Perspectives of thai healthcare providers and nursing students on the myplan app for abused women

Intimate partner violence is common in Thailand. The myPlan app (www.myplanapp.org) is an individualized, evidence-based safety planning decision aid for abused women. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of Thai providers working with abused women regarding the potential usefulness and feasibility of app-based interventions in the Thai context. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study in a province in northeast Thailand. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted Thai-language focus groups and  interviews with a convenience sample of service providers, health providers, and nursing students. These lasted 90-120 minutes and were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed qualitatively. There were 67 participants (seven focus groups and one in-depth interview). Overall, participants described app-based interventions as likely being appropriate for Thai culture, aligned with Thai government policy and resources, and having potential to help abuse survivors. Internet access in rural areas was an area of concern, as was the readiness of health and social service providers to respond to survivors and the effectiveness of referral systems. In conclusion, participants view app-based safety planning as largely possible and feasible in the Thai context. Future research is needed to include survivors’ perspectives on myPlan app, as well as on culturally-specific, evidence-based risk assessment and safety planning for Thai survivors to inform and tailor of adapting the myPlan app. Mixed-methods and longitudinal research is needed for future research.