Abstract
BackgroundConnected mental health (CMH) is a field presenting information and communications technology–based mental care interventions that could help overcome many mental care delivery barriers. Culture and background influence people’s attitudes, preferences, and acceptance of such solutions. Therefore, the suitability of CMH solutions to the targeted population is an important factor in their successful adoption.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to develop a framework for the design and creation of CMH solutions suitable for the UAE context. The framework is based on investigating enablers and barriers of CMH adoption in the United Arab Emirates, from the mental health professional's (MHP) perspective and from related literature.MethodsA survey of literature on relevant studies addressing the use of technology for mental care in Arab countries, and a web-based questionnaire-based survey with 17 MHPs practicing in the United Arab Emirates investigating their attitudes and views toward CMH was conducted. Results from the questionnaire and from related studies were analyzed to develop the design framework.ResultsOn the basis of findings from the literature survey and analyzing MHP answers to the web-based survey, a framework for the design of CMH solutions for the UAE population was developed. The framework presents four types of recommendation categories: favorable criteria, which included blended care, anonymity, and ease of use; cultural factors including availability in multiple languages, mainly Arabic and English, in addition to religious and cultural considerations; technical considerations, including good-quality communication, availability in formats compatible with mobile phones, and providing technical support; and users’ health and data safety considerations, including users’ suitability testing, confidentiality, and ensuring MHP integrity.ConclusionsCMH has the potential to help overcome many mental care barriers in the United Arab Emirates in particular and in the Arab world in general. CMH adoption in the United Arab Emirates has a potential for success. However, many factors should be taken into account, mainly cultural, religious, and linguistic aspects.
Highlights
BackgroundThe connected mental health (CMH) field, referring to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for mental health care, has become an established field of research, fueled by the continuous advances in technology and the existing barriers to mental care delivery
Q3: mental health professional (MHP) Awareness of the Terms e-Mental Health, Mobile Mental Health, Connected mental health (CMH), Digital Mental Health, and Telemental Health When investigating knowledge of MHPs on the different terms referring to the use of technology for mental health, telemental health was found to be the most known term, as only 6% (1/17) of the participants did not recognize it, whereas CMH was the least known term, as 82% (14/17) of the participants did not recognize it
Almost all surveyed MHPs had knowledge of the term telemental health, which is related to the term telehealth, one of the oldest known terms referring to the use of ICT in health, as it has been used in the literature since the 1990s [43,44]
Summary
BackgroundThe connected mental health (CMH) field, referring to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for mental health care, has become an established field of research, fueled by the continuous advances in technology and the existing barriers to mental care delivery. CMH solutions are available for several mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders [4,5,6], depression [7], and addiction [8]. CMH solutions can help achieve a more widely spread delivery of mental care, reaching different groups of people. They can address some of the limitations of the mental care systems, especially regarding costs and mental health professional (MHP) availability, which is currently further challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. CMH solutions can offer the treatment in a discreet and anonymous manner, which may help overcome the stigma barrier. Connected mental health (CMH) is a field presenting information and communications technology–based mental care interventions that could help overcome many mental care delivery barriers. The suitability of CMH solutions to the targeted population is an important factor in their successful adoption
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