Enhancing outpatient anxiety treatment with mobile technology: A quality improvement study

Mobile mental health applications are a novel treatment method with unique qualities and capabilities for enhancing existing psychiatric treatments. Outpatient settings such as Mile Square Health Clinic have identified a need to leverage this new technology into their routine care. In the U.S., over 40 million people suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, only 1 in 4 responds to pharmacological treatment. Preliminary research indicates mental health apps are acceptable, feasible, and can improve patient outcomes for those with anxiety. Participants from two different outpatient psychiatric clinics locations with generalized anxiety disorder were identified and recruited by participating nurse practitioners. Participants were instructed on how to download and use IntelliCare by the Project Lead. The Project Lead administered a semi-structured interview to collect qualitative data at three weeks and six weeks follow-up. Survey responses at three and six weeks showed relevant themes of increased journaling, increased feelings of connectedness, positive associations with gamification, and IntelliCare being most useful for a moderate to severe level of anxiety. The results of this QI project demonstrate the clinical utility of incorporating the IntelliCare app into regular outpatient practice. IntelliCare should be used with those with moderate to severe anxiety and journaling features should follow research developments to incorporate best-practice guidelines.