Summary of the Report on Digital Mental Health Technology (DMHT)

Wellcome Trust (UK) released a report of a 3 year study on Digital Mental Health Technologies from both the user and public perspectives.A number of great insights on the use and application of digital mental health technologies have been highlighted in the report. Below is the summary of the article.

?? For collaborations and inquiries: [email protected]

Executive Summary

This research, commissioned by MHRA and NICE and funded by the Wellcome Trust, aimed to understand the attitudes and experiences of users and potential users of Digital Mental Health Technology (DMHT). It intended to inform the design of future regulatory and evaluation frameworks. Woodnewton conducted the research, which included 28 focus groups and eight in-depth interviews with adults, supplemented by desk research and interviews with intermediaries such as social workers and SEND leads, and nine focus groups with children. Fieldwork was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024.

Key Findings:

1. Stigma and Demand: Despite improved awareness and discussion about mental health, stigma persists, especially towards certain conditions and in workplace settings. The growing demand for mental health services often exceeds capacity, leading to long waiting times and less effective support.
2. Modern Life Stress: The stresses of modern life, including social media and technology, contribute significantly to mental health issues.
3. Individual Perception: Mental health is often perceived as highly individualistic in terms of causes, treatment, and support, necessitating an integrated care package tailored to each patient.

DMHT Usage:

• Approximately half of the participants had used mental health apps, primarily basic ones like mood trackers, sleep, relaxation, and meditation apps.
• DMHT awareness was mostly driven by advertising and media coverage, while recommendations from family and friends often influenced app choices.
• Many participants discontinued app usage due to ineffectiveness, cost, or because the apps had fulfilled their purpose. A trial-and-error approach was commonly accepted to find suitable apps.

Methodology

Woodnewton adopted a qualitative approach involving open and exploratory discussions in small groups or one-to-one interviews steered by a moderator or interviewer. This method was suitable for understanding perceptions and experiences, especially as DMHT is relatively new and participants might not have thought about potential risks and benefits.

Sample:

• The research included 33 focus groups and 20 in-depth interviews, supported by desk research and analysis. Participants were recruited from a database of around 500,000 UK residents with mental health concerns .

Research Approach:

• The grounded theory approach was used, with evidence rooted in participants’ own experiences and interpretations. Analysis used a dynamic theory of change model to explore changes in attitudes and behaviors .

Attitudes Towards DMHT

Positives:

• Participants generally saw DMHT as beneficial for mental health support, particularly in providing additional support and freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on areas where they can help the most.
• DMHT was perceived as easy to access, provided a safe and anonymous space, was familiar to young people, and avoided the embarrassment of talking to a real person .

Negatives:

• Concerns included the potential for reinforcing negative feelings, selling or stealing personal data, providing a space for sharing suicidal thoughts, and diverting people with serious conditions from getting professional help.
• The cost of apps was a significant barrier, and there was resistance to using DMHT among some participants and intermediaries working with children .

Regulation

Expectations:

• Participants generally favored regulation and quality control of mental health apps, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations to prevent scams and exploitation.
• They highlighted the importance of regulating data security and ensuring that any interaction with mental health professionals is properly managed.
• There was a consensus that regulation should be commensurate with the risk posed by the apps and the vulnerability of the users .

Challenges:

• Some participants believed that DMHT would be subject to little or no regulation due to the global nature of app development and marketing.
• Concerns included the reliability of app updates, data protection if phones were hacked or stolen, and the appropriateness of the language used in apps .

Future Research and Recommendations

Future Research:

• Further research is needed to explore the extent to which the attitudes expressed by participants are representative of the wider population.
• Research should also focus on healthcare professionals' attitudes, ethnographic studies to observe real-world decision-making, and specific conditions that are less common but higher risk.
• Co-developing guidance with patients will help ensure it meets their needs and effectively communicates key concepts such as risk and consent .

Recommendations:

1. Integration: DMHT should be integrated into wider mental health services, providing additional support without replacing healthcare professionals.
2. NHS Endorsement: A process should be established for the NHS to endorse the best products in each category, supported by well-publicized guidance on best use and risks.
3. Regulation: Regulation should be commensurate with the risk, with high levels of regulation for data security, diagnosis, and therapy. There should be mechanisms for users to seek help if needed .

Conclusion

The research into Digital Mental Health Technology (DMHT) provides a comprehensive look at the perceptions, experiences, and attitudes of users and potential users. The findings underscore the potential benefits of DMHT in supplementing mental health support, providing accessibility and convenience, and offering privacy. However, the research also highlights significant concerns regarding the effectiveness, cost, data security, and the risk of replacing professional help with digital solutions.

The consensus among participants is that DMHT can play a valuable role in mental health care, especially when integrated into broader treatment plans that include therapy and medication. Regulation is seen as essential to ensure the safety, efficacy, and ethical use of DMHT, particularly in terms of data security and the accuracy of information provided.

Moving forward, it is crucial to address the identified barriers, such as cost and quality concerns, and to develop robust regulatory frameworks that protect users while promoting innovation in DMHT. Further research is needed to explore healthcare professionals' perspectives and to co-develop guidance with patients, ensuring that DMHT effectively meets the diverse needs of its users.

?? For collaborations and inquiries: [email protected]

References

1. Woodnewton. (2024). Digital Mental Health Technology: User and Public Perspectives. Research report from Woodnewton. James Humphreys, Mark Gill, Stephen Rooney, Zaaki Ahmad.

#DigitalMentalHealth #HealthTech #MentalHealthSupport #DMHT #HealthcareInnovation #MentalHealthAwareness #TechForGood #PatientCare #HealthTechResearch #MentalWellbeing