How to Improve Your Skills with Preventive Digital Mental Health Interventions for Children and Young People

Digital health interventions (DHIs) are becoming an essential tool in addressing mental health issues among children and young people. A recent review article titled "Preventive digital mental health interventions for children and young people: a review of the design and reporting of research" sheds light on the current landscape and provides actionable insights for practitioners. Here are some key takeaways from the research and how you can apply them to improve your practice.

Key Insights from the Research

The review identified several areas where DHIs can be improved to enhance their effectiveness and adoption in real-world settings. These include:

• Involvement of Users in Design: The research emphasizes the importance of involving children and young people in the co-design process of DHIs. This ensures that the interventions are user-friendly and relevant to the target audience.
• Comprehensive Reporting: There is a need for better reporting on the development, evaluation, and implementation of DHIs. This includes documenting user demographics, engagement levels, and any barriers to implementation.
• Addressing Diverse Populations: The review highlights the lack of research involving younger children and those from underserved backgrounds. Including these groups in future studies will help create more inclusive and effective interventions.
• Economic Evaluations: Only a minority of studies reported on the financial costs involved in delivering the interventions. Understanding the economic aspects is crucial for scaling these interventions in real-world settings.

Practical Steps for Practitioners

Based on the insights from the review, here are some practical steps you can take to improve your skills and enhance the effectiveness of DHIs in your practice:

• Engage with Users: Involve children and young people in the design and development of DHIs. Conduct focus groups, surveys, and usability testing to gather their input and make necessary adjustments.
• Document Thoroughly: Ensure comprehensive reporting on all aspects of the DHI, including user demographics, engagement metrics, and any challenges faced during implementation. This will not only improve the intervention but also contribute to the broader body of research.
• Focus on Inclusivity: Make a conscious effort to include diverse populations in your studies. This will help create interventions that are effective across different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Conduct Economic Evaluations: Assess the financial costs of implementing DHIs. This will provide valuable insights for scaling the interventions and making them accessible to a larger audience.

Encouraging Further Research

While the current research provides valuable insights, there is still much to be explored. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to address the gaps identified in the review. This includes focusing on younger children, underserved populations, and conducting more comprehensive economic evaluations. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Preventive digital mental health interventions for children and young people: a review of the design and reporting of research.