JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

PTSD Coach Australia is an app for serving and ex-serving Defence members that was adapted for the Australian context in 2013 from PTSD Coach, which was created in the USA.

Objective:

The current study aimed to provide an evaluation of the app from the perspective of serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

Methods:

Qualitative data were collected in response to questions to participants in one of five workshops (n = 29), or in telephone interviews (n = 24).

Results:

Analysis of the qualitative data demonstrated mixed support for the app. While some people found it to be extremely useful, especially as an adjunct to therapy, others pointed to limitations and cautioned against the app potentially triggering symptoms in people with PTSD. This perceived risk was usually seen as arising from frustration with the app’s functionality rather than its content. Participants spoke about helpful and unhelpful aspects of the app and barriers for its use and made suggestions for improvement. Many participants encouraged its continued use and highlighted the need for it to be promoted more broadly, as many were not aware of it until invited to participate in this research.

Conclusions:

PTSD Coach Australia was seen in a positive light by some participants, but others suggested it was too text dense and had the potential to trigger a traumatic response in users with PTSD. A need to update the app was also a common comment as was the need to increase awareness of the apps existence.