Remember our Partner Resource article on MindApps, the mental-health-app recommendations tool from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)? Earlier this August, our BridgingApps team joined Dr. John Torous and his Digital Psychiatry team, the brains behind MindApps, for a virtual program on some of their digital-training services. Today’s article shares some key points from that presentation, along with hints on using MindApps.
About MindApps
MindApps is a useful partner tool to our own BridgingApps Search Tool. Both databases describe and review a variety of apps that help users manage disability-related issues—in MindApps’ case, issues specifically related to mental health.
MindApps is also more research-based and is monitored by psychiatry professionals; the medical perspective includes more attention to privacy issues, a helpful feature for anyone concerned about sharing their mental-health information digitally. Another popular feature is the AI-powered quiz that helps users personalize their app searches.
Crossing the Digital Divide
BridgingApps and BIDMC share a mission to bring digital literacy to all, especially those who need assistive technology for health-related issues. Here are some hints for choosing a (human) Digital Navigator.
- Like any good teacher, good Digital Navigators aim to help the learner reach independent function and independent progress. (BIDMC calls this the “problem-solving” approach, as opposed to a “banking approach” that “deposits” straight information into a largely passive learner.) If a Navigator is too quick to jump in and do everything for you, or if they never mention goals for completing your training, look for someone else.
- Look for a Navigator who emphasizes self-determination: e.g., learning to use technology without external support; understanding what motivates you to learn, not what “should” motivate some theoretical user.
- Self-determination also includes social support, e.g., using technology to connect with other users and groups who share your interests. Your Digital Navigator should encourage you to find and learn from your virtual crowd.
Hints for Finding the Right App/Assistive Technology
Social contacts can also be “living databases” for app recommendations. While an app’s “working great” for someone else doesn’t guarantee it’ll match your needs—or even that it’s well-secured, reputable, and in the game for the long term—a recommendation is a great starting point for choosing apps to look up. And for getting specific app names to give the digital database. (Even the best AI has trouble with such descriptions as “schizophrenia app that I think has a purple-square logo.”)
Other tips for searching and evaluating apps:
- Create a personalized “use plan,” e.g., a list of measurable goals describing what you want to get from an app or apps.
- Know which features are important to you.
- Note app descriptions that mention your specific diagnosis.
- Test-drive an app before committing to it. (Remember to check free-trial-period and payment-cancellation policies.) If you don’t find it personally accessible and engaging, you won’t use it for long.
- Beware of “emotional barriers” that can interfere with your learning new digital tools. Some common barriers are: embarrassment over what you don’t know already; fear of unknown territory (common with new AI users); and frustration when things don’t immediately click into place.
- And, of course, trust your own instincts. If you “just feel” that a certain app is or isn’t best for you, you’re probably right.
Keep watching this blog for future news on BIDMC and MindApps.