New prevention approaches that use engaging and innovative technologies are needed to reduce high rates of substance use and violence among university students. The present study developed and pilot-tested virtual reality (VR) technology that presented university students with immersive environments where they practiced skills with virtual peers.
Open Access Article
Smartphone apps can be highly effective in supporting young people experiencing mood disorders, but an appealing visual design is a key predictor of engagement with such apps. However, there has been little research about the interaction between visual design, mood and wellbeing in young people using a mental health app. This study aimed to explore young people’s perspectives on colour and visual design in the development of a music-based app for mood management.
Open Access Article
Research indicates that recording medical consultations benefits patients by helping them recall information pertinent to their care. Cancer Care Alberta set out to develop a mobile recording app to enable patients to safely and securely record appointments and take notes.
Open Access Article
Commentary. Emerging evidence suggests that digital mental health apps can be effective treatment tools ... However, further research is needed to determine which types of apps are most effective, in what ways, and for which conditions, alongside which mechanisms are involved, and how to generalise these findings for future research.
Linardon et al. (2024) ... aimed to provide more precise effect estimates, assess generalisability, and gain deeper insights into how app and trial characteristics influence effect sizes.
Commentary. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of mortality amongst young people worldwide (WHO, 2019) ... whilst digital tools are constantly being funded, developed, and tested, they are not necessarily being used ... As such, Bailey et al. (2024) aimed to address this gap in resources by conducting a Delphi study to develop clinical guidelines for safely integrating digital tools into mental health care for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Commentary of a systematic review "exploring the effectiveness of games for young people’s mental health, with a clear distinction between applied and casual types of games to help elucidate these insights more specifically."
The study aims to assess the feasibility of developing cognitive tools and integrating the cloud-enabled mobile-based technology into routine clinical practice for psychotic patients. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
To determine whether completion of an online mental health self-assessment by patients who are waiting in the emergency department can save clinician time taken to complete clinical assessment and documentation. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This study aims to investigate the usefulness and drawbacks of a mental health-themed podcast in reducing stigma. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of science-based mobile apps for reducing anxiety. Open access article - no login required.
Here, we used machine learning to identify predictors of social isolation and loneliness in schizophrenia (N = 72), a psychiatric condition associated with social disconnection. Open access article - no login required
This exploratory analysis assessed relationships between mHealth technology use frequency and alcohol-use outcomes. Using mHealth technologies to moderate drinking without direct prompting or per-use incentives was related to less overall alcohol use and heavy drinking. Open access article - no login required.
The aim of this scoping review was to identify factors influencing nurses’ acceptance of welfare technologies in institutional, home, or community settings. Open access article - no login required.
This study explored older adults’ experiences with the “My Health Plan” mHealth intervention and examined which person-level factors were associated with adherence. Open access article - no login required.
This article provides an overview of a service development project to develop a web-based application (app) to support non-mental health nurses when assessing the mental health needs and risks of children and young people. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The study explores psychotherapists' attitudes towards new technologies and digital solutions. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Théo Bourgeron, The Jacobin 07.05.2024: "The ascent of far-right movements is a tool that specific parts of the business world use to realign the balance of power between business sectors to their own advantage. In the case of the Rassemblement National, it is clear that the party seeks — and secures — support from certain groups of business owners. "
" The Rassemblement National has developed a project for the sector called “sovereign tech.” Many French tech entrepreneurs find this proposal appealing as they struggle with American big tech giants and seek to gain market share in France and Europe, especially in cloud computing and social networks. For example, the Rassemblement National manifesto proposes forcing foreign firms in strategic tech sectors operating in France to sell parts of their businesses to French or European competitors and would require US social networks to implement moderation strategies defined by French lawmakers for French content."
The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of training in IVR and a non-immersive virtual environment for improving real-world skills in people with ID. Open access article - no login required
Study found that a digitally augmented psychological therapy with therapist support could be as effective as normal treatment. This has cost and resource implications.