JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The efficacy of safety planning for people in suicidal crisis is not yet determined but using safety plans to mitigate acute psychological crisis is regarded ‘best practice’. In 2016-17, Australian and Danish key stakeholders were systematically involved in revising and translating the Danish MYPLAN mobile phone safety plan app into a culturally appropriate version for Australia.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine stakeholders’ suggestions and significant developments of MYPLAN during the user involving processes.

Methods:

We utilized a case study design where audio recordings of four focus groups and five workshops in Denmark and Australia were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results:

The analyses identified three consecutive phases in the extensive development of the app: From phase one, ‘Suggesting core functions’, through phase two, ‘Refining functions’, to phase three, ‘Negotiating the finish’. The user involving processes continued to prevent closure and challenged researchers and app developers to repeatedly rethink the app’s basic design and functions. It was a limitation that the analysis did not include potentially determinative ‘backstage’ dimensions of the decision-making process.

Conclusions:

The extended user involvement prolonged the development process, but it also allowed for an extensive exploration of different user perspectives and needs.