Authors: Christopher Boyd-Skinner, Eileen McDonald, Corinne Henderson, Jennifer Chen
Year: 2022
Event: 2022 TheMHS Conference
Subject: digital mental health, services
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: LEAD PRESENTATION: Encouraging Implementation of the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards
Christopher Boyd-Skinner, Eileen McDonald
Digital mental health service use has increased significantly; however it is not always easy for those using digital mental health services (users) to determine if it is safe and of high quality. Risks to users include a range of complexities, from inappropriate or non-evidence-based models of care, to breaches of privacy and misuse of personal data.
The National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards were launched in November 2020 following extensive consultation with users, service providers, clinicians and technical experts. The Standards are designed to ensure safety and minimise the risk of harm.
Findings from pilot assessments of the Standards indicated that implementation led to a range of benefits including improved clinical and technical governance with increased accountability for the safe delivery of services, ensuring users were at the centre of service provision, and reaffirming a commitment to safety and quality.
This presentation will outline benefits for users and service providers implementing the Standards, acknowledging that while it may be a complex and challenging task, the outcome will be more integrated, safe and user-focused digital mental health services. The presentation will also discuss implementation support tools and resources.
LEAD PRESENTATION: Digital Service Delivery: supporting quality practice in an evolving community-based service environment
Corinne Henderson, Jennifer Chen
The COVID-19 pandemic has had unforeseen impacts on multiple aspects of our wellbeing, including mental health. Restrictions led to a rapid uptake of technology and community-based services (CMOs) showed adaptability to the changing service delivery environment. They found innovative and creative ways to develop sustainable alternatives to existing service models. The circumstances presented an opportunity to ensure quality improvement in a digital context. MHCC sought to assist the sector by developing a Digital Service Delivery Guide. The Mental Health Commission of NSW generously supported the project.
The Digital Service Delivery Guide raises operational, ethical and legal issues for CMOs to consider when providing digital services. The Guide can be used to review existing services and design new ones and covers broad-ranging topics including: digital inclusion; co-design and co-collaboration processes; informed consent, training and support; privacy and confidentiality; cyber security; outcome evaluation and good governance. This practical Guide also provides managers and frontline staff with checklists, templates and further resources.
Given the magnitude and complexity of change to mental health services, it is critical the system embeds best practice for digital service delivery. The online Guide assists service review and planning where new elements need to be considered for the future.
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