Perspectives of General Practitioners on potential use of a self-monitoring application (ClinTouch) for people with serious mental illness (SMI) in a primary healthcare setting

Problem

SMI (including psychotic illness) is a common mental health problem, affecting 1 in 100 people during adulthood. The relapse rate for these conditions is high, and 80% of patients have a relapse within the first 5 years of diagnosis. £11.8 billion is spent annually in England managing patients with psychotic illness, and 70% of this is spent on unplanned inpatient admissions. A 5% reduction in readmission rates could save £0.5-£1million for each NHS mental health TrustPeople with SMI are usually asked about their symptoms intermittently by health care professionals, but have problems recalling how symptoms have changed. This can be a significant barrier to accessing timely treatment and support to prevent relapse, and also to self-management based on insight into triggers and mediating factors on symptoms.The University of Manchester has developed a smartphone application called ClinTouch, which is based on a validated and routine measure of symptoms (PANSS). The application allows patients to self-monitor and manage their psychotic symptoms. The feasibility and validity of the system has been demonstrated in secondary care. Use of the system for monitoring physical health in people with SMI is currently being explored.

Approach

This study explores the views of General Practitioners about using such a system, including attitudes towards the ClinTouch application, feasibility and perceived barriers to its use in primary care. In addition we will explore views on using eHealth applications for other conditions in primary care.Qualitative semi-structured interviews are being conducted with 15 general practitioners recruited from the greater Manchester area. Interviews will be audio audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis techniques to identify key themes.

Findings

The results are currently in the analysis stage.

Consequences

The results of this study will improve our understanding of the potential for using self-monitoring eHealth applications in primary care.