JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital health technologies (DHTs) for psychosis have been developed and tested rapidly in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to telehealth and digital health. However, research examining mental health professionals’ views on the use of DHTs for people with psychosis is limited. Given the increased accessibility and availability of DHTs for psychosis, an up-to-date understanding of staff perception of DHTs for psychosis is warranted.

Objective:

In this study, we investigated: i) staff technology usage and their perception of service users’ technology usage; ii) staff views towards the use of DHTs for psychosis; and iii) the differences in staff technology usage and views towards the use of DHTs in clinical practice before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

Two cross-sectional surveys were deployed before and after the pandemic. Both surveys were distributed to mental healthcare staff who had experience of working with individuals experiencing psychosis in the UK.

Results:

A total of 155 and 352 participants completed the Phase 1 and Phase 2 surveys respectively. Staff reported high levels of technology ownership and usage. In general, staff expressed positive views regarding the use of DHTs for psychosis; however, barriers and concerns, including affordability, digital literacy, and potential negative effects on service users’ mental health, were also reported. There was no change in staff use of digital technology in clinical practice pre-post pandemic.

Conclusions:

Staff expressed optimism about the potential implementation of DHTs in practice, though they also noted some concerns regarding safety and access. Although the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools for healthcare, the sustainability of this shift from traditional to digital healthcare has been less than optimal. To promote the implementation of DHTs, systematic evaluation of adverse effects of using DHTs and dissemination of evidence are needed to address concerns staff expressed regarding safety. Organisational support and training should be offered to staff to help address barriers and increase confidence in recommending and utilising DHTs with service users.