Authors: Heidi Sturk, Tania McMahon, Carol Purtell
Year: 2022
Event: 2022 TheMHS Conference
Subject: workshop, digital mental health
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: WORKSHOP: Utilising Digital Mental Health for Prevention and Early Intervention
The growing use of digital mental health by people of all ages highlights the value of these options in facilitating access to mental health and wellbeing support, and in assisting to manage high demand for services. Awareness of digital mental health options has been increasing over recent years and many practitioners are now familiar with a range of services and tools available to utilise with their clients. Increasing numbers of clients are also expecting their practitioners to have knowledge about these resources.
Despite this awareness, many health practitioners still require guidance and support about how to introduce digital mental health to clients and how to use it within their own clinical practice. The integration of digital mental health requires knowledge of effectiveness and best practice adoption of these services to supplement face-to-face and telehealth care. There is good evidence that client outcomes improve with appropriate use of digital mental health, and there are some excellent resources for prevention and early intervention work.
A recent survey by the e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) service found that practitioners value training which provides emphasis on translating knowledge to clinical practice by providing case scenario and role play demonstrations. The e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) service is funded by the Australian Government to increase digital mental health knowledge, skills and confidence in primary care practitioners nationwide and this survey data has informed ongoing training and support options.
This workshop will present some case scenario examples of how to use digital mental health for prevention and early intervention. These scenarios will focus on how to match specific digital mental health services to a client's individual needs, abilities and desired outcomes and will include resources which provide quick strategies, skills and coping techniques. The second half of the workshop will be an engaging hands-on experience. Workshop participants will be able to choose from a range of other case scenarios on different issues and client groups. They will explore relevant digital mental health options for their selected case studies with guidance by the presenters.
60-minute Workshop plan:
5 mins – Introductions by presenters
10 mins – Presentation slides: Overview about how digital mental health options can be used
10 mins – Presentation of case scenario with possible digital mental health options that could be utilised – actual apps, forums, programs etc
20 mins – Worksheets with 10 different case scenario options (different mental health issues and types of clients) handed out to all participants in a workbook which also contains helpful hints. Participants choose a scenario that interests them and search for relevant evidence-based digital options via the Australian government’s Head to Health website, the eMHPrac directory and evidence-based app libraries. They can use their own smart phones, tablets or laptops. We will have some ipads available for use by delegates. The 3 workshop presenters will mingle with participants to provide assistance.
10 mins – Discussion in big group about issues encountered and how to address.
Examples of possible digital options for all case studies will be given to all participants to take with them. We will emphasise these are just possibilities, but they help provide guidance on how these options can be used.
5 mins – Summary and take-home reminders.
30 minutes of the workshop will involve interaction by workshop participants.
This workshop will be relevant to all health practitioners and the peer workforce.
Consumers will also find the workshop helpful, but it will be couched in terms of health practitioners working with clients.
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