Exploring accessibility and engagement in digital mental health interventions
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Digital mental health interventions have emerged as a promising approach to addressing critical clinical challenges, with existing literature demonstrating their potential to influence significant changes in clinical scores. While digital health is often praised for making care more accessible, it is essential to consider the equity of digital healthcare. This study examined participant engagement and outcomes within the Digital Clinic, a hybrid care model of mental health services supported by app-augmented support. Using data collected over two years, we analyzed participant demographics, digital phenotyping data, and clinical assessment data to explore their interrelationships and correlations concerning digital equity.Our findings provided insights into factors affecting digital mental health accessibility and engagement. Specifically, we found that demographic variables such as gender, socioeconomic status, and educational background showed no statistically significant correlation with 8-week clinic completion rates. Moreover, regarding app-augmented care, we observed no statistically significant correlation between device type (Apple vs. Android) and clinic completion rates. This evidence suggests that the Digital Clinic is accessible to diverse participant populations. Furthermore, our analysis indicated higher participant attrition during the initial days of the clinic, highlighting critical engagement points for interventions aimed at boosting completion rates.
These findings enhance the understanding of digital mental health strategies, reflecting how various identities influence participant adherence and attrition rates. Overall, results suggest that the Digital Clinic is feasible and adaptable to a range of diverse needs populations.
Description
2025