Abstract
BackgroundAccumulating evidence suggests the COVID-19 pandemic has negative effects on public mental health. Digital interventions that have been developed and evaluated in recent years may be used to mitigate the negative consequences of the pandemic. However, evidence-based recommendations on the use of existing telemedicine and internet-based (eHealth) and app-based mobile health (mHealth) interventions are lacking.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the theoretical and empirical base, user perspective, safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of digital interventions related to public mental health provision (ie, mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders) that may help to reduce the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA rapid meta-review was conducted. The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL databases were searched on May 11, 2020. Study inclusion criteria were broad and considered systematic reviews and meta-analyses that investigated digital tools for health promotion, prevention, or treatment of mental health conditions and determinants likely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsOverall, 815 peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified, of which 83 met the inclusion criteria. Our findings suggest that there is good evidence on the usability, safety, acceptance/satisfaction, and effectiveness of eHealth interventions. Evidence on mHealth apps is promising, especially if social components (eg, blended care) and strategies to promote adherence are incorporated. Although most digital interventions focus on the prevention or treatment of mental disorders, there is some evidence on mental health promotion. However, evidence on process quality, cost-effectiveness, and long-term effects is very limited.ConclusionsThere is evidence that digital interventions are particularly suited to mitigating psychosocial consequences at the population level. In times of physical distancing, quarantine, and restrictions on social contacts, decision makers should develop digital strategies for continued mental health care and invest time and efforts in the development and implementation of mental health promotion and prevention programs.
Highlights
Measures to prevent and control infections during the COVID-19 pandemic such as physical distancing, quarantine, and restrictions on social contacts can have a negative impact on public mental health [1]
Our findings suggest that there is good evidence on the usability, safety, acceptance/satisfaction, and effectiveness of eHealth interventions
At times of COVID-19 and physical distancing measures, this may be translated into a digital blended-care approach by combining telemedical with internet-based eHealth or smartphone-based mobile health (mHealth) interventions
Summary
Measures to prevent and control infections during the COVID-19 pandemic such as physical distancing, quarantine, and restrictions on social contacts can have a negative impact on public mental health [1]. Digital interventions that do not require face-to-face contact may play an important role in improving public mental health at times of infection prevention and control measures. They can be broadly grouped as telemedicine and internet-based interventions (hereafter eHealth interventions) [7] and app-based mobile health (mHealth) interventions delivered using smartphones or other mobile devices [8]. These interventions provide a unique opportunity for delivering low-threshold, public mental health care tailored to individual needs and contexts in daily life, outside the clinic [9], even under the restrictive conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence-based recommendations on the use of existing telemedicine and internet-based (eHealth) and app-based mobile health (mHealth) interventions are lacking
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