Assessing Decision Support Needs of those in Mental Health Crisis Utilizing Cognitive Task Analysis

Extended Abstract Previous research has shown that mental health diagnoses can impact cognitive functioning and decision-making abilities (Bosaipo et al 2017; Stergiopoulos et al 2015; Bora and Pantelis 2015; Rock et al 2014). Decision making difficulties can be particularly problematic when individuals in mental health crises are faced with decisions about their safety and wellbeing. Despite research establishing cognitive and decision-making difficulties for this population, there is an absence in the literature concerning decision support needs of those individuals. Human factors professionals possess a unique set of methods and skills to address these needs and support individuals to make healthier, safer decisions using the latest technologies. This research was part of a larger project aimed at design of a decision support based mobile application that would support individuals during mental health crises. Other phases of the research will include additional user requirements gathering, iterative prototyping, heuristic evaluation, and user testing.