I actively participated in a systematic review with meta-analysis on digital interventions for managing depression in primary care. This experience deepened my understanding of the methodology and challenges involved. I gained insight into the importance of a rigorous approach to ensure reliable, objective results, as well as skills in critically evaluating sources and managing large volumes of information systematically. The resulting article has been accepted and is now in the publication process.

This seminar allowed me to explore the functionality of Atlas.ti, a software I had not used or known about before. I found it intuitive and interesting and believe it is important to promote its use since it is available at UOC. Additionally, the training provided deeper insights into qualitative methodology, highlighting that this approach does not aim for data representativeness but rather a deep understanding of a phenomenon.

As part of a joint project with Hospital de Bellvitge to evaluate the usability of the El Meu Quiròfan application, we conducted semi-structured interviews to understand users’ perceptions and experiences. Before this, we assessed the comprehensibility of the thematic script with hospital volunteers. This experience highlighted the importance of adapting health content to users and ensuring that information is clear, accessible, and centered on their real needs.

• • Date: January 2024
  • Place: Sant Fruitós del Bages

Reflection on the learning and competences: I assisted a doctoral student from UOC (Aïna Fuster Casanovas) with her doctoral thesis in preparing the thematic script and conducting focus groups in the field of depression and digital health. Through this process, I learned about the importance of preparing, reviewing, and sharing thematic scripts with team members to make them as understandable as possible.

The EvalDepApps project aims to develop a digital tool and methodology to help both patients and professionals identify the best apps for managing depression. From January to March 2024, I participated in empathization and co-creation workshops for people with depression and mental health professionals in Girona, Barcelona, Málaga, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

My participation in the organization of the workshops, as well as my role as an observer, allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the design thinking process and its dynamics. Moreover, this experience has made me realize the importance of detecting the real needs of end users and involving them, along with all stakeholders, in the development and implementation of health and digital health interventions to improve usability, health outcomes, and user experiences. Participatory processes can help prevent people from having to adapt to technology while fostering tools that are adapted to them.