JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Connected mental health (CMH), is a field presenting information and communication technology (ICT)-based mental care interventions, that could help overcome many mental care delivery barriers. Culture and background influence people's attitudes, preferences and acceptance of such solutions. Therefore, suitability of the CMH solutions to the targeted population, is an important factor to their successful adoption.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop a framework for the design and creation of CMH solutions suitable for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context. The framework was based on investigating enablers and barriers of CMH adoption in the UAE, from mental health care professionals (MHP) perspective and from related literature.

Methods:

An online survey with 17 MHP practicing in the UAE, investigating their attitudes and views towards CMH was conducted. Results from the questionnaire and from related studies were analyzed to develop the framework.

Results:

Surveyed MHP showed acceptability towards the adoption of CMH in the UAE and acknowledged its benefits in overcoming mental care barriers, mainly stigma and availability of MHP. Results also showed that CMH solutions could mainly be used with people with common mental issues, and should be used as an adjunct to traditional treatment and not as a replacement. In addition, blended care was concluded to be a suitable approach for CMH adoption in the UAE. MHP also reported moderate previous use of CMH interventions, which generally showed positive results. Based on the results, a framework to design CMH solutions for UAE was developed and presented.

Conclusions:

CMH has the potential to help overcome many mental care barriers in the UAE in particular and in the Arab world in general. CMH adoption in the UAE has a potential for success. However, many factors should be taken into account, mainly cultural, religious and linguistic aspects.