Developing a Mobile App to Prevent Suicide Based on a Software Development Life Cycle: Application of Ecological Momentary Assessment and Interventions.
Hyunwoo Jeong, Heeyeon Kim, Yoojin Jeon and 1 others
PMID 39871632WHAT IT FOUND
A suicide prevention app was tested on 23 low-risk adults.
Usability scores were below average, and users found daily mood tracking cumbersome. While no adverse events occurred, the app's effectiveness for high-risk patients remains unproven.
Key findings
01System Usability Scale scores were 65.63 at week 2 and 62.61 at week 4, which are below the threshold for above-average usability.
02One-third of participants expressed concern that frequent self-reporting might irritate or increase vulnerability in at-risk individuals.
03No participants reported suicidal thoughts or adverse events during the 4-week feasibility study.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was a feasibility trial with a small sample (n=23) of low-risk general adults, not patients with active suicidal ideation, so safety and effectiveness in high-risk groups are unknown. Usability scores were below the threshold for 'above average', and qualitative feedback highlighted user fatigue with repetitive data entry. Participants who dropped out early declined to be interviewed, potentially missing insights into barriers to adherence.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea and Yonsei University.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the lack of adverse events in this low-risk sample as evidence that the app is safe or effective for patients with active suicidal ideation. The study was a preliminary feasibility test, and the authors explicitly state that clinical trials with high-risk populations are needed to determine actual safety and effectiveness.