The role of human involvement and support in digital mental health interventions for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a critical review

Abstract

Purpose of review: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SDD) are characterised by a complex array of psychosis symptoms, and typically require ongoing and long-term support including pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have been suggested as a novel therapeutic approach to enable low cost, scalable improvements in quality of care for adults living with SSD. However, the types and role of human involvement and support within DMHIs is currently unknown.

Recent findings: Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the potential efficacy of DMHIs for people with SSD, with scant yet emerging systematic evidence on the effects of human support within DMHIs on mental health outcomes. Further, several recent individual studies examined the efficacy of DMHIs with human support among people with SSD and provided valuable insights into the potential active ingredients of such support on outcomes relevant to this population.

Summary: The current critical review provides the first narrative synthesis of available evidence to guide clinicians and intervention develops in designing DMHIs with adequate human support that may enhance long-term outcomes of people living with SSD.