Learn about digital MHPSS

Research on digital interventions has grown rapidly during the last 20 years. Following the latest findings on Digital MHPSS nine important insights and key findings for the provision of services in humanitarian contexts can be summarised:

• Digital mental health interventions (DMHI) on the higher layers of the MHPSS-pyramid are proven effective when responsive to the cultural and socioeconomic context of their intended audiences and can help to close the existing access gap to mental health treatment.
• Digital psychosocial interventions (DPSI) on the lower layers of the MHPSS-pyramid with a focus on prevention and individual and social resources have large potential but need further examination.
• Digital literacy, online connectivity, and access to devices must be taken into account to prevent further marginalization of already vulnerable individuals and groups.
• Digital interventions are a viable option also for staff and volunteers to cope with adversity and mental health conditions.
• Human support remains an important factor, also in digital MHPSS.
• Digital interventions can be effectively distributed globally and used in many different settings. In resource-constrained, fragile, and humanitarian contexts where face-to-face interventions are difficult to provide, digital MHPSS can scale up existing services, and facilitate task-shifting or -sharing. Regardless of whether they are provided by lay and/or healthcare professionals, specific training and supervision for digital delivery is required.
• The transition to digital alternatives needs to involve both user and provider perspectives to increase acceptance, adherence and compliance.
• Adapting and contextualising existing digital interventions and focusing on content instead of technology could fast-track digital MHPSS development.
• To provide effective digital MHPSS interventions in real-world settings, it is crucial to focus on implementation factors and structural requirements early on.

Here you are provided with facts and the current state of knowledge about digital MHPSS. If you want to explore the topic further, continue with the ‘Dive deeper‘ area, where you can find research articles, reports, and other resources for further learning.