Cited by 55Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsDigital Mental Health InterventionsMental Health Treatment and Access

Perception of healthcare workers on mobile app-based clinical guideline for the detection and treatment of mental health problems in primary care: a qualitative study in Nepal

Open access
Pokhrel, P., Karmacharya, R., Taylor Salisbury, T., Carswell, K., Kohrt, B. A., Jordans, M. J. D., Lempp, H., Thornicroft, G. +1 more·2021·BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Abstract

Background: In recent years, a significant change has taken place in the health care delivery systems due to the availability of smartphones and mobile software applications. The use of mobile technology can help to reduce a number of barriers for mental health care such as providers’ workload, lack of qualified personnel, geographical and attitudinal barriers to seek treatment. This study assessed the perception of Nepali primary healthcare workers about the feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of using a mobile app-based clinical guideline for mental health care. Method: A qualitative study was conducted in two districts Chitwan and Ramechhap of Nepal with purposively selected medical officers (n = 8) and prescribing primary healthcare workers (n = 35) who were trained in the World Health Organization mental health Gap Action Program Intervention Guide. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in Nepali, audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English for data analysis. Data were analysed manually using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The majority of the healthcare workers and medical officers reported a high level of interest, motivation and positive attitudes towards the mobile app-based clinical guidelines for detection and treatment of people with mental disorders in primary care. They respondents suggested that several features and functions should be included in the app: suggestive diagnosis and treatment options; clinical data recording system; sending messages to patients to promote follow-up visits; allow offline functions; minimal typing options and content to be available in Nepali language. The study participants reported that the app could help in bringing uniformity in diagnosis and management of mental disorders across all health facilities, enabling remote supervision, helping verification of health workers’ diagnosis and treatment; and increasing patients’ trust in the treatment. Lack of reliable internet connection in health facilities, possibility of distracting interaction between patient and provider, and confidentiality were the key factors potentially hindering the use of the app. Conclusion: The suggested functions and features as well as the potential risk factors highlighted by the health workers, will be considered when further developing the mobile app-based clinical guidelines, training modality and materials, and the supervision system.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Nepali primary healthcare workers trained in mhGAP-IG largely reported high interest, motivation, and positive attitudes toward a mobile app-based clinical guideline for mental health care in primary care. They recommended decision support, patient records, reminders, offline use, minimal typing, and Nepali-language content, while flagging internet gaps, distraction, double data entry, and confidentiality as barriers.

Key findings

  • Among 43 participants (28 SSIs; 15 in 2 FGDs), mean age was 36.3 years (range 28–45), 31 (72%) were male, 27 (63%) had experience using an m-Health approach, and 2 (4.65%) did not own a smartphone.
  • Most reported high interest, motivation, and positive attitudes; suggested features included suggestive diagnosis/treatment, a patient record system, follow-up reminder messages, offline function, minimal typing, and content in Nepali and English. All 43 recommended decision support, and 12 recommended a messaging feature for follow-up reminders.
  • Perceived benefits included standardization of diagnosis and management across health workers/facilities, remote supervision, verification of health workers’ diagnosis and treatment, accessibility, and increased patient trust. Perceived barriers/risks included lack of reliable internet in remote facilities, limited digital experience among older health workers, patient mistrust, distraction from patient interaction, double data entry, longer consultations, and confidentiality concerns.

Methods

  • Qualitative study in Chitwan and Ramechhap districts, Nepal, February–March 2019, with purposively selected mhGAP-IG-trained prescribing primary healthcare workers (medical officers, health assistants, senior auxiliary health workers, auxiliary health workers).
  • Data collection used 28 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus group discussions (n = 15), conducted in Nepali, audio recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed manually using thematic analysis with inductive coding by two researchers.

Limitations

  • Stated: the study was conducted in only two districts, so results may not be generalizable to all health workers in Nepal; it included only prescribing health workers, so opinions of non-prescribing workers (e.g., nurses and auxiliary nurse midwives) are not represented.
  • Evident from the text: the study reports perceptions and suggested app features rather than measured app uptake, clinical effectiveness, or implementation outcomes; the app was still being developed, and some findings concern a prototype/planned tool.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/s12911-021-01386-0

Cites

44 of 44 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 47 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Primary health care workers reported validating health workers' diagnosis and treatment process and options as a potential benefit of using the app.

