It Is Time to REACT: Opportunities for Digital Mental Health Apps to Reduce Mental Health Disparities in Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Groups

Friis-Healy, Elsa A.; Nagy, Gabriela A.; Kollins, Scott H.

doi:10.2196/25456

Cited by 84 publications

(95 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…These have included encouragement to develop quality improvement activities focused on underserved or marginalized communities [12,18,27], educational initiatives for providers and leaders [12,23,29,33], and the collection of metrics that provide insight into equity-related outcomes [12]. Specific advice to clinicians has included strategies such as carefully planning a mix of in-person and virtual visits for clients especially at risk of poor health outcomes during the pandemic [25], and using telephone-based visits (over video visits) when a patient has access to a telephone but not a device that would enable a video visit [25,26,28,29].…”

Section: Recommended Strategies To Promote Health Equitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Recommendations for Health Equity and Virtual Care Arising From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Narrative Review

Shaw¹,

Brewer²,

Veinot³

2021

JMIR Form Res

126

117

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Background The COVID-19 health crisis has disproportionately impacted populations who have been historically marginalized in health care and public health, including low-income and racial and ethnic minority groups. Members of marginalized communities experience undue barriers to accessing health care through virtual care technologies, which have become the primary mode of ambulatory health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Insights generated during the COVID-19 pandemic can inform strategies to promote health equity in virtual care now and in the future. Objective The aim of this study is to generate insights arising from literature that was published in direct response to the widespread use of virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and had a primary focus on providing recommendations for promoting health equity in the delivery of virtual care. Methods We conducted a narrative review of literature on health equity and virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic published in 2020, describing strategies that have been proposed in the literature at three levels: (1) policy and government, (2) organizations and health systems, and (3) communities and patients. Results We highlight three strategies for promoting health equity through virtual care that have been underaddressed in this literature: (1) simplifying complex interfaces and workflows, (2) using supportive intermediaries, and (3) creating mechanisms through which marginalized community members can provide immediate input into the planning and delivery of virtual care. Conclusions We conclude by outlining three areas of work that are required to ensure that virtual care is employed in ways that are equity enhancing in a post–COVID-19 reality.

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Section: Recommended Strategies To Promote Health Equitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Recommendations for Health Equity and Virtual Care Arising From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Narrative Review

Shaw¹,

Brewer²,

Veinot³

2021

JMIR Form Res

126

117

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“… 35 For these strategies to be meaningful, the issue of affordability for individuals wanting to use digital supports also needs to be addressed. 15 , 36 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canadian perspectives of digital mental health supports: Findings from a national survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic

et al. 2022

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Objectives The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population mental health has highlighted the potential for digital mental health to support the needs of those requiring care. This study sought to understand the digital mental health experiences and priorities of Canadians affected by mental health conditions (i.e. seekers, patients, and care partners). Methods A national cross-sectional electronic survey of Canadians was administered through a market research firm's survey panel. Seekers, patients, and care partners were asked about their digital mental health experiences (e.g. uptake, barriers to access) and priorities. Survey responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results Overall, 1003 participants completed the survey. 70.2% of participants routinely use digital mental health supports to support themselves or those they care for; however, only 28.6% of participants are satisfied with the available digital mental health supports. Most participants (73.3%) have encountered some barriers when accessing digital mental health supports. Awareness of digital mental health supports was a top barrier identified by participants. The top digital mental health priorities consisted of digital mental health curation, navigation, and a digital mental health passport. Conclusions Most participants use digital mental health supports for themselves or others, however, many are unaware of digital mental health supports available. Efforts to improve navigating access to digital and in-person mental health services are seen as a top priority, highlighting the need to enable seekers, patients, and care partners to find the appropriate support and make decisions on how to best improve their mental health.

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“…One large survey found that use of mindfulness practice among Calm subscribers has helped to mitigate mental health symptoms during the pandemic, 34 and another study found that apps may increase treatment engagement for members of populations reluctant to participate in traditional mental health and substance use disorder services due to economic obstacles or stigma. 35 Although the digital divide may still exist for computer and email access for marginalized groups, the gap is narrowing in regard to mobile phones 36 and the pandemic has introduced diverse populations to telehealth and digital app treatments. Research shows that over 80% of Latinx individuals have access to the internet via a mobile device and report an interest in using mobile apps to improve their health, 37 making this modality of intervention feasible.…”

Section: Mobile Apps May Enhance Access To Carementioning

confidence: 99%

Opportunities to Integrate Mobile App–Based Interventions Into Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services in the Wake of COVID-19

et al. 2021

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The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns about the impact of depression, anxiety, alcohol, and drug use on public health. Mobile apps to address these problems were increasingly popular even before the pandemic, and may help reach people who otherwise have limited treatment access. In this review, we describe pandemic-related substance use and mental health problems, the growing evidence for mobile app efficacy, how health systems can integrate apps into patient care, and future research directions. If equity in access and effective implementation can be addressed, mobile apps are likely to play an important role in mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

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It Is Time to REACT: Opportunities for Digital Mental Health Apps to Reduce Mental Health Disparities in Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Groups

Cited by 84 publications

References 46 publications

Recommendations for Health Equity and Virtual Care Arising From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Narrative Review

Recommendations for Health Equity and Virtual Care Arising From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Narrative Review

Canadian perspectives of digital mental health supports: Findings from a national survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic

Opportunities to Integrate Mobile App–Based Interventions Into Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services in the Wake of COVID-19

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