The impact of digitalisation on mental health care

Key statistics 

• between 38% and 78% of people with severe mental health conditions report seeking mental health information online 

• 90% of UK households had internet access at the time of the study 

• smartphone ownership among UK adults increased from 52% to 85% over a five-year period 
   

Key messages 

• digital technologies are increasingly used for mental health support, including self-monitoring, online information seeking and remote interventions 

• co-production with clinicians, frontline staff and people with lived experience is important to design tools that are relevant and usable 

• digital tools can improve access to support, particularly for people who may not engage with face-to-face services 

• there are significant barriers to adoption, including lack of staff training, limited digital literacy and unequal access to technology 

• concerns about data privacy, confidentiality and how information is used can reduce trust in digital platforms 

• some staff and service users are concerned that digital tools may weaken therapeutic relationships or replace face-to-face care 

• digital interventions are developing faster than the evidence base, creating challenges for evaluation and implementation 

Policy implications 

• invest in digital infrastructure and training across the health and social care workforce 

• embed co-production approaches in the design and implementation of digital mental health tools 

• develop clear governance frameworks for data security, privacy and ethical use of digital health data 

• ensure digital tools are used to complement, not replace, face-to-face care where needed 

• address digital exclusion by improving access to devices, internet connectivity and digital skills support 

• support ongoing evaluation of digital interventions to ensure they are effective and safe 

Gaps 

• limited high-quality evidence on long-term effectiveness of many digital mental health interventions 

• digital tools are often developed without a clear theoretical framework explaining how they work 

• lack of consistent evaluation methods, with traditional trials often too slow for rapidly evolving technologies 

• limited research on how digital approaches affect therapeutic relationships and care quality over time 

• insufficient focus on how digital exclusion affects access for different population groups 

Commentary 
This paper looks at how digital technology is changing mental health care. It shows that more people are using the internet and smartphones to find information, track their symptoms and access support. For some people, this can make it easier to get help, especially if they feel uncomfortable with face-to-face services or live in areas with limited provision. 

However, access to digital care is not equal. While many people now use the internet regularly, not everyone has the same level of access, confidence or skills. Some people may not have reliable internet or devices, while others may struggle to use digital tools. This creates a risk that digital approaches could widen existing inequities if they are not designed and implemented carefully. 

The paper also highlights concerns from staff and service users. Some worry that digital tools could reduce human contact or be used as a cheaper alternative to proper care. Others are concerned about how personal data is collected and used. These concerns can affect trust and willingness to engage with digital services. 

Another key issue is the gap between how quickly digital tools are being developed and how slowly they are evaluated. Many tools are introduced before there is strong evidence on how well they work or who they work best for. This makes it harder for services to know which tools to adopt. 

From a health and social care equity perspective, digital technology has both potential and risk. It can improve access by reaching people in their everyday lives and offering flexible support. At the same time, if issues like digital exclusion, workforce readiness and trust are not addressed, it may reinforce existing inequities. 

Overall, the paper suggests that digital mental health care should be developed alongside, not instead of, wider investment in services and support. A balanced approach is needed so that technology improves access without reducing the quality or equity of care.