    “A number of potential benefits have been reported by primary health care workers in using the app which included: (1) minimization of the barriers related to low detection of mental health disorders in primary care; (2) possibility of remote supervision of the trained health care workers; (3) increase in the treatment coverage of mental health services from primary care; (4) bringing uniformity in”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Standardized diagnosis and management across all health workers and health facilities was a frequently reported benefit of the mobile app-based clinical guidelines.

    “Another frequently reported benefit of the mobile app-based clinical guidelines was standardized diagnosis and management across all health workers and health facilities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Some participants (n=3) reported that using the app in front of the patient was more comfortable than using a book.

    “Some participants (n = 3) also reported that using the app in front of the patient was more comfortable than using a book.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Decision support options in the detection and treatment of mental disorder was one of the most commonly recommended functions in the app by all health workers participating in the study.

    “Decision support options in the detection and treatment of mental disorder was one of the most commonly recommended functions in the app by all the health workers participating in the study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Primary health care workers reported bringing uniformity in diagnosis and management of mental disorders across all health workers as a potential benefit of using the app.

    “A number of potential benefits have been reported by primary health care workers in using the app which included: (1) minimization of the barriers related to low detection of mental health disorders in primary care; (2) possibility of remote supervision of the trained health care workers; (3) increase in the treatment coverage of mental health services from primary care; (4) bringing uniformity in”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 60
  • May combine two claims. 23
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers stated that due to limited consultation time, there might be a possibility of having incorrect patients data collected in the app during rushed time.

    “They also stated that due to limited consultation time, there might be a possibility of having incorrect patients data collected in the app during rushed time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The study participants reported that the app could increase patients' trust in the treatment.

    “increasing patients’ trust in the treatment”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The study participants reported that the app could enable remote supervision.

    “enabling remote supervision”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers recommended that the app need to be able to work in offline mode because some remote health facilities lack reliable internet connection.

    “As some of the remote health facilities lack reliable internet connection, they also recommended that the app need to be able to work in offline mode.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should use short and simple sentences.

    “Short and simple sentences with large font size”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    Health workers reported that dropout rate of patients receiving mental health treatment in primary care is relatively higher than general healthcare.

    “Health workers reported that dropout rate of patients receiving mental health treatment in primary care is relatively higher than general healthcare.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Several participants (n=4) articulated that because the general public is exposed to the latest technology, when used for treatment some patients may trust the treatment provided to them, which in turn may increase the chance of treatment adherence.

    “Several participants (n = 4) also articulated that because the general public is also exposed to the latest technology, when used for treatment some patients may trust the treatment provided to them, which in turn may increase the chance of treatment adherence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Health care workers reported being often confident in making diagnosis for straightforward cases of depression but found it difficult to diagnose patients presenting with co-morbid symptoms, e.g., depression with psychotic symptoms.

    “They shared that they are often confident in making diagnosis for ‘straightforward cases’ of depression, but found it difficult to diagnose patients presenting with co-morbid symptoms, e.g. depression with psychotic symptoms.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should include a clinical data recording system.

    “Inclusion of patient record system in the app”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health care workers highlighted compatibility of the app with both Android and iOS operating systems as important for incorporation into working practices.

    “Compatibility of the app was highlighted as another important aspect of its incorporation into working practices. As health care workers often use their personal mobile phones to access apps for work, it is imperative that apps compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers reported that pictures and videos could be useful demonstration materials to deliver psychosocial interventions.

    “They reported that the pictures and videos could be useful demonstration materials to deliver psychosocial interventions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should have minimal typing options.

    “Minimal typing function”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Participants proposed that the app should have fewer typing features and that pre-defined responses would be helpful to reduce time spent entering information and maintain accuracy of patients' data.

    “Therefore participants proposed that the app should have fewer typing features and that pre-defined responses would be helpful to reduce the time spent entering information and maintaining the accuracy of the patients' data.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The step-by-step functionality of the original mhGAP-IG app was considered very helpful, especially for health care workers with limited experience in mental health case management.

    “As a result, the step by step functionality of the original mhGAP-IG app was considered to be very helpful, especially for health care workers with limited experience in mental health case management.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers reported that the app would remove the need to carry a cumbersome paper version of the guidance which could be easily misplaced.

