Advancing Digital Therapeutics for Mental Health

Demand for mental health services has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the UK alone an estimated 1.6 million people are awaiting treatment, while a further eight million who do not qualify for NHS help are experiencing day-to-day challenges. Increasingly digital therapeutics (DTx) are being considered as an option to fill the gaps in healthcare provision. They have the potential to be woven into the patient journey, empowering patients either whilst they wait for therapy, post discharge, or in tandem with therapy.

Liz Ashall-Payne, founding CEO of the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) is a strong believer in the power of these digital tools, which will be discussed in detail at HIMSS22 Europe next month. Consumer research by ORCHA found that younger people, and women with children at home particularly appreciated the flexibility and discretion DTx offer. “DTx have massive potential to iron out the uneven way in which mental health support is accessed. They offer a confidential, cost-effective, and convenient route to support,” Ashall-Payne says.