Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)

Empowering young adult cannabis research via mobile app

Young adult looking at the Tricchome mobile application

The context

The Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) approached us to help conceptualize and build a mobile application—called Tricchome—to support an upcoming medical study focused on the consumption habits of cannabis users aged 18 to 24. The name "Tricchome" is a clever play on the word "trichome" (a detailed and crucial part of the cannabis plant), hinting at the scientific and meticulous nature of the study. Tricchome's goal is to observe whether these habits evolve over the course of the two-year study, examining factors such as consumption patterns, preferred forms of cannabis, and any concurrent use of substances like alcohol or tobacco.

CHUM’s ultimate aim is to better understand cannabis habits in young adults to more effectively support patients seeking lifestyle changes. However, the app's purpose is purely data collection—it is not intended to influence behaviour in any way. Here’s how we approached this fascinating project, with a sharp focus on privacy and security.

Project details

Industry

Health

Technologies

React JS

AWS Cognito

RedCap Database

Services

Design

Development

Innovation

Business Analysis

The challenge

A key challenge we faced was ensuring participant retention over the study's two-year duration. We knew that keeping young adults engaged required more than just functionality—the app had to be visually appealing, user-friendly, and valuable. We focused on making the design not only aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive to navigate, incorporating sleek branding that resonates with the target demographic. This aimed to create an experience that participants would enjoy and might even share with friends, though the app itself remains private. Additionally, a financial incentive tied to regular participation encourages users to stay engaged and complete the required surveys.

Another challenge was ensuring the app remained strictly non-interventionist. Unlike many health apps that aim to modify behaviour, Tricchome is purely observational. This required careful design to provide data insights without influencing user behaviour. For example, while users can view graphs of their consumption patterns, the presentation had to avoid suggesting whether their usage was “good” or “bad.” We were careful to ensure that the app didn’t imply any judgments or recommendations about cannabis use.

From a technical standpoint, integrating CHUM’s RedCap database posed its own challenges. RedCap is typically used for standardized surveys that are accessed via web browsers, with predefined structures and workflows that didn’t align with all the specific requirements of Tricchome. To address this, we developed a custom middleware solution to manage secure data exchanges between the app and the database, ensuring each participant could only access their own data. Since CHUM's team could make changes within RedCap, we coded the app to adapt to potential alterations without breaking functionality, adding complexity that required close collaboration with CHUM.

Lastly, handling sensitive health data involved navigating legal and regulatory challenges. We had to ensure all collected data was securely stored and met the stringent requirements set by both Google Play and the App Store, particularly given the app’s focus on cannabis, which added another layer of scrutiny. The approval process was more rigorous than usual, requiring extensive documentation and assurances of data protection and compliance with privacy laws. 

3 young adults with backpacks smiling outside school

The task at hand

Our approach began with an in-depth Discovery Phase, where we outlined the app's functionality and explored its branding—a first for CHUM. We conducted workshops on everything from colour schemes to typography, ensuring the visual elements resonated with the young adult demographic. This branding work was crucial in setting a modern, engaging tone for the app. Following this, we moved into user research, conducting interviews with young adults who tested early prototypes. Their feedback on the vibrant colours and intuitive interface was instrumental in refining the design to better meet user expectations.

Once the design phase was complete, CHUM, as a public administration, was required to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development phase. We submitted a bid and were ultimately selected to handle the development, a testament to our expertise and alignment with CHUM’s vision.

On the technical side, Tricchome was developed using React Native, chosen for its ability to deliver a consistent experience across both iOS and Android platforms. We also implemented AWS Cognito for secure user authentication, allowing participants to log in with their Gmail accounts and an additional security code. The integration with CHUM’s RedCap database posed challenges due to its original design limitations, so we developed custom middleware to manage secure data exchanges and ensure that only invited participants could access the app. Our focus was on building a secure, user-friendly, and non-intrusive app that could efficiently support CHUM’s research goals.

Screenshots from the Tricchome mobile application

For our team at CR-CHUM, this project seemed impossible, but with Osedea's support, we were able to bring it to life. Their proactive approach, creativity, and professionalism were key to the success of this initiative.

François-Olivier Hébert, research associate, CR-CHUM

The end result

The finished product is a sophisticated mobile app that meets CHUM’s research needs while offering a seamless and engaging user experience. Tricchome allows participants to log their cannabis consumption daily, including details such as the type of cannabis, reasons for use, and their mood at the time. These entries are recorded in a calendar format, giving users a clear overview of their habits over time. Every four months, the app prompts participants to complete a comprehensive survey, designed to track changes in lifestyle aspects such as sleep, diet, and well-being, which provides CHUM with valuable longitudinal data.

Additionally, the app includes educational resources, offering articles and fun facts about cannabis to keep users informed without influencing their behaviour. The integration with the RedCap database allows for real-time data synchronization, ensuring that the study’s data remains accurate and up-to-date. The app’s security features, including AWS Cognito for login authentication, ensure that participant data is protected, meeting the stringent legal and regulatory requirements set by Google Play and the App Store. Tricchome is not only a functional tool for data collection but also a user-friendly app that participants can easily navigate and engage with throughout the study.

What’s next

The success of Tricchome will hinge on participant recruitment and retention, with CHUM planning to cap the study at around 350 participants. They are relying heavily on word-of-mouth to spread the word and ensure that the study reaches its target demographic. As we approach the app's launch, we’re proud of the seamless integration of technology and medical research, ensuring that CHUM can collect the data they need. This project has reinforced our commitment to creating innovative, secure, and impactful digital solutions in the healthcare space. We’re eager to see how Tricchome will contribute to CHUM’s research and how we can apply what we’ve learned to future projects.