    “This would remove the need to carry a cumbersome paper version of the guidance which could be easily misplaced.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers reported that the app might be very helpful to access patients' medical records when patients forget or lose their OPD card or medical reports.

    “Health workers reported that many patients forget to bring their Out Patient Department (OPD) card (i.e. clinical notes) in the follow-up visits, or sometimes even lose their medical reports; app might be very helpful to access patients’ medical records.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Health care workers in the study reported preferring phone calls over text messages because making phone calls is easier than sending text messages, even though message services are cheaper.

    “They reported that they prefer making phone calls more often even though message service are much cheaper because making phone calls is easier than sending text messages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app content should be available in Nepali language.

    “Content in both English and Nepali languages”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Some health workers endorsed including pictures of Community Informants Detection Tools (CIDT) for assessment and videos of psychosocial intervention.

    “Some of the health workers also endorsed including the pictures of Community Informants Detection Tools (CIDT), a vignette-based tool for pro-active case detection of people with priority mental disorders [44], for assessment, and videos of psychosocial intervention.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A few health workers put forward that when using the app in front of patients, other patients' records would also be visible to them, which may break confidentiality.

    “a few health workers also put forward that when using the app in front of the patients, other patients’ record would also be visible to them, which may break the confidentiality.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    Health care workers often use their personal mobile phones to access apps for work.

    “As health care workers often use their personal mobile phones to access apps for work”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    Health workers recommended a messaging feature through the app for improving treatment adherence among patients receiving mental health services.

    “Therefore, health workers recommended messaging feature through the app for improving treatment adherence among patients receiving mental health services.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    The study participants reported that the app could help in bringing uniformity in diagnosis and management of mental disorders across all health facilities.

    “The study participants reported that the app could help in bringing uniformity in diagnosis and management of mental disorders across all health facilities”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should allow offline functions.

    “Offline function”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Almost every health worker reported that their pre-service training was taught in Nepali medium.

    “Almost every health worker reported that their pre-service training was taught in Nepali medium (Nepali language).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Medical officers found the e-mhGAP prototype easy to use whereas the paramedics required a lot of support and guidance, as validated by observations during data collection.

    “These results were also validated by our observations during the data collection, where medical officers found the e-mhGAP prototype easy to use whereas the paramedics required lot of support and guidance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should include suggestive diagnosis and treatment options.

    “Suggestive diagnosis and treatment after entering the symptoms of a particular disorder”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Health workers reported that patients may feel that health workers are not paying attention to their concerns if they use the app during consultation, which may obstruct rapport building.

    “They reported that patients may feel that health workers are not paying attention to their concerns if they use the app during consultation, which may obstruct rapport building”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should have large font size.

    “Short and simple sentences with large font size”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Health workers reported that entering patients' data and clinical notes in the app during consultation might take longer time, and may not be possible during high number of patient clinic appointments.

    “Health workers reported that entering patients’ data and clinical notes in the app during consultation might take longer time, and it also may not be possible during high number of patient clinic appointments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Some health workers suggested a data sharing feature for sharing patients' data to supervisors for remote supervision.

    “In addition, some of the health workers also suggested a data sharing feature for sharing patients’ data to the supervisors in order to use in the remote supervision.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    Primary health care workers reported an increase in treatment coverage of mental health services from primary care as a potential benefit of using the app.

    “A number of potential benefits have been reported by primary health care workers in using the app which included: (1) minimization of the barriers related to low detection of mental health disorders in primary care; (2) possibility of remote supervision of the trained health care workers; (3) increase in the treatment coverage of mental health services from primary care;”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    A few participants (n=5) reported that the app might be much easier and appropriate for medical officers in comparison to paramedics because of the higher level of education of medical officers.

    “A few participants (n = 5) also reported that the app might be much easier and appropriate for medical officers in comparison to paramedics (a healthcare worker who has undertaken 18 months to 3 years training) because of the higher level of education of medical officers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should include other relevant reference material (e.g. videos of psychosocial support, deep breathing exercise).

    “Inclusion of other relevant reference material (e.g. videos of psychosocial support, deep breathing exercise) in the app”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that the app should send reminder messages to patients about follow-up appointments.

