RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Digital Navigators for Acceptance and Competence Development with Mental Health Apps

This study is exploring a new role called 'Digital Navigators' to help people with mental health conditions and their healthcare teams use mental health apps. The goal is to understand if these navigators can make it easier for patients to find and use suitable apps as part of their treatment. Researchers want to find out what works well and what challenges might come up. They will also look at whether digital navigators improve patients' comfort and skills with technology, and if they have a positive impact on their mental health. Doctors' assistants will be trained as navigators to support patients for 12 weeks in choosing and using beneficial apps.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane

Enrolment target

116

Start

15 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

14 Jul 2025

Acceptability of Health Care Engagement, Patient Nurse's Role Mental Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is about making it easier for people with mental health difficulties to get the most out of digital mental health apps. These apps can sometimes help with treatment, but many people don't use them, or find it hard to get started. The idea behind this study is to see if having a 'Digital Navigator' – someone specially trained – can help. These navigators would work with both patients and their doctors or therapists to choose and use the right apps.

The main aim is to understand how these navigators might fit into mental health care. Researchers want to know if patients and care teams find them useful, what difficulties might arise, and whether they genuinely improve how often and how well apps are used. They also want to see if having a navigator helps people become more confident and skilled with digital tools, and importantly, if it improves their mental health.

Ultimately, this research hopes to find a good way to use technology to support mental health treatment, especially for people who might not currently be getting the help they need. If Digital Navigators prove effective, it could be a new way to make mental health support more accessible and user-friendly for many people.

Key takeaways

This study explores using 'Digital Navigators' to help people use mental health apps.
Navigators support patients for 12 weeks to select and use suitable apps.
The research will check if navigators improve digital skills and mental health.
It aims to understand what aids or hinders navigator support.
Findings could make mental health app use more accessible.
Participation requires a smartphone and basic digital literacy.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult, 18 years or older, with a mental health diagnosis from a specific list (covering many common conditions like depression or anxiety, but not severe issues like dementia). You would also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part, and be able to speak German well enough for interviews.

It's important that you have a modern smartphone and know the basics of how to use it, as the study involves mental health apps. People who are in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, or who have serious brain conditions affecting their thinking, would not be able to join.

Also, if you've recently (within the last three weeks) received intensive mental health treatment from a specialist, or have an intellectual disability, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis for a mental health condition (not including severe brain disorders or intellectual disability)?
Can you understand the study information and give your consent to participate?
Do you own a smartphone and know how to use its basic functions?
Are you able to speak German well enough for interviews?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will be supported by a trained 'Digital Navigator' for 12 weeks. This navigator, who might be a doctor's assistant, will help you choose a suitable mental health app for your condition and guide you on how to use it. They will provide support and answer your questions over this three-month period. Throughout the study, you'll be asked about your experiences and how comfortable you are with using digital tools. There are no specific medications provided as part of this study; it focuses on the use of digital apps with navigator support. The total duration of your active involvement with the Digital Navigator will be 12 weeks, with assessments before and after.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer potential benefits, such as gaining confidence in using mental health apps and improving your digital skills, which might support your mental well-being. However, there are also potential risks, including the time commitment, or perhaps finding some apps aren't as helpful as hoped. There's also a small chance of technical difficulties while using the apps. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (6)

Praxis Brandenburg an der Havel
Verified postcode
Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany· Recruiting
Praxis Eberswalde
Verified postcode
Eberswalde, Germany· Recruiting
Psychiatrische Institutsambulanz (PIA) Fürstenwalde
Verified postcode
Fürstenwalde, Germany· Recruiting
Praxis Fürstenwalde
Verified postcode
Fürstenwalde, Germany· Recruiting
Psychiatrische Institutsambulanz (PIA) Rüdersdorf
Verified postcode
Rüdersdorf, Germany· Recruiting
Psychiatrische Institutsambulanz (PIA) Strausberg
Verified postcode
Strausberg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'Digital Navigator'?

A Digital Navigator is a specially trained person, often a medical assistant, who helps patients and their care teams choose and use digital mental health apps.

Will I have to use a specific app?

No, the Digital Navigator will help you find a suitable mental health app that fits your needs from a range of options.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will receive support from a Digital Navigator for 12 weeks, with assessments before and after this period.

What if I'm not good with technology?

The study aims to see if Digital Navigators can help improve your digital skills and comfort with technology, so basic knowledge is okay.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your regular care.

How to find out more

Julian Schwarz, MD

julian.schwarz@mhb-fontane.de +49 (0) 33638 83501 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.