Evaluation of the Use of Digital Mental Health Platforms and Interventions: Scoping Review
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De Leo, Diego
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Background: The increasing use of digital mental health (DMH) platforms and digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) is hindered by uncertainty over effectiveness, quality and usability. There is a need to identify the types of available evidence in this domain. Aim: This study is a scoping review identifying evaluation of the (1) DMH platform/s used; and (2) DMHI/s applied on the DMH platform/s. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided the review process. Empirical studies that focused on evaluation of the use and application of DMH platforms were included from journal articles (published 2012–2022). A literature search was conducted using four electronic databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect, Sage and ACM Digital Library) and two search engines (PubMed and Google Scholar). Results: A total of 6874 nonduplicate records were identified, of which 144 were analyzed and 22 met the inclusion criteria. The review included general/unspecified mental health and/or suicidality indications (n = 9, 40.9%), followed by depression (n = 5, 22.7%), psychosis (n = 3, 13.6%), anxiety and depression (n = 2, 9.1%), as well as anxiety, depression and suicidality (n = 1, 4.5%), loneliness (n = 1, 4.5%), and addiction (n = 1, 4.5%). There were 11 qualitative studies (50%), 8 quantitative studies (36.4%), and 3 mixed-methods studies (n = 3, 13.6%). The results contained 11 studies that evaluated the DMH platform/s and 11 studies that evaluated the DMHI/s. The studies focused on feasibility, usability, engagement, acceptability and effectiveness. There was a small amount of significant evidence (1 in each 11), notably the (cost-)effectiveness of a DMHI with significant long-term impact on anxiety and depression in adults. Conclusion: The empirical research demonstrates the feasibility of DMH platforms and DMHIs. To date, there is mostly heterogeneous, preliminary evidence for their effectiveness, quality and usability. However, a scalable DMHI reported effectiveness in treating adults’ anxiety and depression. The scope of effectiveness may be widened through targeted strategies, for example by engaging independent young people.
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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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2020
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1
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© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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Mental health services
Psychology
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Balcombe, L; De Leo, D, Evaluation of the Use of Digital Mental Health Platforms and Interventions: Scoping Review, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022, 20 (1), pp. 362