    “Send reminder messages to the patients about the follow-up appointments”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Health care workers had a concern about the storage space the app will take on the phone and recommended that the app should take minimal memory space.

    “Additionally, health care workers also had a concern about the storage space that the app will take in the phone. Due to limited storage space of some mobile devices, health workers also recommended that the app should take minimal memory space.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Health workers suggested that large font size and short sentences will make the app easily readable and will not take up longer time for health care workers when reading the app-based guideline in OPD.

    “Furthermore, the large font size and short sentences as these will make it easily readable and will not take up longer time for health care workers when reading the app based guideline in Outpatient Department (OPD).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Most health workers use Android mobile.

    “First, the results demonstrated that most of the health workers use android mobile, and are experienced in using technology in health care.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Health care workers suggested collection of patients' socio-demographic and clinical data as a feature in the app-based clinical guide.

    “One of the features in the app-based clinical guide suggested by the health care workers is collection of patients’ socio-demographic and clinical data which can also be used by a mental health specialist or clinical mentoring and supervision of the trained health workers remotely.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Potential distraction in communication between patients and health workers, and breaking confidentiality of patients' data, were barriers and risk factors in using mobile app-based clinical guidelines identified in the study.

    “Other barriers and risk factors in using mobile app-based clinical guidelines identified in our study were potential distraction in the communication between patients and health workers, and breaking confidentiality of the patients’ data.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The most common barriers for mental health care utilization include low perceived needs, stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, inability to afford the treatment cost, poor identification and referral system, and shortage of human resources.

    “The most common barriers for mental health care utilization include low perceived needs, stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, inability to afford the treatment cost, poor identification and referral system, and shortage of human resources [4–10].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [4] Demyttenaere K, Bruffaerts R, Posada-Villa J, Gasquet I, Kovess V, Lepine JP, Angermeyer MC, Bernert S, de Girolamo G, Morosini P. Prevalence, severity, and unmet need for treatment of mental disorders in the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys. JAMA J Am Med Assoc. 2004;291(21):2581. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] Edlund MJ, Unutzer J, Curran GM. Perceived need for alcohol, drug, and mental health treatment. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2006;41(6):480–7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Saraceno B, van Ommeren M, Batniji R, Cohen A, Gureje O, Mahoney J, Sridhar D, Underhill C. Barriers to improvement of mental health services in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet (London, England). 2007;370(9593):1164–74. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [7] Shidhaye R, Kermode M. Stigma and discrimination as a barrier to mental health service utilization in India. Int Health. 2013;5(1):6–8. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] van Beljouw I, Verhaak P, Prins M, Cuijpers P, Penninx B, Bensing J. Reasons and determinants for not receiving treatment for common mental disorders. Psychiatr Serv (Washington, DC). 2010;61(3):250–7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Murphy A, Chikovani I, Uchaneishvili M, Makhashvili N, Roberts B. Barriers to mental health care utilization among internally displaced persons in the republic of Georgia: a rapid appraisal study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2018;18(1):306. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] Ali SH, Agyapong VIO. Barriers to mental health service utilisation in Sudan—perspectives of carers and psychiatrists. BMC Health Serv Res. 2016;16:31. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    86.3% of people with anxiety, mood or substance disorders in low or middle-income countries (LMICs) received no treatment in the past 12 months.

    “The recent World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Survey initiative reported that 86.3% of people with anxiety, mood or substance disorders in low or middle-income countries (LMICs) received no treatment in the past 12 months [1].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] Evans-Lacko S, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Al-Hamzawi A, Alonso J, Benjet C, Bruffaerts R, Chiu WT, Florescu S, de Girolamo G, Gureje O, et al. Socio-economic variations in the mental health treatment gap for people with anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders: results from the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys. Psychol Med. 2018;48(9):1560–71. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Among people who do receive treatment, many receive inadequate treatment.

    “Among people who do receive treatment, many receive inadequate treatment [2].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Wang PS, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Angermeyer MC, Borges G, Bromet EJ, Bruffaerts R, de Girolamo G, de Graaf R, Gureje O, et al. Use of mental health services for anxiety, mood, and substance disorders in 17 countries in the WHO world mental health surveys. Lancet (London, England). 2007;370(9590):841–50. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Only 1-in-27 people living with major depressive disorder in LMICs receives minimally adequate treatment.

