A recent report commissioned by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has found that patients believe digital mental health technologies (DMHT) should be used in conjunction with regular therapy sessions and prescribed medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Conducted by Woodnewton as part of a three-year project funded by Wellcome, the research gathered insights from adult and child users of DMHT. Participants emphasized the importance of using these technologies as a supplement, not a replacement, to traditional forms of treatment and support.
While acknowledging the benefits of DMHT, concerns were raised about using them to mask deficiencies in the mental health care system. Additionally, some participants expressed worries about the accuracy of information and diagnoses provided by these technologies.
The report suggested that involving mental health teams in the prescribing of DMHT could ensure better integration into patients’ overall care, as well as provide reassurance about the safety and appropriateness of the products.
Security concerns were cited as a barrier to using DMHT for some individuals, but most indicated a willingness to use them if data security was addressed satisfactorily.
Holly Coole, senior manager for digital mental health at the MHRA, highlighted the importance of incorporating patient and public feedback into shaping guidance and information on DMHT. The report is part of a larger project that aims to better understand the landscape of available technologies and address key challenges in their regulation and evaluation.
