Snapshot of the supports of communication used by patients at a French psychiatric hospital: a digital or social division?

Abstract

Some differences exist between this population with mental illness and the general population on the use of new communication technologies. The possibility of integrating these techniques in individualized psychiatric care requires prior equipment and/or updates.

Racing towards a digital paradise or a digital hell?

“…The digital health field was estimated to be worth $25b globally in 2017 (Duggal, Brindle, & Bagenal, 2018;The Lancet, 2017) with one US survey finding that 58% of smartphone users had downloaded at least one health app (Pai, 2015). Although mental health service user ownership of smartphones has increased (Migo et al, 2015) there is still evidence of a digital divide (Ennis, Rose, Denis, Pandit, & Wykes, 2012;Girard, Nubukpo, & Malauzat, 2017;Robotham, Satkunanathan, Doughty, & Wykes, 2016;Tobitt & Percival, 2019). Any benefits for those experiencing mental health problems are, therefore, likely to be less than in the general public, due to lack of access and skills.…”