• M R Bennion, G Hardy, R K Moore, and A Millings.
• Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
• BMJ Open. 2017 Jan 23; 7 (1): e014844.

ObjectiveTo document the range of web and smartphone apps used and recommended for stress, anxiety or depression by the National Health Service (NHS) in England.DesignThe study was conducted using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and systematic website searches.Data SourcesData were collected via FOI requests to NHS services between 13 February 2015 and 31 March 2015, and searches conducted on NHS apps library websites between 26 March 2015 and 2 November 2015.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsData were compiled from responses to: (1) FOI requests sent to all Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and NHS Mental Health Trusts in England and (2) NHS apps library search results.ResultsA total of 61 (54.95%) out of the then 111 IAPT service providers responded, accounting for 191 IAPT services, and all 51 of the then NHS Mental Health Trusts responded. The results were that 13 different web apps and 35 different smartphone apps for depression, anxiety or stress were available through either referral services or the online NHS Apps Libraries. The apps used and recommended vary by area and by point of access (online library/IAPT/trust).ConclusionsFuture research is required to establish the evidence base for the apps that are being used in the NHS in England. There is a need for service provision to be based on evidence and established guidelines.Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

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