Berry N, Lobban F, Emsley R, Bucci S. (2016). Acceptability of interventions delivered online and through mobile phones for people who experience severe mental health problems: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 8(5): e121. doi: 10.2196/jmir.5250
Researchers reviewed 49 studies to determine the acceptability of internet-based or mobile phone-based interventions without the delivery of an intervention (hypothetical acceptability) or after participants received an intervention (actual acceptability) among people with severe mental illness (SMI). Hypothetical acceptability was measured by gauging participants’ interest and willingness to receive interventions. Active acceptability was measured by intervention usage, completion rates, and participant opinions of interventions. Hypothetical acceptability of social media or text messaging interventions varied based on the content of the intervention. The acceptability of receiving support over social media and receiving text message from providers was moderate to high. Conversely, acceptability of using mobile phones to check in with providers was low. The acceptability of receiving medication and appointment reminders varied. Acceptability of social media interventions varied by platform used. Acceptability was higher among younger participants (<35 years), and participants indicated preference for phone calls over text messages or emails. Actual acceptability of internet- or mobile phone-based interventions ranged between 41% and 91%. SMI symptomology was generally unrelated to actual acceptability. Safety, privacy, and security were important concerns for participants. Participants indicated desire for interventions to be engaging and frequently requested more interactive components and the ability to connect with peers. Low technology literacy and fluctuations in symptomology were barriers to acceptability.