Commentary: Community Partner Experiences in CPPR: What Participation in Partnered Research Can Mean to Community and Patient Stakeholders.

Community partners and stakeholders currently engaged in community partnered participatory research (CPPR) can provide personal and professional insight into the processes and outcomes surrounding the CPPR model. This insight may indicate alternative solutions or methods of care delivery that can improve the model and existing interventions. We conducted in-person and phone interviews with five community partners who are currently involved in CPPR. The interviews were audio- and video-recorded, transcribed, and major themes identified. Interviewees recounted their experiences with CPPR and reported various levels of personal (ie, behavioral) and professional growth as a result of their involvement. Interviewees also indicated that CPPR can highlight various aspects of existing interventions (eg, leadership structure, stakeholder representation, methods of provider-to-patient communication, and provision of resources) that may benefit from re-evaluation. Engagement in CPPR may offer various personal and professional benefits for individuals (ie, community partners) involved in stages of development, implementation, and dissemination. The benefits affect these individuals in several ways, from personal growth (eg, emotional maturity, behavioral progress, increased familial resiliency) to professional growth (eg, progression of one's career/role/responsibilities, organizational growth, learned skills). These maturations have secondary effects (eg, increased community resilience, strengthened relationships, community-based mentorships) impacting the communities in which these community partners serve.

Smartphone Applications for Mental Health.

Many adolescents and adults do not seek treatment for mental health symptoms. Smartphone applications (apps) may assist individuals with mental health concerns in alleviating symptoms or increasing understanding. This study seeks to characterize apps readily available to smartphone users seeking mental health information and/or support. Ten key terms were searched in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores: mental health, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, trauma, trauma in schools, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), child trauma, and bullying. A content analysis of the first 20 application descriptions retrieved per category was conducted. Out of 300 nonduplicate applications, 208 (70%) were relevant to search topic, mental health or stress. The most common purported purpose for the apps was symptom relief (41%; n = 85) and general mental health education (18%; n = 37). The most frequently mentioned approaches to improving mental health were those that may benefit only milder symptoms such as relaxation (21%; n = 43). Most app descriptions did not include information to substantiate stated effectiveness of the application (59%; n = 123) and had no mention of privacy or security (89%; n = 185). Due to uncertainty of the helpfulness of readily available mental health applications, clinicians working with mental health patients should inquire about and provide guidance on application use, and patients should have access to ways to assess the potential utility of these applications. Strategic policy and research developments are likely needed to equip patients with applications for mental health, which are patient centered and evidence based.