The Implementation of an mHealth Intervention (ReZone) for the Self-Management of Overwhelming Feelings Among Young People

BACKGROUND: The association between mental health difficulties and academic attainment is well established. There is increasing research on mobile health (mHealth) interventions to provide support for the mental health and education of young people. However, nonadoption and inadequate implementation of mHealth interventions are prevalent barriers to such trials. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to bridge this gap and examine the implementation of an mHealth intervention, ReZone, for young people in schools. METHODS: Preliminary data for 79 students collected as part of a larger trial were analyzed. We additionally conducted postimplementation consultations with teachers. RESULTS: ReZone was used 1043 times by 36 students in the intervention arm during the study period. Postimplementation teacher consultations provided data on implementation strategies, barriers, and facilitators. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation strategies, barriers, and facilitators for digital interventions need to be considered to limit nonadoption and inadequate implementation in larger trials. Important considerations involve tailoring the characteristics of the intervention to the requirements of the intended user group, the technology itself, and the organization in which it is implemented. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: 13425994; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13425994