mHealth Interventions for Self-Harm: Scoping Review (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Self-harm is a growing issue, for which individuals do not often receive treatment. mHealth interventions are a possible solution to some of the barriers individual face when seeking support that have also been found to be effective in improving mental health. Reviews of mHealth interventions for self-harm thus far have had limiting exclusion criteria, so a broader scoping review will provide a more exhaustive understanding of mHealth interventions that have been developed for self-harm. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to (1) identify the mHealth interventions that have been developed for self-harm, (2) understand the types and features of interventions that have been developed, (3) establish the evidence base for mHealth interventions for self-harm, and (4) determine what outcomes are typically used to assess the efficacy of interventions. METHODS A search was conducted using Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were included if it described an mHealth intervention that may have had a treatment effect on self-harm either directly or indirectly, and if it was available in English. There were no exclusion criteria based on study design. RESULTS A total of 36 papers were included in the review, that were mostly randomised control trials published within the last four years. The interventions were mostly smartphone applications or calling/texting services. They were generally shown to be effective and appealing, but very few were widely available for use. Outcomes typically focussed on a reduction of self-harm, as well as suicidality, mood, and the users’ experiences of the intervention. Samples were typically non-diverse, and there was limited variety in study designs or in measurements of self-harm recovery. CONCLUSIONS Effective and appealing mHealth interventions have been developed but are not widely available. Research could also benefit from greater diversity, as well as a broader and more nuanced understanding of recovery from self-harm.

Pharmacological, Technological, and Digital Innovative Aspects in Rhinology

“…The mHealth tools are developed to improve patient empowerment via education and self-management and will hopefully contribute to better patient adherence, quality feedback to the physician and improved patient health literacy. As reported by mHealth users, it is advantageous compared with face-to-face therapy, allowing them to be more open and honest ( 79 ). Moreover, mHealth therapy allows rapid adaptation of the treatment strategy based on the symptoms, concomitant medications and key events that may impact the disease.…”