Mathias Harrer

Technische Universität München | TUM · Psychology & Digital Mental Health Care

This pilot study on preferences regarding e-mental health information among future healthcare providers will be based on an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. The main purposes of this research design are the conceptual and methodological development for a pilot DCE on information preferences amongst university students in health-related study programs (especially medical students as potential users of e-mental health services and future prescribers of medical apps and users of telemedicine), that will serve as the foundation for a subsequent larger trial (proof-of-concept experiment). For this purpose, we will first apply formative qualitative methods (“subproject 1”, interviews, co-design workshops) to inform the experimental design of the DCE (“subproject 2”). The study is funded by the Forschungskommission (FoKo, young investigator funding program) of the Faculty of Medicine at the Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf). Pre-registration of the qualitative study: https://osf.io/kemw8

The E-Health interest group consists of clinical psychologists who, within the framework of their scientific and practical activities, deal with issues of digitisation in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. E-Health: Technology-based and IT-supported psychological interventions for health promotion, prevention and therapy of mental disorders and physical diseases The use of new media for diagnosis, health promotion and treatment of mental disorders and physical diseases represents an innovative way of further improving the quality of care in our health system. Research on Internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs), virtual realities and artificial-intelligent systems has been one of the most productive areas of research within psychotherapy research over the last decade. E-health approaches are being discussed as promising technology-based solutions for the expansion and optimization of health care services both at various stages of health promotion and treatment (education, prevention, diagnostics, treatment and relapse prevention) and in various counselling and treatment settings (outpatient, (partially) inpatient, BGM). IMIs refer to a heterogeneous field of measures ranging from therapeutically accompanied or unaccompanied self-help interventions, to interlinked online/offline offers ("blended therapy") and synchronous online-based intervention, e.g. via video conferencing. In addition to IMIs, the possibility of using virtual reality and artificial-intelligent systems will significantly change the (digitalised) healthcare of the future. There is now a very comprehensive evidence base on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of technology and IT-based intervention approaches in relation to a wide range of mental health problems and disorders, health behaviour and physical illnesses. Of particular importance here is not only the question of whether e-health offers are effective, but also why. In addition, the investigation of relevant subgroups with specific risk profiles and special treatment requirements is of great importance. An important milestone for the implementation of these digital interventions in our health care system will be to establish technical and organizational, as well as data protection, professional and social legal frameworks and quality criteria in order to ensure sufficient treatment safety. In the area of technology development, however, it is also necessary to address and critically question social and ethical aspects of the digitalization of our health care. The aim of the interest group is Networking and communication among members of the group with a research and/or practical focus on e-health. To systematize the broad and heterogeneous field of psychological e-health interventions for the prevention and treatment of mental disorders and physical illnesses and for the improvement of health behaviour. Dissemination of the group's comprehensive expertise in this field, e.g. within the framework of satellite symposia at congresses of neighbouring and complementary subjects, by issuing statements and participating in task forces, committees, etc. Supporting the translation of research results into care practice and in health care institutions as well as into education and training. Establishment as a central contact for stakeholders (ministries, service providers, service providers, professional associations, patient representatives, etc.) in the field of digitisation in the health care system; representation of the department's interests in cooperation with other departments and societies. Acquisition of new specialist group members through active dissemination of the comprehensive activities and the associated increased visibility of the specialist group and its activities. Creation of a platform for the necessary interdisciplinary exchange with complementary specialist areas (e.g. computer science, media design, medicine, law, business administration and economics, public health and health care research, etc.) Promotion of the development of quality criteria for research, intervention safety, indication and implementation of e-health interventions. Founding members in alphabetical order: Harald Baumeister, Matthias Berking, David Ebert, Severin Hennemann, Gitta Jacob, Corinna Jacobi, Christine Knaevelsrud, Lena Krämer, Jiaxi Lin, Andreas Maercker, Andreas Mühlberger, Thomas Probst, Lasse Sander, Rüdiger Zwerenz.

To assess the effects of a 7-week Internet- and App-based stress management intervention (Studicare Stress) for distance-learning students on mental health outcomes, when compared to an active control group receiving an Internet-based psychoeducation program on stress management. Trial registry: DRKS00011800 Contact for distance-learning students who are interested in participating (German website): http://www.studicare.com/fernstudierende stress.hagen@studicare.com We are currently recruiting participants for this study!