2023-08-10 18:38:17
Stéphane Vial, regular researcher at the Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal and professor at the School of Design of the University of Quebec in Montreal (Photo: courtesy)
Facilitating access to care, countering stigma or offering new tools to manage disorders such as anxiety: the promise of digital solutions in mental health are numerous. Obstacles too. Despite everything, entrepreneurs are entering this market, eager to make a difference. Overview of an emerging sector.
The pandemic has uncovered videoconferencing therapies, wellness apps and online psychological support. “It led to an awareness of the importance of mental health,” says Stéphane Vial, regular researcher at the Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal and professor at the School of Design of the University. from Quebec to Montreal.
The needs in this area are crying out. Some 20,000 people are still waiting for a first appointment with a mental health professional in Quebec, according to the Ministry of Social Services.
The holder of the Diament Chair points out that on average in Quebec, a CIUSSS or a CISSS uses between 400 and 900 information systems, from payroll software to the one that manages the waiting list of requests. “That tells you how great the technological complexity is”, illustrates Stéphane Vial.
According to Stéphane Guay, digital solutions in mental health still have many advantages. “It gives patients easier access to modes of care. It also thwarts the stigma associated with consulting a psychiatrist or a mental health institute, “says the scientific director of the Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal.
The one who is also co-director of the Axel Center, a technological intelligence accelerator in mental health, believes that these tools make it possible to reach those who do not have the capacity to consult. “In the regions, for example, the required specialties are not always available. It can really give access to relevant and effective care.”
This way of doing things does not just benefit the patients. Stakeholders also find their account. “By having complementary modes of intervention, clinicians can adapt their methods to see more patients and help them in different ways.”
Solutions exist
Quebecers are now spoiled for choice. Web platforms, mobile apps and other mental health self-care strategies are at your fingertips. The co-director of the Axel Center notes, however, that the offer in French remains limited.
“The deployment of Quebec’s Digital Mental Health Acceleration and Integration Strategy should overcome this obstacle over time,” says Stéphane Guay.
It is difficult for the moment to know the exact number of digital tools developed in the province. Quebec presents only four of them on its website.
“There are two web platforms in particular, Go better my way and Find your spirit. By the end of the year, there will be a site devoted to the Digital Mental Health Strategy which will include other resources,” adds Stéphane Guay.
Since its creation in 2018, the Axel Center has set up half a dozen projects, ranging from a mobile application for young victims of bullying to avatar therapy to mitigate the effects of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenics.
The limits of digital
The co-director also notes that more and more companies are emerging in this sector. This emerging market is developing rapidly around the world. “In Quebec, companies develop tools that are not always designed on a sound scientific basis,” notes Stéphane Guay. This is why we cannot rely solely on the innovation of entrepreneurs to make up for the lack of resources.”
Pierrich Plusquellec, who co-founded EmoScienS, also pleads for “ethical certification”, which would be affixed to tools whose ethics are guaranteed. “There is a question of trust and social acceptability that still needs to be worked on.”
“The use of digital health has exploded during the pandemic, notes for his part Stéphane Vial. The utilization rate has increased. Before, the figures in this regard were catastrophic. It was then considered that 46% of health applications had less than one monthly active user. Sustained engagement, on a regular basis, remains a challenge.”
While mental health personnel have not yet been trained in the use of digital solutions, implementation will not be done by shouting scissors either.
Stéphane Guay remains optimistic. “In addition to the Digital Strategy, there is fertile ground with artificial intelligence that can support innovation and continuous improvement. Other organisations, such as MEDTECH+, create links between companies and researchers. All the ingredients are there to do a good job.”
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