DigitalTools f or Mental Health and Wellbeing: Opportunities & Impact. Findings from the literature and community research

Digital tools such as computerised therapies, apps and websites have tremendous potential for mental health and wellbeing. Globally, millions of people download mental health or wellbeing apps every year. Within New Zealand, more than 10% of the population is likely to have accessed major websites or apps for depression in the last year.

There are many evidence-based computerised therapies and thousands of evidence-informed apps and websites. These include quality Aotearoa New Zealand digital tools with substantive Māori or Pacific led content.

However, major challenges remain: many evidence-based tools have poor uptake or retention outside of trials; popular tools incur charges to users and do not have important mental health content; the digital divide can reinforce health inequities; and communities are often not seeking digital tools for mental health or do not trust these.

In this report we outline promising ways for Te Hiringa Hauora, the Health Promotion Agency, to increase the impact of digital tools for mental health and wellbeing. We consider evidence from Māori, Pacific, international and local research and insights, and answer specific questions posed by Te Hiringa Hauora.