Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense mental health apps: A systematic literature review.

Abstract

In the present systematic review, we summarize the feasibility, usability, efficacy, and effectiveness of mental health-related apps created by the Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Department of Defense (DoD). Twenty-two articles were identified, reporting on 8 of the 20 VA/DoD mental health self-management and treatment companion apps. Review inclusion criteria were studies that reported original data on the usability, acceptability, feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness, or attitudes toward the app. We collected data from each article regarding type of study, sample size, participant population, follow-up period, measures/assessments, and summary of findings. The apps have been tested with patients seeking treatment, patients with elevated mental health symptoms, and clinicians. The strongest area of support for the apps is regarding evidence of their feasibility and acceptability. Research support for efficacy and effectiveness of the apps is scarce with exceptions for two apps (PTSD Coach, Virtual Hope Box). Until more evidence accumulates, clinicians should use their judgment and be careful not to overstate the potential benefits of the apps.

Leveraging Implementation Science to Understand Factors Influencing Sustained Use of Mental Health Apps: a Narrative Review

“…Many MH apps aim to profit directly from consumers; some are offered free in the app store with the option to pay for additional features (i.e., freemium apps), while others require payment for initial download (Powell et al 2019 ). In other cases, MH apps are offered free of charge with the intention of having broader public health impacts (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) apps, Gould et al 2019 ; Owen et al 2018 ). A currently less common route aims for apps to be prescribed by psychiatrists and reimbursed by insurers (Gordon et al 2020 ; Sim 2019 ).…”

Technology use and preferences for mental health self‐management interventions among older veterans

“…[19][20][21] Research on veterans' attitudes toward mobile apps demonstrates that most have positive attitudes toward this intervention modality. [19][20][21] Research on veterans' attitudes toward mobile apps demonstrates that most have positive attitudes toward this intervention modality.…”

“…The VHA surpasses the private sector in the availability of selfmanagement technology-based interventions for mental health spanning from Internet to mobile applications. [19][20][21] Research on veterans' attitudes toward mobile apps demonstrates that most have positive attitudes toward this intervention modality. [22][23][24] Yet, little attention has been given to older veterans' attitudes toward technology.…”

Pilot trial of a transdiagnostic computerized anxiety sensitivity intervention among VA primary care patients

“…Veterans also expressed optimism with employing an outreach program to get this intervention into the hands of Veterans who may be more apprehensive about engaging with traditional mental health services. This feedback encourages continued efforts by the VA and the Department of Defense to create and disseminate non-traditional treatment options including Internet-based and mobile health applications ( Gould et al., 2019 ). While the current study examined completion of CAST at an in-person, research appointment at a VA medical center, prior work has suggested effectiveness of CAST when delivered remotely via the Internet ( Norr et al., 2017a ).…”