Simplified Novel Application (SNApp) framework: a guide to developing and implementing second-generation mobile applications for behavioral health research

Abstract

Advances in mobile technology and mobile applications (apps) have opened up an exciting new frontier for behavioral health researchers, with a "second generation" of apps allowing for the simultaneous collection of multiple streams of data in real time. With this comes a host of technical decisions and ethical considerations unique to this evolving approach to research. Drawing on our experience developing a second-generation app for the simultaneous collection of text message, voice, and self-report data, we provide a framework for researchers interested in developing and using second-generation mobile apps to study health behaviors. Our Simplified Novel Application (SNApp) framework breaks the app development process into four phases: (1) information and resource gathering, (2) software and hardware decisions, (3) software development and testing, and (4) study start-up and implementation. At each phase, we address common challenges and ethical issues and make suggestions for effective and efficient app development. Our goal is to help researchers effectively balance priorities related to the function of the app with the realities of app development, human subjects issues, and project resource constraints.

Say “GDNT”: frequency of adolescent texting at night

“…Participants were required to use the study smartphone to ensure adequate protection of study-related information and standard functioning of the data collection app. (See (20) for additional data about the study methods).…”

Mobile Health: making the leap to research and clinics

“…Nonetheless, they provide a useful path for individuals launching mHealth endeavors in general. Below we introduce a collection of articles based on our series of mHealth Connect meetings that augment existing guidelines provided by CTTI and others [18][19][20] .…”

“…Device selection for wellness, healthcare, and research applications Regardless of the application, defining the target use case is critical for success. This definition is a fundamental tenet of many mHealth guidelines [18][19][20] , and it requires a process of user-centered design incorporating clinical, engineering, behavioral science, ethical, and disparities considerations (e.g., language, numeracy, literacy, and disabilities). All mHealth projects, even noncommercial ones, should have a clear business case detailing how continued use of the solution will be financially and logistically sustainable.…”

An approach to revising mHealth interventions for children and families: A case example in sickle cell disease

“…This approach expands on the first two steps of the mHealth Development and Evaluation Framework (Whittaker et al, ) integrated with aspects of the SNApp framework (Fillo et al, ) to include conceptual and theoretical foundations, formative research, and technological programming considerations. In Step 3 of this approach, the WAMMI is applied.…”

“…Earlier frameworks did not incorporate technological programmatic considerations in mHealth intervention development. To address this gap, the Simplified Novel Application (SNApp) framework was presented as a step‐by‐step method to guide behavioral health application development with a focus on technological programmatic needs and considerations for researchers (Fillo et al, ). A commonality of each of these development frameworks is the use of qualitative research methods, such as focus groups and key informant interviews, to systematically obtain and apply end‐user feedback to intervention design and development.…”