Stakeholder perspectives on adjunctive mHealth services during transitions of care for patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

Background A growing body of research focuses on developing and testing interventions that leverage mental health-related mobile health (mHealth) services for patients with schizophrenia and other schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Yet, most formative research has focused on patient perspectives, with little attention paid to clinical stakeholders. Aims This qualitative study aimed to explore clinical stakeholders' (i.e., administrative supervisors, support staff, and clinicians) perspectives on what might help or hinder the use of mHealth, particularly when patients transition from inpatient to outpatient care. Methods In-depth individual qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 stakeholders from inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Results Four key themes were identified: (a) adherence challenges; (b) role of mobile technology in patient care; (c) clinical professionals' receptiveness to adjunctive mHealth services; and, (d) costs related to implementation of mHealth services. Conclusions Overall, stakeholders agree with extant data showing that supportive networks are important in facilitating patients' return to the community following hospitalization. Stakeholders welcome mHealth services but suggest they should be appropriately tailored to the population, both in terms of usability and connection to ongoing traditional treatments. Demonstration of added value will likely facilitate wider implementation of mHealth services in the care of patients with schizophrenia and other schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.