Autor(es): Almeida, A ; Almeida, H ; Figueiredo-Braga, M
Data: 2018
Identificador Persistente: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/127403
Origem: Repositório Aberto da Universidade do Porto
Assunto(s): Depression; MHealth; Patient-physician communication; SMS
Mobile solutions, namely the ones based on the Short Message Service (SMS), can play an important role in enhancing communication with patients with depression, between consultations, allowing the delivery of supportive messages or reminders. This paper presents an overview on this topic and describes a 4-stage study aiming to better understand the mHealth scenario in depression, specifically regarding the use of messaging services. The four stages comprised: (i) a diagnosis of perspectives and practices; (ii) a 6-weeks SMS intervention plan; (iii) a prototype of a digital application to support patients' follow-up and interaction; (iv) and a survey with physicians on digital experience and predisposition to use the prototype. Results underline the potential of the use of messaging systems and digital solutions to improve communication with patients with depression and point the benefits of blended-interventions (combining personal contact and SMSs, as an adjunct/complement to regular treatment). Further researched is needed, particular regarding the adjustment of these solutions to specific target groups.
