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20221016056204N1.

Shorter communications: Exploring the impact of a brief smartphone-based alcohol intervention app (DrinksRation) on the quality of life of UK military veterans

Alcohol misuse – defined as consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week - is a well-established problem among veterans. This study investigated the change in quality of life among help-seeking UK veterans who completed a 28-day brief alcohol intervention delivered via a digital smartphone application (called DrinksRation) and have previously sought clinical help for a mental health disorder. This study was a secondary outcome analysis of data collected during a randomised control trial. In total, 123 UK veterans participated in the study and were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control arm. Participants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their alcohol use and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline, day 28 (end of intervention), day 84, and day 168. At the primary endpoint (day 84), we found significantly greater improvements in the intervention arm compared to the control arm for psychological quality of life (Cohen’s d = 0.47), and environmental quality of life (d = 0.34). However, we observed no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control arm for social relationships and physical quality of life. Further, for day 168 we found no significant differences. Findings suggest that DrinksRation can increase quality of life among help-seeking veterans who have previously sought help for a mental health disorder, but the increases were modest and restricted to certain domains. Additional treatment may be needed for long-term and sustained improvements in quality of life.

Effective management of sedentary behavior among Indian university students: An empirical exploration into health-related behavior

BACKGROUND: The past few years have witnessed a notable rise in sedentary tendencies, unveiling a modern era of prolonged stillness and diminished physical engagement. This study sought to assess the feasibility of a digital health intervention (DHI) to reduce overall sedentary behavior among university students. The study also identifies distinct subgroups within Indian universities that exhibit a heightened propensity for engaging in unhealthy behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research design used was a quasi-experimental (pre–post) design. A total of 500 participants were selected using a simple randomized sampling method (250 belonging to the control group and 250 belonging to the experimental group). These participants actively engaged in the study for 2 weeks. The participants completed the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) before the intervention to evaluate their level of sedentary behavior. To evaluate the impact of the intervention on subjectively measured sedentary behavior, statistical analyses were conducted using the paired-samples t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the post hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated a significant t-value of sedentary behavior for the entire group, with t(249) = 4.88, P < .05. Furthermore, the F-value of 28.787 indicated a statistically significant difference in the sedentary behavior between the experimental and control groups. When considering female university students specifically, the t-value for sedentary behavior was significant at t(105) = 3.22, P < .05, and for male university students, the t-value for sedentary behavior was found to be significant at t(143) = 3.69, P < .05. CONCLUSION: Smartphone-based health interventions targeting sedentary behavior reduction demonstrated promising outcomes in facilitating health behavior change among university students.

Lessons and Untapped Potential of Smartphone-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Mental Health: Narrative Review.

Physical activity has well-known and broad health benefits, including antidepressive and anxiolytic effects. However, only approximately half of Americans meet even the minimum exercise recommendations. Individuals with anxiety, depression, or related conditions are even less likely to do so. With the advent of mobile sensors and phones, experts have quickly noted the utility of technology for the enhanced measurement of and intervention for physical activity. In addition to being more accessible than in-person approaches, technology-driven interventions may uniquely engage key mechanisms of behavior change such as self-awareness. This study aims to provide a narrative overview and specific recommendations for future research on smartphone-based physical activity interventions for psychological disorders or concerns. In this paper, we summarized early efforts to adapt and test smartphone-based or smartphone-supported physical activity interventions for mental health. The included articles described or reported smartphone-delivered or smartphone-supported interventions intended to increase physical activity or reduce sedentary behavior and included an emotional disorder, concern, or symptom as an outcome measure. We attempted to extract details regarding the intervention designs, trial designs, study populations, outcome measures, and inclusion of adaptations specifically for mental health. In taking a narrative lens, we drew attention to the type of work that has been done and used these exemplars to discuss key directions to build on. To date, most studies have examined mental health outcomes as secondary or exploratory variables largely in the context of managing medical concerns (eg, cancer and diabetes). Few trials have recruited psychiatric populations or explicitly aimed to target psychiatric concerns. Consequently, although there are encouraging signals that smartphone-based physical activity interventions could be feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for individuals with mental illnesses, this remains an underexplored area. Promising avenues for tailoring validated smartphone-based interventions include adding psychoeducation (eg, the relationship between depression, physical activity, and inactivity), offering psychosocial treatment in parallel (eg, cognitive restructuring), and adding personalized coaching. To conclude, we offer specific recommendations for future research, treatment development, and implementation in this area, which remains open and promising for flexible, highly scalable support.

