Use and uptake of web-based therapeutic interventions amongst Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and Canada: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: Barriers to receiving optimal healthcare exist for Indigenous populations globally for a range of reasons. To overcome such barriers and enable greater access to basic and specialist care, developments in information and communication technologies are being applied. The focus of this scoping review is on web-based therapeutic interventions (WBTI) that aim to provide guidance, support and treatment for health problems. Objectives: This review identifies and describes international scientific evidence on WBTI used by Indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA for managing and treating a broad range of health conditions. Eligibility criteria: Studies assessing WBTI designed for Indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand, that were published in English, in peer-reviewed literature, from 2006 to 2018 (inclusive), were considered for inclusion in the review. Studies were considered if more than 50% of participants were Indigenous, or if results were reported separately for Indigenous participants. Sources of evidence: Following a four-step search strategy in consultation with a research librarian, 12 databases were searched with a view to finding both published and unpublished studies. Charting methods: Data was extracted, synthesised and reported under four main conceptual categories: (1) types of WBTI used, (2) community uptake of WBTI, (3) factors that impact on uptake and (4) conclusions and recommendations for practice.

Determining Priorities in the Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative for Youth App Second Phase Participatory Design Project: Qualitative Study and Narrative Literature Review

“…Culturally relevant, intuitive, aesthetic, and minimalist designs increase the acceptability and usability of dMH tools [ 53 , 75 , 78 ], particularly for those whose first language is not English [ 79 ]. Furthermore, mental health apps designed for use by nonclinical populations allow greater accessibility, reduce stigma, and facilitate preventative use [ 44 , 61 ].…”

Development of a casual video game (Match Emoji) with psychological well-being concepts for young adolescents

“…Systematic reviews of apps highlight that some of these are likely to be helpful, but most have not been tested. 12,17 While a handful of apps appear to be highly appealing, with millions of downloads, many young people who might benefit from these do not access them.…”

“…10 Digital technology offers scalable opportunities for mental health promotion and intervention. Computerised therapies, often based on cognitive behavioural therapy, are effective for treating anxiety and depression [11][12][13] and may have a role in preventing depression. 14 However, outside of trials, retention in computerised therapies has often been low.…”

Collaborative Involvement of Indigenous Youth in the Design and Evaluation of Digital Mental Health Interventions: A Scoping Review Protocol

“…There remains limited cultural diversity in the digital mental health eld, despite recognition of their potential to increase access to treatment for Indigenous populations (12)(13)(14). To date, ve systematic or scoping reviews have been conducted in the area of health technologies for Indigenous populations (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), however only one has focused on youth and mental health interventions (19). One other related article contains a literature review and a case study (20).…”

“…One other related article contains a literature review and a case study (20). There is a consensus among the authors of these reviews that meaningful engagement of end users in design, development or evaluation is a necessary component of digital health solutions (15,(17)(18)(19).…”