A call for digital inclusion initiatives in mental health services: An integrative review

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Digital tools such as video calls or mobile phone applications (apps) are increasingly used in the provision of mental healthcare. There is evidence that people with mental health problems are more likely to face digital exclusion: that is, they do not have access to devices and/or skills to use technology. This leaves some people unable to use digital mental health services (e.g., apps or online appointments) or to benefit more generally from access to the digital world (e.g., online shopping or connecting with others virtually). People can be digitally included through initiatives that provide devices, Internet and digital mentoring to increase knowledge and confidence when using technology. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Some initiatives in academic studies and grey literature have been shown to increase access to and knowledge of technology, but this has been outside of mental health care settings. There are currently limited digital inclusion initiatives that take into consideration the specific needs of people with mental health problems, and how they can be equipped and familiarised with digital technologies to help their recovery journey and everyday life activities. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Further work is needed to improve the provision of digital tools in mental health care, with more practical digital inclusion initiatives to ensure equal access for all. If digital exclusion is not addressed, the gap between people with and those without digital skills or access to technology will continue to grow, enlarging mental health inequalities.

INTRODUCTION: The rise in the provision of digital healthcare during the pandemic has called attention to digital exclusion: inequality in access and/or capacity to use digital technologies. Digital exclusion is more profound in people with mental health problems, leaving an implementation gap of digital practice in mental health services.

Identify the available evidence of (a) addressing digital exclusion in mental health care and (b) the practical solutions to enhance uptake of digital mental health.

Digital inclusion initiatives were searched from both academic and grey literature available and published between the years 2007 and 2021.

A limited number of academic studies and initiatives were found that supported people with mental health difficulties who had limited skills and/or access to overcome digital exclusion.

Further work is needed to combat digital exclusion and establish ways to reduce the implementation gap in mental health services.

Access to devices, Internet connectivity and digital mentoring for mental health service users is essential. More studies and programmes are needed to disseminate impact and results for digital inclusion initiatives for people with mental health problems and to inform best practice for digital inclusion within mental health services.