User involvement in digital mental health: approaches, potential, and need for guidelines
Involving users in the development of digital mental health tools is widely recommended, but how it is done in practice varies enormously. This paper reviews different approaches to user involvement, discusses their potential, and argues for clearer guidelines. Essential reading for researchers and developers who want to move beyond tokenistic participation toward genuinely co-designed tools.
Abstract
In this opinion paper, we highlight user involvement as one important aspect in the development, implementation and international adaptation of digital mental health interventions which, to date, still often seems to be overlooked. In the following paragraphs we will define the concept, highlight the potential of involving users to facilitate uptake of digital mental health, and argue for the need for clear guidelines on how to do so, not only for initial development, but also for subsequent international adaptation.
Keywords: user involvement, co-design, digital mental health, guidelines, participation
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Reference
Bernaerts, S., Van Daele, T., Korthé Carlsen, C., Lange Nielsen, S., Schaap, J., & Roke, Y. (2024). User involvement in digital mental health: approaches, potential and the need for guidelines. Frontiers in Digital Health, 6, 1440660. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2024.1440660