Learn about Digital MHPSS

Research on digital interventions has grown rapidly during the last 20 years. Following the latest findings on Digital MHPSS nine important insights and key findings for the provision of services in humanitarian contexts can be summarised:

• Digital mental health interventions (DMHI) on the higher layers of the MHPSS-pyramid are proven effective and can help to close the existing access gap to mental health treatment.
• Digital psychosocial interventions (DPSI) on the lower layers of the MHPSS-pyramid with a focus on prevention and individual and social resources have large potential but need further examination.
• Digital literacy, online connectivity, and access to devices must be taken into account to prevent further marginalization of already vulnerable individuals and groups.
• Digital interventions are a viable option also for staff and volunteers to cope with adversity and mental health conditions.
• Human support remains an important factor, also in digital MHPSS.
• In resource-constrained contexts, digital MHPSS can facilitate task-shifting or -sharing and be provided by lay and/or healthcare professionals, with both requiring specific training and supervision for digital delivery.
• The transition to digital alternatives needs to involve both user and provider perspectives to increase acceptance, adherence and compliance.
• Adapting and contextualising existing digital interventions and focusing on content instead of technology could fast-track digital MHPSS development.
• To provide effective digital MHPSS interventions in real-world settings, it is crucial to focus on implementation factors and structural requirements early on.

Here you are provided with facts and the current state of knowledge about digital MHPSS. The nine factsheets are primarily addressed to healthcare professionals and MHPSS practitioners within the Movement who deliver interventions and play a crucial role in providing and disseminating digital services in everyday work in humanitarian and fragile settings. You can read the following factsheets in any order you like. If you want to explore the topic further after reading the nine factsheets, continue with the ‘Dive Deeper’ area, where you can find research articles, reports, and other resources for further learning.