Why Aren't More People Using Digital Mental Health Tools?

Digital tools for mental health are becoming more common in hospitals and clinics. These tools include apps and websites that patients can use to manage their mental health. The goal is to improve care, make patients happier, and reduce costs. However, there is a big problem. Many people stop using these tools after a short time. This means they are not getting the full benefit. To fix this, it is important to understand why people stop using these tools. There are many factors at play. Some people might find the tools hard to use. Others might not see the value in using them. Still, others might not have the support they need to keep using them. It is also important to consider the setting in which these tools are used. Clinical settings can be busy and stressful. This might make it hard for patients to focus on using digital tools. Additionally, healthcare providers might not have the time or resources to help patients use these tools effectively. One way to improve engagement is to make the tools more user-friendly. This could involve simplifying the design or providing clear instructions. Another way is to provide more support to patients and families. This could involve regular check-ins or access to a helpline. Additionally, healthcare providers could be trained to help patients use these tools effectively. It is also important to consider the broader context in which these tools are used. For example, some people might not have access to the internet or a smartphone. This could make it hard for them to use digital tools. Additionally, some people might have language barriers or disabilities that make it hard for them to use these tools. Addressing these issues could help to improve engagement with digital mental health tools. Ultimately, the goal is to make digital mental health tools more effective. This could involve a combination of factors, including user-friendly design, adequate support, and addressing broader contextual issues. By understanding these factors, it is possible to improve engagement with digital mental health tools and achieve the quintuple aim of improving patient experience, population health, care team well-being, healthcare costs, and equity.