JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Elite athlete mental health research evolved preceding the COVID-19 pandemic including developments from consensus statements, systematic reviews and models of care. The valid argument that elite athlete mental and physical health should be considered together as part of a biopsychosocial approach is countered by ongoing and widespread behavior and engagement issues which have hampered the effectiveness of prevention and intervention efforts. COVID-19 presents an opportunity to better understand behavior and boost mental health engagement with this vulnerable subpopulation mindful of the reasons for struggling participation and measures to counteract screening response playdown and falsehood. In anticipation of a higher need and demand for prevention and intervention among ‘at-risk’ subpopulations, a hybrid model of care is recommended to combine traditional face-to-face approaches along with innovative and evaluated technologies that provide discreet access with regards to engagement, identity, privacy and confidentiality. Partnered with real-time automation and machine learning models, behavior sensing and digital mental health screening and tracking of elite athletes has the potential to drive a consolidated, measurable and balanced risk assessment and management strategy for the prevention and intervention of the sequalae of mental ill-health. More broadly for the general population, there are recent developments in assessing the range of mental ill-health through to positive functioning as an early intervention and improvement strategy. It is important to confirm the validity and reliability of relevant and effective interventions and policies to reduce the burden on mental health care systems. There is great novelty which may benefit from the global attention upon the vital importance of elite athlete mental health amidst COVID-19. It is possible to utilise digital platforms to share information on stress, adjustment and wellbeing and demonstrate how vulnerable subpopulations can be served. The concept of sport and mental health education are set to take form to harness digital opportunities and pioneer technological advances in deep learning algorithms and artificial intelligence.