Towards a Shared Understanding: Challenges and Opportunities in the Diffusion of Digital Technology in Mental Health

Despite thorough development of digital technology in mental health, which users find helpful, health care professionals may be reluctant to adopt these in their practice. In this study, we take example in SAFE, which is a mobile application (app) co-produced together with people with lived experiences of self-harm who wanted to share with others their own experiences with helpful
solutions. A previous study suggests that lack of time, resources and knowledge were experienced as barriers for adoption of the app in an Emergency Department.
Aim
In preparing for a wider implementation of SAFE, we explored experts’ opinions and expectations to adoption of digital technology in mental health, focusing on the facilitators, barriers and gains.
Methods (250)
We conducted three focus groups with a total of 14 participants who were potential end-users. To gain more comprehensive knowledge, four eHealth and self-harm experts were interviewed individually. A reflexive thematic analysis was applied to data.
Results
The experts believed that a chaotic lot of health apps can make it difficult to choose between apps. Though healthcare professionals may be stuck in old beliefs, the experts proposed that increased awareness and knowledge sharing among possible adopters will facilitate new beliefs about technology.
Discussion
The experts’ opinions and expectations indicate that adoption of digital technology in mental health is a complex process which is under influence of the beliefs of possible adopters and how knowledge of the innovation is communicated. In the perspective of Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations theory, general knowledge from e.g. mass media is important to create awareness among adopters; however, interpersonal communication is the most convincing for forming their beliefs towards an innovation. Our study indicates that
mobilising the expertise, experience and engagement of peers and professionals is supposed to be essential to building up a shared belief in the advantage of digital technology in mental health. The engaging way in which SAFE is co-created with people who self-harm creates transparency as it
has a shared understanding of what constitutes self-harm and what methods are useful. Thus, to support the process of a large-scale diffusion of digital technology, it seems important to focus on knowledge sharing through a diversity of communication channels and to encourage communication between people in a target group, especially between peers.