(119) Anathema: Pilot Study to Assess the Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Digital Intervention to Promote Sexual Health in Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Abstract Introduction Introduction: Sexual health is a central dimension of overall health and quality of life, yet it remains a largely neglected component in vulnerable populations such as cancer patients. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, and its treatments negatively affect people's sexual and relational health and well-being throughout the course of the disease. Notwithstanding the negative impact of treatments on different dimensions of sexual functioning (e.g., changes in sexual desire, sexual arousal, and orgasm experience), on the experience of pleasure and sexual satisfaction of people with CRC, access to specialized support is often hampered due to organizational, geographical, and attitudinal barriers (e.g., stigma). Given their intimate nature, accessibility, and convenience/flexibility, smartphone-based digital interventions can help bridge this gap and be an important supportive tool to effectively address unmet sexual health care needs in people with CRC. However, there is still a lack of studies evaluating the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of smartphone-based sexual health promotion programs for people with CRC. Objective Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of Anathema, a program developed for the promotion of the sexual health of CRC survivors. Methods Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study is underway and involves 30 CRC survivors randomly assigned to an experimental group (with access to the program) and a waiting list control group (treatment as usual). The program was structured into five modules to be completed in 8 weeks and developed based on the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. An institutional Ethical Board approved the study. Acceptability, usability, and feasibility of Anathema were the primary outcomes defined in this study. Sexual and relational satisfaction, sexual functioning and distress, sexual pleasure, and quality of life were defined as secondary outcomes. Results Results: The participatory design used throughout the different phases of this project anticipates a good acceptability of the program among its primary users. It is also expected that the program and the design adopted will be suitable for the future implementation of an RCT. Improvement in levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction, sexual pleasure, quality of life, and a decrease in levels of sexual distress in people who use the program compared to people in the waiting list group, are also expected. Conclusions Conclusions: Anathema is a promising program for promoting sexual health and quality of life in CRC survivors. Funding source: This project is jointly funded by the European Commission through the AAL Program (ref. AAL-2020-7-133-CP) and its Member States: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, in Portugal (AAL/0005/2020), Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), in Austria, and ZonMw, the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, in the Netherlands. Disclosure No.

(120) E-Mergir: Preliminary Efficacy of a Digital Psychological Intervention Program for Improving Mental Health, Sexual Health, and Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Survivors

Abstract Introduction Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide. The diagnosis of prostate cancer and associated treatments have a negative impact on people's physical, emotional, and sexual health, compromising their overall well-being and quality of life throughout the course of the disease. Despite the decreased levels of sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction associated with this type of cancer (Quinta-Gomes et al., 2019), patients' access to specialized healthcare and support is still limited. Given their flexibility and convenience, smartphone-based digital interventions can contribute to bridging this gap and constitute an important way to access specialized and personalized supportive care on emotional and sexual health for people with prostate cancer. Objective Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a digital psychological intervention program using smartphones aimed at improving the mental health, sexual health, and quality of life of prostate cancer survivors. Methods Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study is underway involving 30 prostate cancer survivors randomly assigned to an experimental group (with access to the program) and a waiting list control group (treatment as usual). The program was structured in five modules to be completed by the participants in a maximum period of 6 weeks while receiving support from a psychologist. The study was approved by an institutional Ethical Board. Acceptability, usability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy (overall improvement in sexual and relational satisfaction, sexual pleasure, sexual distress, psychopathology, and quality of life) were defined as the main outcomes of this study. Participants' assessments will take place in two moments, before and after the implementation of the program. Results Expected results: It is expected that the program and the experimental design adopted will prove to be adequate and have good acceptability by the participants. Improvements in sexual and relational satisfaction, sexual pleasure, sexual distress, psychopathology, and quality of life are also expected for participants using the program compared to those in the waiting-list group. Conclusions Conclusions: As a future empirical-based digital psychological intervention program focused on patients' unmet sexual needs, E-mergir will significantly contribute to addressing the emotional and sexual health and quality of life of people with prostate cancer. Funding: Horizon Europe, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000057, CCDRN Disclosure No.