    “a recent study conducted in 21 countries found that only 1-in-27 people living with major depressive disorder in LMICs receives minimally adequate treatment [3].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3] Thornicroft G, Chatterji S, Evans-Lacko S, Gruber M, Sampson N, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Al-Hamzawi A, Alonso J, Andrade L, Borges G, et al. Undertreatment of people with major depressive disorder in 21 countries. Br J Psychiatry. 2017;210(2):119–24. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The codes identified by each researcher were discussed with other members of the research team and differences were finalized in consensus.

    “The codes identified by each researcher were discussed further with other members of the research team and the differences in the codes of two researchers were finalized in consensus.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Mobile app-based clinical guidelines can increase health workers morale.

    “and can facilitate task-shifting, and increase health workers morale [25, 27].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [25] Tewari A, Kallakuri S, Devarapalli S, Jha V, Patel A, Maulik PK. Process evaluation of the systematic medical appraisal, referral and treatment (SMART) mental health project in rural India. BMC Psychiatry. 2017;17(1):385. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Chang LW, Kagaayi J, Arem H, Nakigozi G, Ssempijja V, Serwadda D, Quinn TC, Gray RH, Bollinger RC, Reynolds SJ. Impact of a mHealth intervention for peer health workers on AIDS care in rural Uganda: a mixed methods evaluation of a cluster-randomized trial. AIDS Behav. 2011;15(8):1776–84. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The transcripts were read by two researchers independently to familiarize themselves with the data and generate initial codes.

    “The transcripts were all printed and thoroughly read by two researchers independently to familiarize themselves with the data, and generate initial codes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Nepal, the number of mobile device contracts (27.85 million in 2020) is more than the total population of the country (26.49 million).

    “In Nepal, the number of mobile device contracts (i.e. 27.85 million in 2020) is more than the total population of the country (i.e. 26.49 million) [29].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [29] Rijal P. Mobile subscriptions outnumber population. Kathmandu: Kantipur Publication; 2016.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The interview guides were pilot-tested with two primary healthcare workers in Chitwan prior to the main study.

    “The interview guides were pilot-tested with two primary healthcare workers in Chitwan prior to the main study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The analysis and interpretation of the data were conducted by the same two researchers together.

    “Finally, the analysis and interpretation of the data were conducted by the same two researchers together.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    There are many potential barriers to implement m-Health solutions, including suitability and acceptability to both healthcare worker and service user.

    “Despite these benefits, there are many potential barriers to implement m-Health solution, including suitability and acceptability to both healthcare worker and service user [26].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] Kruse C, Betancourt J, Ortiz S, Valdes Luna SM, Bamrah IK, Segovia N. Barriers to the use of mobile health in improving health outcomes in developing countries: systematic review. J Med Internet Res. 2019;21(10):e13263. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A similar advantage of m-health interventions was reported in a study conducted in Uganda and in a systematic review of the feasibility and effectiveness of m-health strategies in LMICs.

    “A similar advantage of m-health interventions was also reported in a study conducted in Uganda [27], and in a systematic review of the feasibility and effectiveness of m-health strategies in LMICs [45].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [27] Chang LW, Kagaayi J, Arem H, Nakigozi G, Ssempijja V, Serwadda D, Quinn TC, Gray RH, Bollinger RC, Reynolds SJ. Impact of a mHealth intervention for peer health workers on AIDS care in rural Uganda: a mixed methods evaluation of a cluster-randomized trial. AIDS Behav. 2011;15(8):1776–84. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [45] Agarwal S, Perry HB, Long LA, Labrique AB. Evidence on feasibility and effective use of mHealth strategies by frontline health workers in developing countries: systematic review. Trop Med Int Health TM & IH. 2015;20(8):1003–14. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Developing a mobile app-based clinical guide using Human Centered Design may result in more engaging interventions.

    “Developing a mobile app-based clinical guide using Human Centered Design (HCD, or user-centered design) may result in more engaging interventions as HCD actively include concerned stakeholders in the process of intervention development using cutting-edge methods to optimize for end-users and provide a solution for key problems that are being addressed [28].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] IDEO. The field guide to human-centered design. Palo Alto: IDEO; 2015.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This approach could be a viable and effective strategy in building clinical capacity of primary health care providers in mental health care in Nepal.

