The role of digital mental health resources to treat trauma symptoms in Australia during COVID-19.

Abstract

Demand for telehealth services with psychologists and other health professionals has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result some members of the community are unable to access face-to-face assistance for trauma-related mental health issues. This has led to an increase in usage of alternative digital mental health options such as smartphone apps and other Internet-enabled assistance. The Australian Federal Government has promoted digital mental health options for many years, and it has a comprehensive architecture of digital resources in place, but will it be enough to deal with the expected rise in symptoms of trauma among the general population in the wake of COVID-19?

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression During COVID-19

“…A variety of telehealth modalities may be used including short message service (SMS) or “text messages,” mobile phone apps, videos for m-health, remote monitoring devices for asynchronous monitoring and internet-delivered interventions such a video conferencing. 54 , 55 (See Table 2 for telehealth modalities.) Telehealth has been found to be effective in reinforcing positive health behaviors and remote monitoring (blood pressure and blood glucose in perinatal women) and as a result, significantly reduced in-person medical visits.…”

“…Utilization of digital resources may also free up some PC providers to provide care for other more acute health conditions. 55 Because of the validation of mental health service delivery in other populations, and the need to mitigate COVID-19 infection, the use of synchronous tele-health visits for mental health service delivery in the perinatal population may be a viable option.…”

The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network: Setting a Mental Health Agenda for the Region

“…Digital mental health services include treatment sessions conducted via video call, telephone helplines, clinical text messaging services, digital health applications and platforms, online streaming and therapy services and mass dissemination of mental health resources on social media [ 39 , 46 ]. Enabling the safe continuation of mental health services during lockdown or physical distancing, tele-mental health services have been widely implemented in many nations including China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand and have received additional funding for development and dissemination globally [ 39 , 47 , 48 ]. New and adapted technologies have the potential to transform the delivery of mental healthcare, as care can be tailored on a personal level, provided anywhere, be perceived as less stigmatizing and can empower people to take a more active role in their own healthcare decisions [ 49 , 50 , 51 ].…”

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental and psychosocial health among patients undergoing active cancer treatment: An international survey

“…These ndings re ect the increase in the demand for mental health care, shown globally in the general population. 1,2 We noted a greater tendency for patients <50 years of age, as compared to those ≥50 years, to access care from specialists (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists) as well as use virtual methods of care. As many aspects of healthcare have been forced to move online during the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable populations, such as older adults, have experienced access barriers.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global increase in the demand for mental health care. 1,2 Consideration is needed to understand the mental health of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, given that they are among the most vulnerable populations with higher risk of infection as well as development of severe illnesses or complications. 3,4 Despite anecdotal reports, research on the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among patients with cancer is limited.…”