Digital technologies like mental health smartphone apps, digital clinics, and telehealth virtual visits are transforming and revolutionizing remote health when it comes to enhancing access to mental health care. In the world, one in two people has mental health issues that impact their social, personal, and work-life and later have a negative impact on the economy and the environment. With the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are dealing with depression and anxiety due to irregular incomes, disconnection with loved ones, and self-isolation. Digital tools and technologies have played a very important role to make mental health providers reach their patients remotely to help diagnose and treat their conditions. Digital technologies have improved access to care for larger populations.
Through digital technologies, mental health patients can get,
- Greater choice
- Increased flexibility
- Rapid access to high-quality care
- Greater access to information and services
Digital technologies and mental health
Telemedicine
Telemedicine EMR software is seen as an effective platform by patients and psychiatrists to treat mental health conditions. Virtual sessions help patients to have comfortable one on one talks with their care provider. This has also helped to battle the stigma of receiving mental health care in America and many parts of the world. Timely communication with a psychologist is key to avoid stress and anxiety in the future. The 24 hours a day availability to connect with your provider have empowered patients. The earlier detection of problems and shared-decision making through telehealth therapy has made it a preferred platform for mental health patients.
Mental health apps
Mental health smartphone apps have recently gained a lot of popularity because it’s a solution in the palm of the patient. These apps usually include a symptom tracker, appointment and medication reminders, and motivational prompts. These apps are safe and are user-friendly to be used by patients who want a positive impact on their well-being.
Challenges
The apparent challenge when it comes to digital tools is the issue of privacy and security of sensitive patient data that will be shared between providers and clinicians. Data sharing opportunities should be protected and encrypted via HIPAA compliance or the use of Blockchain technology to gain the trust of patients.
Conclusion
Technological innovations have proved to lay a positive foundation in the mental health sector. Through digital tools and devices, the barriers to communication can be lifted, and patients and quickly connect with their mental health provider to monitor mental issues on time. In a world where people are dealing with a relationship crisis, disturbed parent-child relationships, broken families, unemployment, and the youth getting into drugs we require digital tools to increase access to mental health care patients to larger population groups for a healthy and happier environment.
