Workforce challenges in digital health implementation: How are clinical psychology training programmes developing...

Area of Science:

• Digital mental health
• Clinical Psychology training
• Workforce development

Background:

• Digital practice is vital for psychological services, especially post-COVID-19.
• Training the workforce in digital competencies is crucial for effective online provision.
• Mapping current digital training needs is essential for service success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the initial stage of developing the first UK digital mental health competence framework for applied psychology.
• To report on current national digital training provision.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to acquiring digital competencies.

Main Methods:

• A survey was completed by 18 of 30 UK Clinical Psychology Doctoral training programs.
• The survey mapped current digital health teaching and skills acquisition.
• Barriers and facilitators to digital skills development were investigated for trainees and qualified professionals.

Main Results:

• Most respondents see digital mental health competencies as important but are not integrating them into teaching or placements.
• Seven key themes influence digital skills development.
• The need for practice guidelines and digital mental health experience were the most identified themes.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for increased focus on digital health knowledge, skills, and confidence for Clinical Psychologists.
• A framework for digital mental health competences should be developed across curricula and placements.
• Accessible learning packages could support national training implementation.