Mobile health for mental health support: a survey of attitudes and concerns among mental health professionals in Poland over the period 2020-2023

Abstract

IntroductionMobile health (mHealth) has emerged as a dynamic sector supported by technological advances and the COVID-19 pandemic and have become increasingly applied in the field of mental health.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the attitudes, expectations, and concerns of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists, towards mHealth, in particular mobile health self-management tools and telepsychiatry in Poland.Material and methodsThis was a survey conducted between 2020 and 2023. A questionnaire was administered to 148 mental health professionals, covering aspects such as telepsychiatry, mobile mental health tools, and digital devices.ResultsThe majority of professionals expressed readiness to use telepsychiatry, with a peak in interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a gradual decline from 2022. Concerns about telepsychiatry were reported by a quarter of respondents, mainly related to difficulties in correctly assessing the patient’s condition, and technical issues. Mobile health tools were positively viewed by professionals, with 86% believing they could support patients in managing mental health and 74% declaring they would recommend patients to use them. Nevertheless, 29% expressed concerns about the effectiveness and data security of such tools. Notably, the study highlighted a growing readiness among mental health professionals to use new digital technologies, reaching 84% in 2023.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the importance of addressing concerns and designing evidence-based mHealth solutions to ensure long-term acceptance and effectiveness in mental healthcare. Additionally, the study highlights the need for ongoing regulatory efforts to safeguard patient data and privacy in the evolving digital health landscape.