Professor’s research helps in creating award-winning mobile app

PRESS RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
OCTOBER 28, 2013
CONTACT: Jeff Pitchford, vice president for university and government relations, at jeffp@uca.edu or (501) 450-3185.
Fredricka Sharkey, associate director for media relations, at fsharkey@uca.edu or (501) 450 -5114.

PROFESSOR’S RESEARCH HELPS IN CREATING AWARD-WINNING MOBILE APP

CONWAY—Dr. Julie Meaux, nursing professor, collaborated on a mobile application that has been selected as the first place winner in the Shire ADHD Transitions Challenge sponsored by Health 2.0 and Shire Pharmaceutical. Collaborators will receive $100,000 to bring the application closer to public availability.

julie meaux“This mobile app is a great tool to help young people take control of their ADHD symptoms. Designed on the latest research, the Traxion app will help young people learn about multiple strategies for managing ADHD symptoms and help them track their progress over time,” Meaux said.

Meaux collaborated with professionals from Rebar Interactive and Omniscience Mobile to develop Traxion mobile app to support young adults with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) who are transitioning from structured to unstructured environments.

She was approached by Rebar in spring 2013 to serve as content expert on the project due to her professional and lay publications in this area and particularly her focus on self-management. In addition to providing expertise to the project, Meaux conducted initial focus group testing that resulted in the Traxion mobile app.

Meaux’s research is focused on adolescents with ADHD. She will continue to provide expertise and be involved with the team as the work evolves.

The developers hope to partner with Shire Pharmaceutical to make Traxion available as a free mobile app. Plans include a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of the Traxion app.

To learn more about the Shire ADHD Transitions Challenge or to see a full list of winners, visit http://www.health2con.com/devchallenge/shire/.

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