Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHI)
Type of research: qualitative empirical (quantitative empirical as a possible addition)
Description:
Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHI) could be a solution to improve the overburden of healthcare systems and provide immediate support and mitigating frustration with waiting periods. However, dropout rates are still very high. This assignment aims at identifying the needs and preferences of students (other target populations are possible too) using DMHIs. More specifically, whether and how they could be engaged with a digital mental health intervention, also considering specific strategies.
Notes: A multiple stakeholder focus is also possible (i.e. including the perspective of other relevant stakeholders, e.g. therapists) as well as stakeholders from different contexts (Saxion/other universities/ Therapieland). Next to the needs assessment, low-fi prototypes of design elements including engagement strategies designed and tested (e.g. through a survey). Interest in design elements is encouraged.
Example research questions could include:
1) What makes the students more engaged with DMHIs?
2) What are risks and benefits of using *specific engagement strategy* according to the students?
3) How is adaptiveness perceived by students in DMHIs?
Requirements:
Students with an interest in digital mental health interventions development and design, and the concept of engagement. Dutch language is not a requirement, but it could offer advantages to reach therapists or other specific target groups. Interest in innovative qualitative methods is appreciated.
References:
Vigo, D., G. Thornicroft, and R. Atun, Estimating the true global burden of mental illness. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2016. 3(2): p. 171-178.
Andrews, G., et al., Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: an updated meta-analysis. Journal of anxiety disorders, 2018. 55: p. 70-78.
Kelders, S.M., L.E. Van Zyl, and G.D. Ludden, The concept and components of engagement in different domains applied to ehealth: a systematic scoping review. Frontiers in psychology, 2020. 11: p. 926.
Saleem, M., et al., Understanding Engagement Strategies in Digital Interventions for Mental Health Promotion: Scoping Review. JMIR Ment Health, 2021. 8(12): p. e30000.