Effectiveness of a smartphone-based virtual reality intervention on balance and functional mobility in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A pre-post experimental study

Abstract Background: The odds of survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has increased markedly owing to a better understanding of pathogenesis, adoption of risk stratification therapy, and availability of newer therapeutic agents. These drugs, however, may affect balance and functional mobility, leading to activity restrictions. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising rehabilitation program for motor difficulties. The study, therefore, aimed to determine the effect of a smartphone-based VR intervention on balance and functional mobility in children with ALL. Methods: The pre-post experimental study included 32 children with ALL between 4 and 18 years of age. They received smartphone-based VR intervention every day for a period of 2 weeks, with each session lasting for 30 minutes. Each session included five VR games that were played by the child for 5 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between the games. Pre- and post-intervention, balance and functional mobility were evaluated using the balance subset of Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition (BOT-2) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, respectively. Results: Children with ALL demonstrated a significant improvement in balance post-intervention, with a mean difference of 2.22 ± 1.75 (P < 0.0001). Functional mobility improved with a mean difference of 1.12 ± 1.09 (P < 0.0001). There was an improvement of 8.04% and 11.04% in balance and functional mobility, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that a 2-week smartphone-based VR intervention is effective in improving balance and functional mobility in children with ALL.

A smartphone application to reduce problematic drinking: a feasibility trial

BackgroundProblematic drinking is common among college students and associated with various somatic and mental health problems. Given significant evidence for the efficacy of smartphone-based interventions and the frequent use of smartphones among college students, it can be assumed that such interventions have great potential to facilitate access to evidence-based interventions for students suffering from problematic drinking. Thus, we developed a brief intervention that combined a counseling session with an app that utilizes approach-avoidance modification training to reduce alcohol consumption.MethodsTo test the feasibility and explore the potential efficacy of the intervention, we conducted a before-after single-arm study with N = 11 participants reportedly engaging in problematic drinking, who were instructed to practice with the app for 14 days. Feasibility was assessed with the System Usability Scale (SUS). Outcomes included the reduction of self-reported problematic drinking behavior, dysfunctional attitudes about alcohol, and craving, as well as implicit associations between alcohol and self during the training period. Additionally, self-reported problematic drinking behavior was assessed at a 4-week follow-up.ResultsOn average, participants rated app usability on the SUS (possible range: 0 to 100) with M = 84.32 (SD = 6.53). With regard to efficacy, participants reported a significant reduction of problematic drinking behavior (dpre vs. post = 0.91) which was sustained at follow-up (dfollow-up vs. baseline = 1.07). Additionally, participants reported a significant reduction of dysfunctional attitudes about alcohol (dpre vs. post = 1.48). Results revealed no significant changes in craving nor in implicit associations regarding alcohol.ConclusionsFindings from this feasibility study provide preliminary evidence that smartphone-based interventions might help reduce problematic drinking in college students. Further research needs to replicate these findings with larger samples in randomized controlled trials.Trial registrationDRKS00014675 (retrospectively registered).

Understanding the Implementation of Informal Meditation Practice in a Smartphone-Based Intervention: A Qualitative Analysis

Understanding the Implementation of Informal Meditation Practice in a Smartphone-Based Intervention: A Qualitative Analysis

LiveWell, a smartphone-based self-management intervention for bipolar disorder: Intervention participation and usability analysis

BackgroundUnderstanding how individuals utilize and perceive digital mental health interventions may improve engagement and effectiveness. To support intervention improvement, participant feedback was obtained and app use patterns were examined for a randomized clinical trial evaluating a smartphone-based intervention for individuals with bipolar disorder. MethodsApp use and coaching engagement were examined (n = 124). Feedback was obtained via exit questionnaires (week 16, n = 81) and exit interviews (week 48, n = 17). ResultsOn average, over 48 weeks, participants used the app for 4.4 h and engaged with the coach for 3.9 h. Participants spent the most time monitoring target behaviors and receiving adaptive feedback and the least time viewing self-assessments and skills. Participants reported that the daily check in helped increase awareness of target behaviors but expressed frustration with repetitiveness of monitoring and feedback content. Participants liked personalizing their wellness plan, but its use did not facilitate skills practice. App use declined over time which participants attributed to clinical stability, content mastery, and time commitment. Participants found the coaching supportive and motivating for app use. LimitationsApp engagement based on viewing time may overestimate engagement. The delay between intervention delivery and the exit interviews and low exit interview participation may introduce bias. ConclusionUtilization patterns and feedback suggest that digital mental health engagement and efficacy may benefit from adaptive personalization of targets monitored combined with adaptive monitoring and feedback to support skills practice and development. Increasing engagement with supports may also be beneficial.

