Utilization of Patient-Generated Data Collected Through Mobile Devices: Insights From a Survey on Attitudes Toward Mobile Self-Monitoring and Self-Management Apps for Depression

Background Depression is a severe psychiatric disease with high prevalence and an elevated risk for recurrence and chronicity. A substantial proportion of individuals with a diagnosis of unipolar depressive disorder do not receive treatment as advised by national guidelines. Consequently, self-monitoring and self-management become increasingly important. New mobile technologies create unique opportunities to obtain and utilize patient-generated data. As common adherence rates to mobile technologies are scarce, a profound knowledge of user behavior and attitudes and preferences is important throughout any developmental process of mobile technologies and apps. Objective The aim of this survey was to provide descriptive data upon usage and anticipated usage of self-monitoring and self-management of depression and preferences of potential users in terms of documented parameters and data-sharing options. Methods A Web-based survey comprising 55 questions was conducted to obtain data on the usage of mobile devices, app usage, and participant’s attitudes and preferences toward mobile health apps for the self-monitoring and self-management of depression. Results A total of 825 participants provided information. Moreover, two-thirds of the sample self-reported to be affected by depressive symptoms, but only 12.1% (81/668) of those affected by depression have ever used any mobile self-monitoring or self-management app. Analysis showed that people want personally relevant information and feedback but also focus on handling sensitive data. Conclusions New mobile technologies and smartphone apps, especially in combination with mobile sensor systems, offer unique opportunities to overcome challenges in the treatment of depression by utilizing the potential of patient-generated data. Focus on patient-relevant information, security and safe handling of sensitive personal data, as well as options to share data with self-selected third parties should be considered mandatory throughout any development process.