Views on the usability and usefulness of the PeerConnect app among Ontario public safety professionals

Abstract

Public safety professionals (PSPs) (e.g. police officers, correctional workers, and paramedics) are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events that leave them vulnerable to occupational and posttraumatic stress injuries. In response, PSP organizations have developed and implemented peer support programs, as well as peer support apps, to promote health awareness among workers. This study was designed to evaluate the usability, usefulness, efficacy (i.e. self-reported mental health), and thoughts moving forward on whether to continue providing the PeerConnect app. A sample of PSPs (N = 455) from across 28 PSP organizations in Ontario, Canada, specifically 14 police services, 13 emergency services, and the Ontario provincial correctional service, participated in an online survey intended to explore PSPs’ views and experiences with the app. Of the 455 PSPs surveyed, 226 were PeerConnect users, and 229 were non-users. A series of t-tests and chi-square tests were conducted to compare users and non-users. Overall, the Connect feature was the most used by the PSPs. Among Connect users, 74.8% used the feature primarily to provide peer support, while 21.8% used the feature primarily to receive peer support. When assessing the usefulness of the app, 70.8% of app users were satisfied with the app, although only 40.3% of users found the app “extremely” or “very” useful in serving their well-being. When asked whether their organization should continue providing access to PeerConnect, 88.9% of users believed so. Findings demonstrate that PSPs who used PeerConnect were generally satisfied with the app and its features; however, there were barriers, such as a lack of internet access at work, that may have prevented non-users from using the app and highlighted the need for refinements in design, implementation, and integration into organizational culture. In response, we suggest public safety organizations consider finding innovative ways to continue to offer peer support opportunities for PSPs.