    “This approach, therefore, could be a viable and effective strategy in building clinical capacity of primary health care providers in mental health care in Nepal.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A review of available statistics and evidence of smartphone use among elderly people demonstrated that they use a smartphone for making calls but rarely use downloaded apps.

    “Similarly, our results also support the findings of the review of available statistics and evidence of smartphone use among elderly people which demonstrated that they use a smartphone for making calls but rarely did they utilized downloaded apps [47].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [47] Berenguer A, Goncalves J, Hosio S, Ferreira D, Anagnostopoulos D, Kostakos V. Are smartphones ubiquitous?: An in-depth survey of smartphone adoption by seniors. IEEE Consum Electron Mag. 2017;6(1):104–10. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Psychiatric case conferences were found to be effective and were appreciated by trained health care workers.

    “Although, the psychiatric case conferences were found to be effective and were also appreciated by the trained health care workers [37], this approach requires physical presence of both mental health specialists and primary health care workers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [37] Luitel NP, Breuer E, Adhikari A, Kohrt BA, Lund C, Komproe IH, Jordans MJD. Process evaluation of a district mental healthcare plan in Nepal: a mixed-methods case study. BJPsych Open. 2020;6(4):e77. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the authors' recent study among the same health care workers in Chitwan, detection rates of depression and alcohol use disorder in primary care increased significantly (15.5 points for depression and 58.9 points for AUD) after introduction of mhGAP-based training, but reduced substantially (10.2 points increase for depression and 12.1 points for AUD) 2 years after training.

    “In our recent study among the same health care workers in Chitwan, the detection rates of depression and alcohol use disorder in primary care increased significantly (i.e.15.5 points for depression and 58.9 points for AUD) after the introduction of the mhGAP-based training; however, the rates reduced substantially (i.e. 10.2 points increase for depression and 12.1 points for AUD) 2 years after the”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [36] Jordans MJD, Luitel NP, Kohrt BA, Rathod SD, Garman EC, De Silva M, Komproe IH, Patel V, Lund C. Community-, facility-, and individual-level outcomes of a district mental healthcare plan in a low-resource setting in Nepal: a population-based evaluation. PLoS Med. 2019;16(2):e1002748. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A systematic review on the feasibility and effectiveness of m-Health strategies for frontline health workers in LMICs reported that if adequate training is provided to frontline workers, they can easily learn the technology for improving the services they provide.

    “A systematic review on the feasibility and effectiveness of m-Health strategies for frontline health workers in LMICs reported that if adequate training is provided to the frontline workers, they can easily learn the technology for improving the services they provide [45].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [45] Agarwal S, Perry HB, Long LA, Labrique AB. Evidence on feasibility and effective use of mHealth strategies by frontline health workers in developing countries: systematic review. Trop Med Int Health TM & IH. 2015;20(8):1003–14. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A pilot programme in rural Nepal reported that community health workers can collect health surveillance data accurately using mobile technology if they are trained adequately.

    “A pilot programme in rural Nepal which tested the feasibility of using mobile phones for collecting health surveillance data reported that community health workers can collect health surveillance data accurately using mobile technology if they are trained adequately [31].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] Meyers DJ, Filkins M, Bangura AH, Sharma R, Baruwal A, Pande S, Halliday S, Schwarz D, Schwarz RK, Maru SRD. Management challenges in mHealth: failures of a mobile community health worker surveillance programme in rural Nepal. BMJ Innov. 2017;3(1):19–25. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The study was conducted in two districts, Chitwan and Ramechhap, and therefore the results may not be generalizable to all health workers in Nepal.

    “First, the study was conducted in two districts namely Chitwan and Ramechhap; therefore, the results may not be generalizable to all health workers in Nepal.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    About half of the study population in the US national survey had concerns about privacy and security of their medical records.

    “About half of the study population in the US national survey had concerns about privacy and security of their medical records [50].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [50] Patel V, Hughes P, Barker W, Moon L. Trends in individuals’ perceptions regarding privacy and security of medical records and exchange of health information: 2012–2014. ONC Data Brief, no. 33. Washington: Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; 2016.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationown data

    The key features and functions suggested by health workers (suggestive diagnosis and treatment options, patients' data recording system, messaging, and offline functions) are instrumental to inform the design of the app.

