Emma Palmer-Cooper

Our recent systematic review published in Schizophrenia Research explored research published about patient perspectives on integrating digital or mobile tools with traditional face-to-face care, known as mHealth.

Digital technology is increasingly being integrated into mental healthcare, particularly for serious mental illnesses like psychosis. Mobile health (mHealth) tools, such as smartphone apps and digital platforms, offer new avenues for support, monitoring, and intervention. Patient perspectives on the usefulness and effectiveness of digital support, and how it complements traditional face-to-face therapy, are a crucial consideration when developing and implementing this type of healthcare.

We conducted a systematic review of 16 academic research papers to understand the individual factors that support or disrupt using mHealth.

Key Findings

Engagement with mHealth alongside face-to-face support was influenced by:

1. Enhanced Communication: mHealth tools facilitated better communication between individuals and their healthcare providers, allowing for more timely and efficient interactions.
2. Therapist’s Role: The presence and involvement of therapists remained crucial, with digital tools serving as complementary rather than replacement elements.
3. Increased Support: Digital interventions provided people with a heightened sense of support, offering resources and assistance outside traditional clinical settings.
4. Insight into Hallucinations: Some digital tools helped patients gain a better understanding of their auditory hallucinations, contributing to improved self-awareness and management.
5. Technological Enablers and Barriers: While technology enabled new forms of care, challenges such as usability issues and access disparities were noted.
6. Engagement Challenges: Factors like digital literacy, trust in digital systems, and concerns about data privacy affected patient engagement with hybrid interventions.

Implications

The findings highlight the importance of designing hybrid mHealth interventions that are user-friendly, trustworthy, and integrated with traditional care. Ensuring therapist involvement and addressing technological barriers can enhance patient engagement and outcomes. Future research should focus on developing ethical, inclusive, and effective digital mental health solutions that complement existing treatment modalities.

Greenway, F.T., Weal, M., Palmer-Cooper, E.C. (Accepted 2024) Hybrid mHealth Care: Patient Perspectives of Blended Treatments for Psychosis. A Systematic Review. Schizophrenia Research