Abstract
Purpose of ReviewThis review summarizes digital health solutions being used for Indigenous mental well-being, with emphasis on available evidence and examples reported in the literature. We also describe our own local experience with a rural telemental health service for Indigenous youth and discuss the unique opportunities and challenges.Recent FindingsDigital health solutions can be grouped into three main categories: (1) remote access to specialists, (2) building and supporting local capacity, and (3) patient-directed interventions. Limited evidence exists for the majority of digital solutions specifically in Indigenous contexts, although examples and pilot projects have been described. Telemental health has the strongest evidence, along with a growing evidence for web-based applications, largely led by Australia. Other digital approaches remain areas of promise requiring additional study. Co-design and service integration and respect for Indigenous history and ideologies are essential for success.SummaryWhile the use of digital health solutions for Indigenous mental well-being holds promise, there is a limited evidence base for most of them. Future efforts to expand the use of digital solutions in this population should adhere to best practices for the delivery of Indigenous health services.
Highlights
Health systems are making significant investments in digital health for health promotion, facilitating selfmanagement, and improving access to care [1]
The significant health inequities experienced by the Indigenous have resulted from the complex interplay between geography, socioeconomic determinants of health, differing cultural conceptualizations of health, and longstanding effects of colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and structural violence leading to reinforcement of stigma and mistrust of Western health care [5, 6]
We summarize the use of digital health solutions for mental well-being in Indigenous populations
Summary
Health systems are making significant investments in digital health for health promotion, facilitating selfmanagement, and improving access to care [1]. Referred to as “virtual healthcare” and sometimes “electronic or e-Healthcare”, may involve any form of information technology to enhance healthcare. Digital health solutions for mental well-being are one of the fastest growing uses [2]. In regions with high Indigenous representation, like Canada and Australia, use of digital solutions has been recommended to address mental health needs and gaps in services [3, 4]. The mental health needs among the Indigenous are often significant and unique [7, 8], with the potential to benefit substantially from digital health solutions, especially those developed and implemented in a culturally informed way. We summarize the use of digital health solutions for mental well-being in Indigenous populations. We discuss our own Rural Northern Telehealth Service (RNTS), which provides remote mental health services to Indigenous youth in Manitoba, Canada
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