    “The key features and functions suggested by the health workers in the mobile app-based clinical guides, i.e. suggestive diagnosis and treatment options, patients’ data recording system, messaging, and offline functions, are instrumental to inform the design of the app.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The mhGAP-IG based district mental health care plan was effective in improving treatment coverage, accurate detection of mental disorders, initiation of minimally adequate treatment in primary care, and positive clinical outcomes in Nepal.

    “The mhGAP-IG based district mental health care plan was also effective in improving treatment coverage, accurate detection of mental disorders and initiation of minimally adequate treatment in primary care, and positive clinical outcomes in Nepal [36].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [36] Jordans MJD, Luitel NP, Kohrt BA, Rathod SD, Garman EC, De Silva M, Komproe IH, Patel V, Lund C. Community-, facility-, and individual-level outcomes of a district mental healthcare plan in a low-resource setting in Nepal: a population-based evaluation. PLoS Med. 2019;16(2):e1002748. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A study in Ethiopia reported that health care providers who did not have previous exposure to smartphones and electronic devices were able to use the phones effectively in day-to-day maternal health care service delivery.

    “Similarly, a study conducted to assess the feasibility of using smartphones in maternal health care in Ethiopia reported that the health care providers who did not have previous exposure to smart phones and electronic devices were able to use the phones effectively in day-to-day maternal health care service delivery [48].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [48] Medhanyie AA, Little A, Yebyo H, Spigt M, Tadesse K, Blanco R, Dinant GJ. Health workers’ experiences, barriers, preferences and motivating factors in using mHealth forms in Ethiopia. Hum Resour Health. 2015;13:2. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The study was conducted with prescribing health workers (health assistants, auxiliary health workers and medical officers), and therefore the results may not represent the opinions of non-prescribing health workers (e.g., nurse and auxiliary nurse midwives).

    “Second, the study was conducted with prescribing health workers (i.e. health assistants, auxiliary health workers and medical officers); therefore, the results may not represent the opinions of non-prescribing health workers (e.g. nurse and auxiliary nurse midwives).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A study in rural India reported limited familiarity of health care providers with digital technology as a key challenge for delivering depression care.

    “For example, a study conducted to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using digital technology in mental health care in rural India also reported limited familiarity of health care providers’ with digital technology as a key challenge for delivering depression care [46].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [46] Muke SS, Shrivastava RD, Mitchell L, Khan A, Murhar V, Tugnawat D, Shidhaye R, Patel V, Naslund JA. Acceptability and feasibility of digital technology for training community health workers to deliver brief psychological treatment for depression in rural India. Asian J Psychiatr. 2019;45:99–106. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A separate study reported that 50% of patients expressed concerns regarding privacy issues, and 40% felt uncomfortable about providing their personal information to clinicians.

    “Similar results have also been reported in a separate study where 50% patients expressed concerns regarding privacy issues, and 40% felt uncomfortable about providing their personal information to clinicians [51].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [51] Dragovic M, Davison S, Morgan VA, Chiu VW, Richards N, Vatskalis T. Validated, easy to use and free’: top three requests for mobile device applications (‘apps’) from mental health consumers and clinicians. Adv Mental Health. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1080/18387357.2018.1557014. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The first version of mhGAP-IG has already been used in more than 100 countries.

    “The mobile app-based clinical guideline, which is currently being developed, is based on the second version of the mhGAP-IG [22], the first version has already been used in more than 100 countries [52].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [52] Keynejad R, Dua T, Barbui C, Thornicroft G. WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) Intervention Guide: a systematic review of evidence from low and middle-income countries. Evid Based Mental Health 2017; 21:ebmental-2017. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Collection of patients' socio-demographic and clinical data can be used by a mental health specialist or clinical mentoring and supervision of trained health workers remotely.

    “One of the features in the app-based clinical guide suggested by the health care workers is collection of patients’ socio-demographic and clinical data which can also be used by a mental health specialist or clinical mentoring and supervision of the trained health workers remotely.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    If the mobile app includes a feature of sending reminders to patients for follow-up visits, this could help to minimize the high dropout rate in mental health care.

