JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Australia’s mental healthcare system has been characterized by complexity and fragmentation, as highlighted by numerous reports, commissions, and inquiries. In response, digital navigation tools have emerged as a promising solution to help individuals locate appropriate mental health services. The rapid proliferation of these tools—without a clear understanding of their definitions and characteristics—risks creating confusion rather than clarity for users. Terms such as “navigation” and “navigators” are often used interchangeably, further complicating the landscape.

Objective:

This study addresses the need for a standardized definition and typology of digital mental healthcare navigation tools.

Methods:

This study employed a co-design approach using a nominal group technique to develop a prototype definition and typology of digital mental healthcare navigation tools. This process was guided by the Technology Readiness Level for Implementation Sciences framework. The study was part of the development of a mental health navigation tool (MChart) for demonstration in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). A preliminary definition and typology were developed based on the Technology Readiness Level prior knowledge base. The co-design process involved two two-hour sessions with an expert panel comprising 28 participants, including representatives from mental health planning, primary healthcare, health care financing and delivery, community-managed organisations, clinical settings (psychiatrists, psychologists, and General Practitioners), and consumers.

Results:

The expert panel collaboratively developed a prototype definition of mental health navigation tools, outlining their scope and intended targets. Through the co-design process, the panel identified 157 characteristics of digital mental healthcare navigation tools. These characteristics were organized into five primary domains: Type, management, content, design, and quality. The definition and typology provides a structured framework for understanding and evaluating the diverse range of navigation tools currently available.

Conclusions:

The co-designed definition and typology offer a foundational step toward reducing confusion in the digital mental healthcare navigation space. By clearly articulating the definition and characteristics of these tools, the study supports the development of quality standards that can be used to assess and compare existing and future tools. This framework has the potential to guide both developers and policymakers in creating more effective, user-centred navigation solutions within Australia’s mental healthcare system and internationally.