Key Messages 

• Between 38% to 78% of people with severe mental health conditions seek information on mental health online 

• Coproduction is necessary: For design purposes, co-production involving clinicians, frontline staff, and people with lived experience is crucial for creating effective and accessible digital mental health tools. Engaging people early in the design process ensures tools reflect real needs and improve outcomes. 

• Ethical considerations include ensuring ongoing feedback, attention to data governance, and avoiding passive, expert-led models especially when using AI and wearable devices.  

• Barriers to adopting digital solutions 

• Staff concerns include lack of training, digital literacy, internet access, and fears that digital tools may weaken therapeutic relationships or lead to disengagement due to reduced face-to-face contact. 

• There are also concerns about how data from digital platforms might be used, fearing breaches of confidentiality or misuse. 

• Mixed perceptions of value: While some see digital platforms as a helpful bridge for re-engaging users, others worry they may encourage avoidance or be used as a cost-cutting substitute for proper care. Addressing these attitudes is key to successful implementation. 

Commentary 

• This paper highlights how digital technologies are reshaping mental health care, offering new possibilities for self-monitoring, remote support, and scalable interventions. It emphasises both the promise and the challenges of digital health innovations (DHIs), noting that while access to smartphones and the internet is growing, barriers such as digital literacy, staff training, and concerns about data privacy persist. The authors give emphasis to the importance of co-production to ensure relevance trust and usability of digital solutions. 
• This paper is also useful in cautioning against the over reliance of technology as a cost-cutting substitute to face to face support for mental health. The authors call for iterative and inclusive approaches to development of digital tools in a way that is underpinned by accessibility and user testing and feedback to ensure that digital mental health care is effective and equitable, whilst being receptive to the needs of diverse populations.