JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The global refugee and migrant population is rising, resulting in growing mental health needs that healthcare systems struggle to address effectively. Providing assessment and treatment for mental health problems in a digital format could help increase access to care and facilitate the provision of adapted interventions. Psychologists are key stakeholders in the delivery and influence of clinical services within routine care settings, but there are limited data on their perspectives regarding the use of digital solutions to assess and treat common mental health problems in refugees and migrants.

Objective:

To examine psychologists' usage, knowledge, and attitudes toward digital mental health solutions for assessing and treating common mental health problems in refugees and migrants within the Swedish healthcare system.

Methods:

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to assess psychologists' usage, knowledge, and attitudes toward digital mental health solutions for the assessment and treatment of common mental health problems in refugees and migrants within the Swedish healthcare system. The survey data were analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistical methods.

Results:

Of the 81 psychologists who responded to the survey, 71.6% were women, and nearly half (49.4%) worked in a public healthcare region. Psychologists showed the highest acceptance for guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT), blended treatment, and videoconferencing therapy. However, only 19.8% reported using digital solutions for refugees or migrants with mental health problems and most respondents had low or very low knowledge of digital assessment and screening (75.3%) and digital treatment (71.6%) for these groups. Those currently using digital formats for refugees and migrants, or working in a setting that did so, had significantly higher knowledge ratings (P<.001 to P=.012). Respondents emphasized the importance of digital solutions being provided in refugees’ and migrants’ native languages (86.4%) and culturally adapted (69.1%). Respondents currently using digital formats considered cultural adaptation less necessary (P=.48). The preferred implementation approach was through specialized or decentralized units in primary care (81.5%).

Conclusions:

While psychologists recognize the potential of digital mental health solutions, significant barriers remain, including limited knowledge and experience with using digital formats for refugees and migrants. Psychologists prefer digital solutions being made available in the native language of refugees and migrants and implemented at the primary care level. The need for cultural adaptation should be further explored. Addressing psychologists' preferences could facilitate the future integration and implementation of digital formats for refugees and migrants in routine care settings.