A review of web-based support systems for students in higher education

Abstract

BackgroundRecent evidence suggests that there is an increasing need for accessible and anonymous services to support higher education (HE) students suffering from psychological and/or academic difficulties. Such difficulties can lead to several negative outcomes, including poor academic performance, sub-optimal mental health, reduced study satisfaction, and dropout from study. Currently, universities in the UK lack financial resources and the on-campus mental health services traditionally offered to students are increasingly economically unsustainable. Compounded by the perceived stigma of using such services, mental health providers have been driven to address the escalating needs of students through online services.MethodsIn this paper, we review online support systems identified through a literature search and a manual search of references in the identified papers. Further systems were identified through web searches, and systems still in development were identified by consultation with researchers in the field. We accessed systems online to extract relevant information, regarding the main difficulties addressed by the systems, the psychological techniques used and any relevant research evidence to support their effectiveness.ConclusionA large number of web-based support systems have been developed to support mental health and wellbeing, although few specifically target HE students. Further research is necessary to establish the effectiveness of such interventions in providing a cost-effective alternative to face-to-face therapy, particularly in certain settings such as HE institutions.

Mental Health-Related Digital Use by University Students: A Systematic Review

“…There already exist several web-and mobile-based tools for mental health aimed at young people at university. 8,9 Our review suggests that there is a need to not only continue developing tools but also improve existing ones to meet the needs and expectations of university students and optimize engagement. The systematic evaluation of such tools is essential.…”

“…6 The production of informative websites and digital applications for mental health has skyrocketed in the past decade 7 and first results of the effectiveness of these devices among youth are beginning to be disseminated. [8][9][10] Notwithstanding the current widespread availability of these devices and the several emerging studies evaluating their efficacy, there is a lack of consolidated information on e-mental health use among students. The purpose of this study is, thus, to conduct a systematic analysis of the international literature published in the past decade on mental healthrelated digital use for information and support by university students and to use the results to give direction for the development of digital mental health interventions addressed to this public.…”

Survey to Inform the Development of an Online Support System for Higher Education Students <br>—Higher Education and Online Support

“…The feedback provided by the students has informed further development of the proposed online support system such that it meets the needs and preferences of its intended users [19]. This was further supported by a review of currently available systems to address continued unmet need and desirable features [10]. Respondents highlighted challenges in three main areas: time-management/work; social life; and finance.…”

“…In recent years, several web-based systems offering psychological support have become available [10]. Patients and their families can use these to seek information, practice self-help strategies, track their wellbeing, and in some cases communicate with other users via online support groups and forums.…”

Supporting mental health, wellbeing and study skills in Higher Education: an online intervention system

“…This is to be used in case of immediate and pressing difficulties felt by the user, and provides immediate access to alternative routes, such as mainstream mental health helplines or contact with the HEI’s own SSS. The use of such panic buttons is widespread in online and mobile technologies that address mental health issues [ 41 ].…”