Personalized and collaborative care are crucial elements for sustained engagement with digital measurement-based care tools: A mixed-methods study

Abstract

Background Measurement-based care (MBC) involves regular symptom monitoring and feedback, enabling early detection of mental health deterioration and allowing clinicians to adjust interventions accordingly. However, its uptake in youth mental health services remains minimal. This study aims to explore perceived barriers and facilitators for sustained use of MBC and the potential of digital technologies to enhance its engagement in young people. Methods A mixed-methods study comprising focus groups and surveys was conducted with young people who had previously accessed mental health services. Template analysis was used to analyze qualitative data, and descriptive analyses were performed with quantitative data. Results Eighteen young people (mean age = 21.7 years; SD = 3.4) participated in this study. Surveys showed high agreement with the value of MBC (15/18) and a low rate of discomfort with progress evaluation (11/18). Focus groups revealed collaborative data review with clinicians as a key facilitator which fueled future engagement with data inputs and reviews. However, generalization when interpreting data and incomplete representation of mental health by using irrelevant standard measures discouraged the use. Participants suggested digital features for accessibility and data interpretation to enhance consistent engagement with MBC. Conclusions The findings indicate that young people’s motivation and sustained engagement in MBC stem from their comprehension of how collected data fosters shared decision-making and personalize treatment. Therefore, regular, collaborative data review sessions are crucial in cultivating a sense of autonomy and purpose in care for young people. This study highlights the importance of data review in enhancing the uptake of MBC, a factor that is often overlooked. By demonstrating this, the study provides a deeper understanding of motivators in MBC and valuable insights for mental health services to explore strategies that regulate data review. To this end, an exemplary way forward would be to develop technologies that facilitates client-clinician communication and empowers young people to advocate for personalized care.