scholarly journals Use of the Principles of Design Thinking to Address Limitations of Digital Mental Health Interventions for Youth: Viewpoint (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanneke Scholten ◽  
Isabela Granic
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
New Wave ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Principles Of Design ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Scientific Standards

UNSTRUCTURED Numerous reviews and meta-analyses have indicated the enormous potential of technology to improve the appeal, effectiveness, cost, and reach of mental health interventions. However, the promise of digital mental health interventions for youth has not yet been realized. Significant challenges have been repeatedly identified, including engagement, fidelity, and the lack of personalization. We introduce the main tenets of design thinking and explain how they can specifically address these challenges, with an entirely new toolbox of mindsets and practices. In addition, we provide examples of a new wave of digital interventions to demonstrate the applicability of design thinking to a wide range of intervention goals. In the future, it will be critical for scientists and clinicians to implement their scientific standards, methods, and review outlets to evaluate the contribution of design thinking to the next iteration of digital mental health interventions for youth.

Mental Health Screening in General Practices as a Means for Enhancing Uptake of Digital Mental Health Interventions: An Observational Cohort Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Estelle Whitton ◽  
Rebecca Hardy ◽  
Kate Cope ◽  
Chilin Gieng ◽  
Leanne Gow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Treatment Recommendation ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Digital Intervention ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
General Practices

BACKGROUND Digital mental health interventions will play a critical role in managing the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, enhancing their uptake is a key priority. General Practitioners (GPs) are well-positioned to facilitate access to digital interventions, but tools that assist GPs in identifying suitable patients are lacking. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the effectiveness of a web-based mental health screening and treatment-recommendation tool (‘StepCare’) for improving the detection of anxiety and depression in general practice, and subsequently, uptake of digital mental health interventions. METHODS StepCare screens patients for symptoms of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) in the GP waiting room. It provides GPs with stepped treatment recommendations that include digital mental health interventions for mild-to-moderate symptoms. Patients (n=5,138) from 85 general practices across Australia were invited to take part in screening. RESULTS Depression and/or anxiety was detected in 43.1% of patients screened (one quarter were previously undiagnosed/untreated). The majority (89.5%) of previously undiagnosed/untreated patients had mild-to-moderate symptoms and were candidates for digital mental health interventions. Although less than half were prescribed a digital intervention by their GP, when a digital intervention was prescribed, over two thirds of patients used it. CONCLUSIONS Implementing mental health screening in general practices can increase patient access to digital mental health interventions. Although GPs prescribed digital interventions less frequently than in-person psychotherapy or medication, the promising rates of uptake by GP-referred patients suggests that GPs can play a critical role in championing digital interventions and maximising the associated benefits.

scholarly journals Digital Interventions for Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults: Protocol for a Systematic Review

10.2196/22738 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e22738
Author(s):  
Indira Riadi ◽  
Lucy Kervin ◽  
Kelly Teo ◽  
Ryan Churchill ◽  
Theodore D Cosco
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

Background There is a high prevalence of older adults experiencing depression and anxiety. In response to heightened demands for mental health interventions that are accessible and affordable, there has been a recent rise in the number of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) that have been developed and incorporated into mental health treatments. Digital interventions are promising in their ability to provide researchers, medical practitioners, and patients with personalized tools for assessing behavior, consultation, treatment, and care that can be used remotely. Reviews and meta-analyses have shown the benefits of DMHIs for the treatment and prevention of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses, but there is still a lack of studies that focus on the benefits and use of DMHIs in the older population. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the current evidence for the effect of technology-delivered interventions, such as smartphone/tablet applications, remote monitoring and tracking devices, and wearable technology, for the treatment and prevention of depression and anxiety in adults older than 50 years. Methods The academic databases SCOPUS, PsycINFO, AgeLine (EBSCO), and Medline (PubMed) will be searched from January 1, 2010, to the date of search commencement to provide a review of existing randomized controlled trial studies. The search will include 3 key concepts: “older adults,” “digital intervention,” and “depression/anxiety.” A set of inclusion criteria will be followed during screening by two reviewers. Data will be extracted to address aims and objectives of the review. The risk of bias for each study will be determined using appropriate tools. If possible, a random-effects meta-analysis will be performed, and the heterogeneity of effect sizes will be calculated. Results Preliminary searches were conducted in September 2020. The review is anticipated to be completed by April 2021. Conclusions The data accumulated in this systematic review will demonstrate the potential benefits of technology-delivered interventions for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in older adults. This review will also identify any gaps in current studies of aging and mental health interventions, thereby navigating a way to move forward and paving the path to more accessible and user-friendly digital health interventions for the diverse population of older adults. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020192532; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020192532 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/22738

scholarly journals Evidence on Digital Mental Health Interventions for Adolescents and Young People: Systematic Overview