Effects of smartphone-based hypnotic intervention for undergraduate students' shyness during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, university students have been exposed to a heightened vulnerability towards developing psychological issues, such as psychological distress and shyness. Internet-based interventions offer a convenient avenue for scalability, thus prompting the development of a smartphone-based hypnotic intervention aimed at addressing shyness among university students. We devised an innovative smartphone-based hypnotic intervention called mHypnosis to examine its impact on shyness among undergraduate students. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether the apprehension of negative evaluations before treatment could serve as a predictor for the effectiveness of the intervention on shyness. Eighty students with high shyness scores were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. Another 40 participants with low shyness score were selected as the baseline group. The Shyness Scale (SS), Fear of Negative evaluation scale (FNE), Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (SAQ), and Self-Esteem Scale (SES) were used to evaluate the effect of hypnotic intervention. Before the intervention, the scores of the experimental and control groups on the SS, FNE, SAQ, and SES were higher than those in the baseline group (p <  0.05). There was no significant difference in scores between the experimental and control group (p >  0.05). After the intervention, the scores of the SS, FNE, SAQ, and SES were significantly lower in the experimental group than those in the control group (p <  0.05). The pretest score of FNE could predict the shyness score after hypnotic intervention (B = 0.35, p <  0.05). Smartphone-based hypnotic intervention had a significant effect on ameliorating shyness during the COVID-19 pandemic; fear of negative evaluation can be a target for treating shyness.

A look under the hood: analyzing engagement and usage data of a smartphone-based intervention

A look under the hood: analyzing engagement and usage data of a smartphone-based intervention

Health, Stress and Technologies: Integrating Technology Acceptance and Health Belief Models for Smartphone-Based Stress Intervention

Health, Stress and Technologies: Integrating Technology Acceptance and Health Belief Models for Smartphone-Based Stress Intervention

A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

A look under the hood: analyzing engagement and usage data of a smartphone-based intervention

BackgroundEngagement with smartphone-based interventions stimulates adherence and improves the likelihood of gaining benefits from intervention content. Research often relies on system usage data to capture engagement. However, to what extent usage data reflect engagement is still an open empirical question. We studied how usage data relate to engagement, and how both relate to intervention outcomes.MethodsWe drew data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (N = 86) evaluating a smartphone-based intervention that aims to stimulate future self-identification (i.e., future self vividness, valence, relatedness). General app engagement and feature-specific engagement were retrospectively measured. Usage data (i.e., duration, number of logins, number of days used, exposure to intervention content) were unobtrusively registered.ResultsEngagement and usage data were not correlated. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that general app engagement predicted future self vividness (p = .042) and relatedness (p = .004). Furthermore, engagement with several specific features also predicted aspects of future self-identification (p = .005 – .032). For usage data, the number of logins predicted future self vividness (p = .042) and exposure to intervention content predicted future self valence (p = .002).ConclusionsUsage data did not reflect engagement and the latter was the better predictor of intervention outcomes. Thus, the relation between usage data and engagement is likely to be intervention-specific and the unqualified use of the former as an indicator of the latter may result in measurement error. We provide recommendations on how to capture engagement and app use in more valid ways.

A Novel Smartphone-Based Intervention Aimed at Increasing Future Orientation via the Future Self: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prototype Application

We developed and tested a smartphone-based intervention, FutureU, that aims to stimulate future-oriented thinking and behavior by strengthening the degree to which people identify with their future self. In order to examine the potential of this intervention prototype and opportunities for further optimization, we evaluated 1) the immediate and long-term efficacy of the intervention, and 2) intervention effects after each of three intervention modules. To this end, we conducted a randomized controlled pilot study among first-year university students (N = 176). Results showed a decrease in goal commitment immediately after the intervention. At 3-months follow-up, trends showed an increase in future orientation and in self-efficacy. During the intervention, there was a positive effect on vividness of the future self after the first module. Although there is scope for improvement, the findings highlight the potential of the intervention to increase people’s future-oriented thinking and behavior.

A smartphone-based intervention for young people who self-harm (‘PRIMARY’): study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSelf-harm in young people is a public health concern connected with severe mental health problems, such as personality pathology. Currently, there are no specific evidence-based interventions available for young people who self-harm. Therefore, we developed PRe-Intervention Monitoring of Affect and Relationships in Youth (PRIMARY), a smartphone-based intervention, co-designed by clinicians and young people with lived experience of mental ill-health. PRIMARY combines the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) with weekly report sessions. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of PRIMARY with regard to reducing self-harm, and improving emotion regulation and quality of relationships.MethodsThis study is a multicenter, parallel groups, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the PRIMARY intervention to a waiting list control group. PRIMARY comprises 28 consecutive days of questionnaires five times each day (i.e., ESM) and four weekly report sessions. Participants will comprise 180 young people referred for treatment to the participating Dutch mental healthcare institutions and (1) are aged 12 to 25 years, and (2) engaged in ≥ 1 act of self-harm in the past year. Participants are randomly allocated to a study group after screening in a 1:1 ratio by an independent researcher using computer-generated randomization sequences with stratified block randomization by age (12 to 15 years / 16 to 25 years). Staff will conduct assessments with all participants at baseline (Wave 1), after 28 days (Wave 2), and in a subsample after 10 weeks of subsequent specialized treatment (Wave 3). The primary outcomes are self-harm, emotion regulation, and quality of relationships. Secondary outcomes include patient and clinician satisfaction. Exploratory analyses of ESM data will examine the relationship between emotions, social relationships, and self-harm.DiscussionThe results of this trial will clarify whether an innovative smartphone-based intervention is effective for reducing self harm and improving emotion regulation and the quality of social relationships. It has the potential to fill a treatment gap of interventions specifically targeting self-harm. If proven effective, it would provide an accessible, easy-to-implement, low-cost intervention for young people. Furthermore, the ESM-data will allow detailed analyses into the processes underlying self-harm, which will contribute to theoretical knowledge regarding the behavior.Trial registrationISRCTN42088538 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN42088538), retrospectively registered on the 26th of October 2022.

