Development and functioning of the mobile app-based mh-GAP intervention guide in detection and treatment of people with mental health conditions in primary healthcare settings in Nepal

This paper describes the development process of a mobile app-based version of the World Health Organization mental health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide, testing of the app prototypes, and its functionality in the assessment and management of people with mental health conditions in Nepal. Health workers' perception of feasibility and acceptability of using mobile technology in mental health care was assessed during the inspiration phase (N = 43); the ideation phase involved the creation of prototypes; and prototype testing was conducted over multiple rounds with 15 healthcare providers. The app provides provisional diagnoses and treatment options based on reported symptoms. Participants found the app prototype useful in reminding them of the process of assessment and management of mental disorders. Some challenges were noted, these included a slow app prototype with multiple technical problems, including difficulty in navigating 'yes'/'no' options, and there were challenges reviewing detailed symptoms of a particular disorder using a "more information" icon. The initial feasibility work suggests that if the technical issues are addressed, the e-mhGAP warrants further research to understand if it is a useful method in improving the detection of people with mental health conditions and initiation of evidence-based treatment in primary healthcare facilities.