10.2196/25847 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e25847
Author(s):  
Susanna Lehtimaki ◽  
Jana Martic ◽  
Brian Wahl ◽  
Katherine T Foster ◽  
Nina Schwalbe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Young People ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background An estimated 1 in 5 adolescents experience a mental health disorder each year; yet because of barriers to accessing and seeking care, most remain undiagnosed and untreated. Furthermore, the early emergence of psychopathology contributes to a lifelong course of challenges across a broad set of functional domains, so addressing this early in the life course is essential. With increasing digital connectivity, including in low- and middle-income countries, digital health technologies are considered promising for addressing mental health among adolescents and young people. In recent years, a growing number of digital health interventions, including more than 2 million web-based mental health apps, have been developed to address a range of mental health issues. Objective This review aims to synthesize the current evidence on digital health interventions targeting adolescents and young people with mental health conditions, aged between 10-24 years, with a focus on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and generalizability to low-resource settings (eg, low- and middle-income countries). Methods We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases between January 2010 and June 2020 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on digital mental health interventions targeting adolescents and young people aged between 10-24 years. Two authors independently screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the reviews. Results In this systematic overview, we included 18 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We found evidence on the effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression, whereas the effectiveness of other digital mental health interventions remains inconclusive. Interventions with an in-person element with a professional, peer, or parent were associated with greater effectiveness, adherence, and lower dropout than fully automatized or self-administered interventions. Despite the proposed utility of digital interventions for increasing accessibility of treatment across settings, no study has reported sample-specific metrics of social context (eg, socioeconomic background) or focused on low-resource settings. Conclusions Although digital interventions for mental health can be effective for both supplementing and supplanting traditional mental health treatment, only a small proportion of existing digital platforms are evidence based. Furthermore, their cost-effectiveness and effectiveness, including in low- and middle-income countries, have been understudied. Widespread adoption and scale-up of digital mental health interventions, especially in settings with limited resources for health, will require more rigorous and consistent demonstrations of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness vis-à-vis the type of service provided, target population, and the current standard of care.

scholarly journals The current status of culturally adapted mental health interventions: a practice-focused review of meta-analyses

2018 ◽  
Vol Volume 14 ◽  
pp. 165-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanaya Rathod ◽  
Lina Gega ◽  
Amy Degnan ◽  
Jennifer Pikard ◽  
Tasneem Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Culturally Adapted ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Meta Analyses

scholarly journals Engagement in Digital Mental Health Interventions: Can Monetary Incentives Help?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliane M. Boucher ◽  
Haley E. Ward ◽  
Amelia C. Mounts ◽  
Acacia C. Parks
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

Digital mental health interventions (DMHI) are scalable and cost-effective strategies for increasing access to mental health care; however, dropout rates associated with digital interventions are high, particularly for open-access digital interventions. While some studies have focused on predictors of dropout from digital mental health programs, few studies have focused on engagement features that might improve engagement. In this perspective article, we discuss whether monetary incentives (MI) are one avenue to increasing user engagement in DMHI. We begin by reviewing the literature on the effects of MI for behavior change in health domains (e.g., dietary behaviors, substance use, and medication adherence). Then, drawing on a pilot study we conducted to test the effects of different levels of MI on usage and improvement in subjective well-being among users of a DMHI (Happify), we discuss the potential applications of MI for DMHI, the potential drawbacks of financial incentives in this context, and open questions for future research.

scholarly journals Evidence on Digital Mental Health Interventions for Adolescents and Young People: Systematic Overview (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Lehtimaki ◽  
Jana Martic ◽  
Brian Wahl ◽  
Katherine T Foster ◽  
Nina Schwalbe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Young People ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Low And Middle Income

BACKGROUND An estimated 1 in 5 adolescents experience a mental health disorder each year; yet because of barriers to accessing and seeking care, most remain undiagnosed and untreated. Furthermore, the early emergence of psychopathology contributes to a lifelong course of challenges across a broad set of functional domains, so addressing this early in the life course is essential. With increasing digital connectivity, including in low- and middle-income countries, digital health technologies are considered promising for addressing mental health among adolescents and young people. In recent years, a growing number of digital health interventions, including more than 2 million web-based mental health apps, have been developed to address a range of mental health issues. OBJECTIVE This review aims to synthesize the current evidence on digital health interventions targeting adolescents and young people with mental health conditions, aged between 10-24 years, with a focus on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and generalizability to low-resource settings (eg, low- and middle-income countries). METHODS We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases between January 2010 and June 2020 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on digital mental health interventions targeting adolescents and young people aged between 10-24 years. Two authors independently screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the reviews. RESULTS In this systematic overview, we included 18 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We found evidence on the effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression, whereas the effectiveness of other digital mental health interventions remains inconclusive. Interventions with an in-person element with a professional, peer, or parent were associated with greater effectiveness, adherence, and lower dropout than fully automatized or self-administered interventions. Despite the proposed utility of digital interventions for increasing accessibility of treatment across settings, no study has reported sample-specific metrics of social context (eg, socioeconomic background) or focused on low-resource settings. CONCLUSIONS Although digital interventions for mental health can be effective for both supplementing and supplanting traditional mental health treatment, only a small proportion of existing digital platforms are evidence based. Furthermore, their cost-effectiveness and effectiveness, including in low- and middle-income countries, have been understudied. Widespread adoption and scale-up of digital mental health interventions, especially in settings with limited resources for health, will require more rigorous and consistent demonstrations of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness vis-à-vis the type of service provided, target population, and the current standard of care.

