JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

IntelliCare is a modular platform that includes 12 simple apps targeting specific psychological strategies for common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of two methods of maintaining engagement with the IntelliCare Platform, coaching and receipt of weekly recommendations to try different apps, on depression, anxiety, and app use.

Methods:

301 participants with depression or anxiety were randomized to one of four 8-week treatment arms and were followed for 6 months post-treatment. The trial used a 2X2 factorial design (coached vs. self-guided and weekly app recommendations vs. no recommendations) to compare engagement elements.

Results:

Participants showed significant reductions in the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 across all treatment arms (Ps<0.001). Coached treatment produced larger GAD-7 reductions relative to self-guided (p=0.03) but the effects for the PHQ-9 did not reach significance (P=0.058). There was a significant interaction between receiving recommendations and time for the PHQ-9 (P=0.04) but no effects for GAD-7 (Ps>0.58). The median number of app sessions over 8 weeks was 218 (IQR 126, 325) and the median time to last use of any app was 56 days (IQR 54, 57). These did not vary significantly across treatment arms (Ps>0.06). Number of apps downloaded was greater among those receiving coaching (P<.001) but did not vary by recommendation arm. 84.1% of participants continued using IntelliCare apps for 92 days during post-treatment.

Conclusions:

IntelliCare produced strong engagement with apps across all treatment arms. Coaching was associated with stronger anxiety outcomes, and receipt of recommendations enhanced depression outcomes. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02801877