    “Finally, as suggested by health care workers, if the mobile app could include a feature of sending reminders to patients for follow-up visits, this could help to minimize the high dropout rate in mental health care [37].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [37] Luitel NP, Breuer E, Adhikari A, Kohrt BA, Lund C, Komproe IH, Jordans MJD. Process evaluation of a district mental healthcare plan in Nepal: a mixed-methods case study. BJPsych Open. 2020;6(4):e77. source

      Not checked in the free run.

70 of 70
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    End users' interest, motivation and concerns on a mobile app-based clinical guide are important to support the development of the app and its implementation strategy.

    “Understanding of the end users’ (i.e. primary healthcare workers) interest, motivation and concerns on a mobile app-based clinical guide is important to support the development of the app and its implementation strategy.”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    A m-Health solution will potentially be used in the project setting.

    “explore some of the critical assumptions underlying the project (e.g. potential use of a m-Health solution, availability of internet).”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Internet is available in the project setting.

    “explore some of the critical assumptions underlying the project (e.g. potential use of a m-Health solution, availability of internet).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Mobile technologies and internet facilities are increasingly expanded to rural areas of Nepal.

    “As mobile technologies and internet facilities are increasingly expanded to the rural areas of Nepal”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Primary health workers in Nepal have a high workload.

    “Considering the high workload of primary health workers in Nepal”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Paper forms are not likely to be replaced by electronic forms in the near future in Nepal.

    “If paper forms were to be replaced by electronic forms in the near future, health workers might be motivated to use electronic forms without reservation however this is not likely in the context of Nepal.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    mhGAP-IG version 1.0 has been translated and adapted in Nepal, and hundreds of primary health care workers have already been trained in mhGAP-IG version 1.0.

    “The mhGAP-IG version 1.0 has also been translated and adapted in Nepal, and hundreds of primary health care workers have already been trained in mhGAP-IG version 1.0.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Ministry of Health in Nepal has developed treatment protocols and training manuals based on mhGAP-IG.

    “Moreover, the Ministry of Health in Nepal has developed treatment protocols and training manuals based on the mGAP-IG”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The psychiatric case conference approach requires physical presence of both mental health specialists and primary health care workers.

    “this approach requires physical presence of both mental health specialists and primary health care workers.”
9 of 9

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 8

  1. WHO. mhGAP: mental health gap action programme: scaling up care for mental, neurological and substance use disorders. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2008.
  2. WHO. mhGAP intervention guide for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in non-specialized health settings: mental health gap action programme (mhGAP). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010.
  3. IDEO. The field guide to human-centered design. Palo Alto: IDEO; 2015.
  4. Rijal P. Mobile subscriptions outnumber population. Kathmandu: Kantipur Publication; 2016.
  5. Harsha A, Rohrberg M, Okada E, Acharya P, Sharma R, Bhatta S, Dahal S, Yangdol T. Pilot and evaluation of the feasibility of SafeSIM—a Mobile Technology Platform for Maternal Health Care Coordination in Nepal. Kathmandu: Medic Mobile; 2015.
  6. Patel V, Hughes P, Barker W, Moon L. Trends in individuals’ perceptions regarding privacy and security of medical records and exchange of health information: 2012–2014. ONC Data Brief, no. 33. Washington: Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; 2016.
  7. Keynejad R, Dua T, Barbui C, Thornicroft G. WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) Intervention Guide: a systematic review of evidence from low and middle-income countries. Evid Based Mental Health 2017; 21:ebmental-2017. · DOI · Paper page
  8. WHO. mhGAP operations manual: mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Pokhrel, P., Karmacharya, R., Taylor Salisbury, T., Carswell, K., Kohrt, B. A., Jordans, M. J. D., Lempp, H., Thornicroft, G., & Luitel, N. P.
Affiliations
  • World Health Organization (CH)
  • George Washington University (US)
  • King's College London (GB)
Corresponding author
Luitel, N. P.
Venue
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making
Published
2021-01-19
Volume
21
Issue
1
Pages
21-21
ISSN
1472-6947 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3124665699
Cited by
55
References
44
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 2
FWCI
11.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Medical Research Council (MRC), UK
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
Keywords
mobile health apps, clinical guidelines, mental health services, primary care, healthcare worker perceptions, WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme, feasibility and acceptability, barriers to mental health care, internet access, confidentiality
MeSH terms
Health Personnel, Humans, Mental Health, Nepal, Perception, Primary Health Care, Qualitative Research, Mobile Applications

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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