Learning About the Current State of Digital Mental Health and Addictions Services for Canadian Youth to Inform Future Decision-Making (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Kemp ◽  
Jill Chorney ◽  
Iman Kassam ◽  
Julie MacDonald ◽  
Tara MacDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the demand for youth mental health services in Canada as disruptions to care continue to persist due to risk of transmission and exposure to the virus. Digital mental health interventions, including web-based resources and mobile apps, have provided opportunities to support youth mental health remotely across Canada. There is a need to better understand the ways in which these digital interventions are being selected, recommended, and used in various regions across Canada. OBJECTIVE A national jurisdictional scan was completed to 1) determine what online programs, apps and websites are promoted and/or licensed in Canada for youth mental health, 2) identify criteria and/or decision-making processes that Canadian jurisdictions use to select online programs, apps and websites for youth mental health, and 3) identify upcoming trends, innovations and digital mental health possibilities that are emerging in the youth sector. METHODS The aims of the jurisdictional scan were addressed through a review of related academic and grey literature, stakeholder interviews including individuals involved in various areas of the youth mental health sector, and a social media review of pertinent Twitter content. RESULTS A total of 66 web-based resources and apps were identified for use by youth in Canada. 16 stakeholder interviews were completed and included discussions with researchers, clinicians, youth organizations, and others involved in digital interventions for youth mental health. Over a 4-week period, 2,184 tweets were reviewed to identify global trends and innovations involving digital mental health and youth. CONCLUSIONS As organizations begin to plan for the delivery of mental healthcare post-pandemic, there are some concerns about the sustainability of these digital mental health interventions as well as need for services to be more informed by experiences and preferences of youth.

Monitoring Australian parents’ shifting receptiveness to digital mental health interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742110659
Author(s):  
Jake Linardon ◽  
Elizabeth M Westrupp ◽  
Jacqui A Macdonald ◽  
Antonina Mikocka-Walus ◽  
Mark A Stokes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mindful Parenting ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Lower Social Support ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Willingness To Use

Background: Nascent evidence indicates that the mental health of parents and children has markedly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering disruptions to traditional face-to-face mental health services resultant from stay-at-home orders, the potential value of digital mental health interventions has become extremely apparent. Despite this, uptake of digital interventions remains poor, indicating that a better understanding is needed of factors that determine a willingness to use digital platforms. Method: The present multi-wave, longitudinal study of 2365 Australian parents explored between-person and within-person predictors of intentions to use digital interventions during the pandemic. Results: More than one-third of parents reported likely use of a self-guided and therapist-guided digital intervention, with the most endorsed reason for use being to support their child’s mental health. Between-person baseline predictors of higher intention ratings were parent’s prior mental illness, not living with a partner and recent environmental stressors. Within-person predictors of higher intention ratings were endorsement of mindful parenting strategies, child access to the Internet, better perceived management of child’s education, lower social support and financial hardship. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that willingness to engage in digital interventions fluctuates in response to changing circumstances. Identifying novel ways to increase acceptance and uptake of digital interventions based on modifiable predictors established here is needed to realize the full potential of these modes of care in times of need.

scholarly journals Stakeholder perspectives on evidence for digital mental health interventions: Implications for accreditation systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205520761987806
Author(s):  
Philip J Batterham ◽  
Alison L Calear ◽  
Bridianne O’Dea ◽  
Mark E Larsen ◽  
David J Kavanagh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

Background Digital mental health interventions can be effective for treating mental health problems, but uptake by consumers and clinicians is not optimal. The lack of an accreditation pathway for digital mental health interventions is a barrier to their uptake among clinicians and consumers. However, there are a number of factors that may contribute to whether a digital intervention is suitable for recommendation to the public. The aim of this study was to identify the types of evidence that would support the accreditation of digital interventions. Method An expert workshop was convened, including researcher, clinician, consumer (people with lived experience of a mental health condition) and policymaker representatives. Results Existing methods for assessing the evidence for digital mental health interventions were discussed by the stakeholders present at the workshop. Empirical evidence from randomised controlled trials was identified as a key component for evaluating digital interventions. However, information on the safety of users, data security, user ratings, and fidelity to clinical guidelines, along with data from routine care including adherence, engagement and clinical outcomes, were also identified as important considerations when evaluating an intervention. There are considerable challenges in weighing the evidence for a digital mental health intervention. Conclusions Empirical evidence should be the cornerstone of any accreditation system to identify appropriate digital mental health interventions. However, robust accreditation systems should also account for program and user safety, user engagement and experience, and fidelity to clinical treatment guidelines.

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