Efficacy of a therapist-guided smartphone-based intervention to support recovery from bulimia nervosa: Study protocol of a randomized controlled multi-centre trial.

Although inpatient treatment is highly effective for patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), some patients show a resurgence of symptoms and relapse after discharge. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a guided smartphone-based aftercare intervention following inpatient treatment to support recovery. 172 female patients with BN (DSM-5: 307.51) will be randomized to receive a 16-week smartphone-based aftercare intervention (German version of 'Recovery Record') with therapist feedback as an add-on element to treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. Assessments will take place at baseline (discharge, T0), during the intervention (after 4weeks, T1), post-intervention (after 16weeks, T2) and at 6-month follow-up (T3). Primary outcome will be remission at T2. Moderator and mediator analyses will investigate for whom the aftercare intervention suits best and how it works. This is the first randomized controlled trial to examine a guided smartphone-based aftercare intervention following inpatient treatment of patients with BN. We expect that this innovative aftercare intervention is highly accepted by the patients and that it has the potential to support recovery after inpatient treatment and thereby could contribute to improving aftercare for patients with BN.

Perceptions about smartphone-based interventions to promote physical activity in inactive adults with knee pain – A qualitative study

Purpose Smartphone-based interventions offer a promising approach to address inactivity in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We explored perceptions towards smartphone-based interventions to improve physical activity, pain, and depressed mood in inactive people with knee pain. Methods This qualitative study included six focus groups at Boston University with inactive people with knee pain (n = 35). A smartphone app, developed by our team, using constructs of Social Cognitive Theory, was used to obtain participant feedback. Results Participants discussed wanting to use smartphone-based interventions for personalized exercise advice, for motivation (e.g., customized voice messages, virtual incentives), and to make exercise “less boring” (e.g., music, virtual gaming). Preferred app features included video tutorials on how to use the app, the ability to select information that can be viewed on the home screen, and the ability to interact with clinicians. Features that received mixed responses included daily pain tracking, daily exercise reminders, peer-interaction for accountability, and peer-competition for motivation. All participants discussed privacy and health data security concerns while using the app. Conclusions Using a co-design approach, we report preferences and concerns related to using smartphone-based physical activity interventions in inactive people with knee pain. This information may help improve acceptability of such interventions in this population.

M-Path: an easy-to-use and highly tailorable platform for ecological momentary assessment and intervention in behavioral research and clinical practice.

In this paper, we present m-Path (www.m-Path.io), an online platform that provides an easy-to-use and highly tailorable framework for implementing smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and intervention (EMI) in both research and clinical practice in the context of blended care. Because real-time monitoring and intervention in people's everyday lives have unparalleled benefits compared to traditional data collection techniques (e.g., retrospective surveys or lab-based experiments), EMA and EMI have become popular in recent years. Although a surge in the use of these methods has led to a myriad of EMA and EMI applications, many existing platforms only focus on a single aspect of daily life data collection (e.g., assessment vs. intervention, active self-report vs. passive mobile sensing, research-dedicated vs. clinically-oriented tools). With m-Path, we aim to integrate all of these facets into a single platform, as it is exactly this all-in-one approach that fosters the clinical utility of accumulated scientific knowledge. To this end, we offer a comprehensive platform to set up complex and highly adjustable EMA and EMI designs with advanced functionalities, using an intuitive point-and click web interface that is accessible for researchers and clinicians with limited programming skills. We discuss the strengths of daily life data collection and intervention in general and m-Path in particular. We describe the regular workflow to set up an EMA or EMI design within the m-Path framework, and summarize both the basic functionalities and more advanced features of our software.