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Technology has played a pivotal role in being a part of various industries and healthcare is one of them. Abundant innovations and advancements have occurred in healthcare technology over the past few decades with rising healthcare needs. Out of the numerous healthcare issues prevalent in our society, mental health is one of the most pressing problems. Today, I am going to be discussing how technology is gradually shaping the future of mental health in Canada.
Let’s look at some of the current and existing technologies that assist in the treatment of mental health. Below is a diagram illustrating the various technologies that play a key role in the understanding and treatment of mental health.
("Source: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/sites/default/files/MHCC_E-Mental_Health-Briefing_Document_ENG_0.pdf, pg.7").
Let's understand the various technologies in the diagram above that assist in treating mental health.
Computerized interventions, resources and applications Computerized interventions give the ability to provide mental health services directly to the patient. These interventions include face to face therapies and have been specially formulated to treat depression or anxiety. “Mood Gym” and "Beating the Blues”, are two most commonly used computerized interventions worldwide with millions of registered applicants who use it to deal with depression. There are also online programs that incorporate visual videos which can be linked directly to one’s emails and mobile devices to assist in the treatment of mental health. Reviews of the computerized interventions interventions have proven to be equally as effective as face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy which is the traditional treatment process for mental health issues. The major advantage of using computerized interventions is the elimination of wait lists and saving the clinicians time to treat more severe cases of depression while offering online interventions for mild to moderate cases of depression. Evidence of the usage of computerized interventions have also shown that having a coach or a clinician can enhance the outcomes of the treatment process which can further create more job opportunities for clinicians in this field. The computerized treatment options for mental health were available on computers prior to invention of smart phones; however, the invention of smart phones has given the users access to numerous applications and tools that can support them to keep their minds healthy and strong (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Telehealth and Telemedicine Telehealth and telemedicine are two frequently used modes that involve the use of telecommunication to provide healthcare services over a distance. The difference between telehealth and telemedicine is that telehealth comprises of a broad range of services delivered in the non-clinical areas such as delivery of health information, training and education of healthcare professionals and management of health systems. Telemedicine on the other hand, delivers clinical services and is predominantly used for follow-up visits, management of chronic conditions, medication assistance, special consultation. In Canada, the Strongest Families Institute (SFI) which is non profit organization has been utilizing telehealth and telemedicine to provide cost-effective support for people seeking mental health. The SFI eliminates barriers to mental healthcare as they provide support to families in the comfort and privacy of their own homes and time convenience. SFI also accumulates feedback and conducts regular surveys so that they can enhance the quality of care delivered via telehealth and telemedicine (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Wearable computing and monitoring
Wearable computing and monitoring devices include applications available on phones and watches that monitor activities such as sleep patterns, weight, measurement of exercise and recording of mood. The advantage of wearable computing and monitoring is that real time data is available to the clinician and the patient which makes the treatment process faster and more efficient. In Canada, we have a portal named WalkAlong created for the youth to manage their mental health via online guidance from health professionals, family and friends. The WalkAlong program is widely used by millions of users as it tracks one’s mood, sleep, exercise and provides a score that aids in mental health assessment and treatment (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Big data
Big data is a technological development that uses the similar principle used by Amazon or Netflix which utilize data of past purchases to make recommendations for newer purchases. Big data involves gathering mental health data from healthcare providers on what treatment works for the individual and thus making recommendation of treatments that can offered in the next phase. It uses predictive analysis method via gathering data from monitoring social medial of the patient. The big data technology has proven to minimize the suicide rate amongst Canadians by using the predictive analysis method and delivering mental healthcare in a timely manner (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is the simulation of a three-dimensional environment generated by the computer programs to provide treatment of mental health especially for soldiers who suffer from post-traumatic issues. The virtual reality technology helps create scenarios that are impossible to be created in real life. Ongoing research and advancement efforts are being made to start applying virtual reality techniques to treat mental health in the future (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Peer support through social media and other technologies
It is extremely beneficial to have the support through social media and other technologies for people experiencing similar mental health issues. The Big White Wall is a global online support website that provide help with self-management of mental health problems, information on mental health diseases as well as online therapy through audio and video modes. Mindyourmind is a Canadian based online support forum created by youth in London, Ontario to express their views and provide support on mental health (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Robots
In the field of mental health, robots have been created to help people suffering from dementia. Therapeutic robots that imitate animals such as Paro, which is a robotic Canadian harp seal created in Japan is being predominantly used not just in Canada but also worldwide. Also, healthbots is another robot designed to deliver mental healthcare. These robots have proven to minimize loneliness in dementia patients and assist them with social interactions (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Gaming
Gaming is a technological development also used to benefit people with mental health learn cognitive behavioural skills. Sparx is a game that teaches behavioral skills by asking the participants to enter an imaginary island and combat with their negative thoughts and overcome obstacles created in the game. This game is targeted to treat mild to moderate depression in the teenage population (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
Now let’s look at how predominant is the use of technology amongst Canadians. In Canada, technology is widely used with 25.5 million Canadians using internet every day. Canada is amongst the number one user of internet world-wide based on a report from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA). The 2013 report from CIRA states that Canadians spend 45.6 hours per month online compared to 40.4 hours spent by Americans. Moreover, in the year 2012, 62 % smart phone users included 22 million Canadians (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014). This statistical data makes it clear that Canadians heavily rely of the use of technology for their day to day needs (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
In the future with growing mental health issues, technology will become widespread and a frequent mode to treat mental health diseases through online support and help. Current and existing technological advancements have already started changing the future of healthcare. However, to develop and enhance technology for future, investments are crucial from stakeholders at all levels. The main advantage of using technology to treat mental health is that people living in remote areas have access to these services. Also, people who are busy with work and responsibilities but lack the time to go to clinics/hospitals for diagnosis and treatment can start availing the service from their homes. Another major benefit is that people who lack information and knowledge of mental health disease can access information from a click on their smartphone and other devices. Technology driven treatment for mental health also seems to be cost effective and time saving for clinicians specially to begin treatment at early stages and save their times for more aggressive and severe mental health cases. Technology is being enhanced in the future not to replace traditional approaches of treating mental health issues but mostly to provide services and care to people dwelling in far off reasons who lack support and the infrastructure to access these services. Replacing the traditional method of care will be difficult and impossible as some people still prefer the face to face care and most mental health cases require patient-physician interaction for proper assessment and treatment. However, the use and advancement in technology can assist in providing mental healthcare awareness and support for less severe cases (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014).
REFERENCES
Lewis, S., Donaldson, C., Mitton, C., & Currie, G. (2001). The future of health care in Canada. Bmj,323(7318), 926-929. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7318.926
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2014). E-Mental Health in Canada: Transforming the Mental Health System Using Technology. Retrieved from: http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Smith, A. (2018, November 09). Telemedicine vs. Telehealth: What's the Difference? Retrieved from https://chironhealth.com/blog/telemedicine-vs-telehealth-whats-the-difference/
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