Overall Score: 8/15
Consumer Ratings: 0/2
Proposed Goal: 2/2
Evidence-Based Content: 0/1
Software Updates: 0/2
Clinical Input in Development: 1/1
Research on Development Process: 1/1
Efficacy of Other Products: 1/1
Research Independence and Review: 2/2
Research Base: 1/3
Rating Date: October 2022
Learn more about the Credibility Rating
Engagement: 3.50 Functionality: 4.50 Aesthetics: 2.50 Information: 4.21 Subjective quality score: 1.50 Perceived impact score: 2.67 Rating date: A Rated by: Queensland University
Learn More about the User Experience Rating
Overall Score: Acceptable
Does the app have a privacy policy?:Yes
Does the privacy policy describe the information storage and sharing procedures related to user entered information, OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes
Does the privacy policy state that the app/server encrypts/de-identifies the entered data OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes
Does the app provide the option of a pin entry or log-in process to view and enter user data?:Yes
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can use the app WITHOUT entering identifiable information, OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can delete entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can edit entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes
Learn more about the Transparency RatingPE Coach 2 is an app intended for use by therapists and clients engaging in Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PE therapy is a specific form of psychotherapy, provided by a professional, aimed at helping survivors of trauma process their experiences, which can alleviate symptoms of PTSD. PE Coach 2 is designed to be an add-on to this therapy: it contains tools for recording sessions, completing homework, and practicing skills learned in the treatment room. This allows users – with their providers – to stay on top of their treatment with the goal of obtaining the greatest possible benefit.
Available For: Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Android 4.4 and up
Developer: DHA Connected Health / Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
Type of Treatment: Psychoeducation & Information, Assessments/Screening
Targeted Conditions: PTSD
Target Audience: Adults, Military Personnel
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? Mandatory
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free
Get it on: Google Play, Apple App Store
“One study examined mental health clinicians’ (N 271) use of a PE Coach for post-traumatic stress disorder, called PE Coach. A Web-based survey assessed clinicians’ perceptions of the app. Half of the sample practicing PE in the past year reported using PE Coach, with 93.6% intending to continue using it. For clinicians who did not use PE Coach, 77.6% intended to use it in the future. Perceptions of PE Coach were generally favorable. (Kuhn, E., Crowley, J. J., Hoffman, J. E., Eftekhari, A., Ramsey, K. M., Owen, J. E., … & Ruzek, J. I. 2015. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-49075-001)
Another study examined PE Coach with 2 soldiers to assess usability and satisfaction with the app. Soldiers completed 8 sessions of PE and used PE Coach during 4 of those sessions. Soldiers rated the PE Coach positively and reported higher levels of satisfaction during PE with PE Coach as compared with PE alone (Reger, G. M., Skopp, N. A., Edwards-Stewart, A., & Lemus, E. L. 2015. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1037/mil0000083)
Another study used semistructured interviews to examine the providers’ perspective on PE coach. Providers (N 25) reported using PE Coach with patients (N 450) and appreciated the “side by side collaboration” the app allowed for. (Reger, G. M., Browne, K. C., Campellone, T. R., Simons, C., Kuhn, E., Fortney, J. C., … & Reisinger, H. S. 2017. http://www.homeworkgain.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2019/07/20181130211544artical1.pdf)”
We review apps against rating criteria developed by experts in the field. Some of those criteria are:
We look at the research supporting the technology and the credibility of the development process.
We review privacy policies to see if key pieces of information about what happens with entered data are addressed.
We explore how fun, functional, easy-to-use, engaging, and interesting the technology is.
A professional in a relevant field downloads and uses the technology and writes a narrative review, highlighting pros & cons and some recommendations for use.
