Sandra Bucci1, Rohan Morris1, Christine Barrowclough1, Natalie Berry1, Gillian Haddock1, Shon Lewis1, Dawn Edge1; 1Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester
Digital technology has the potential to transform the way people engage with mental health services. Findings from trials suggest that digital tools are feasible, with promising findings regards efficacy. However, research to date has largely ignored stakeholder and service user perspectives of these systems. Our group has explored both early psychosis service users' and staff subjective views of the use of mobile technology in the mental health setting. Framework analysis revealed a variety of barriers and facilitators to implementation of digital tools into the secondary care setting, including issues regarding the acceptability of technology in mental health, technology increasing access to, and augmenting, mental health support, issues around data protection, privacy and security of information, whether digital interventions are used as an adjunct to, or replacement for, usual care, and factors related to digital tools affording greater empowerment, control and choice than routine care. More specifically, service users' views said digital tools could enhance access to care by extending the reach of services to one’s natural environment and facilitating open and honest communication. Digital systems were also viewed as progressive, modern and relevant and potentially de-stigmatising. Digital tools were perceived as facilitating empowerment, affording patients meaningful choice and the opportunity to take active control of their healthcare. While staff share some of these views, they expressed more concerns around data security, risk management and workload flows. This talk will conclude with findings on the acceptability of a randomised controlled trial of a smartphone app used within UK early intervention services.
