Emerging mHealth and eHealth interventions for serious mental illness: a review of the literature

Abstract

Background Serious mental illness is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Emerging mobile health (mHealth) and eHealth interventions may afford opportunities for reaching this at-risk group. Aim To review the evidence on using emerging mHealth and eHealth technologies among people with serious mental illness. Methods We searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science through July 2014. Only studies reporting outcomes for mHealth or eHealth interventions, defined as remotely delivered using mobile, online, or other devices, targeting people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder, were included. Results Forty-six studies spanning 12 countries were included. Interventions were grouped into four categories: 1) illness self-management and relapse prevention; 2) promoting adherence to medications and/or treatment; 3) psychoeducation, supporting recovery, and promoting health and wellness; and 4) symptom monitoring. The interventions were consistently found to be highly feasible and acceptable, though clinical outcomes were variable but offered insight regarding potential effectiveness. Conclusions Our findings confirm the feasibility and acceptability of emerging mHealth and eHealth interventions among people with serious mental illness; however, it is not possible to draw conclusions regarding effectiveness. Further rigorous investigation is warranted to establish effectiveness and cost benefit in this population.

Optimization of a Digital Medicine System in Psychiatry

“…24 A recent review of 46 studies reporting outcomes from digital health interventions in psychiatry found that emerging mobile technologies are highly feasible and acceptable for use among patients with SMI. 25 Unfortunately, digital health technologies are often developed without adequate evaluation of their validity and effectiveness. 26 A rigorous scientific approach to developing a new system based on formative and qualitative research with target users is time-consuming and often impractical to conduct in the field, considering the rapid evolution of technologies and their continuously changing role in daily life.…”

Digital Technology for Caregivers of People With Psychosis: Systematic Review (Preprint)

“…34 These have included, for example, developments with mobile applications (e.g smartphones) to assess mood functioning and symptoms, 35 online psychological therapies, 36 interactive text messages, 37 computerised interventions, 38 and wearable technologies that offer real time feedback on wellbeing and functioning such as activity and sleep quality. [39][40] Digital interventions could be a useful way to offer time and cost effective approaches to reach and engage with larger populations, including those who might be less willing or able to access standard services because of geography and travel burden, or where flexible modes of access and/or privacy are prioritised.…”

Digital Technology for Internet Access by Patients With Early-Stage Schizophrenia in Spain: Multicenter Research Study (Preprint)

“…A recent systematic review concludes that Internet and mobile-based interventions for psychosis seem to be cost-effective, accessible, acceptable, feasible and have the potential to improve clinical and social outcomes [16]. An ulterior review that includes studies carried out in 12 different countries supports the feasibility and acceptability of emerging mHealth and eHealth interventions among people with serious mental illness (including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder) [17].…”