In 2024, MQ Mental Health Research created an opportunity, developed and funded by Wellcome, to support researchers outside psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience to apply bold and novel ideas and methods from their discipline to mental health science. In this Transdisciplinary Research Grant series, we will go through each study, and explain why the results are vital to the future of mental health interventions.
Every year, millions of people suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While the main focus is usually on helping them heal physically, many people also face serious mental health challenges afterwards, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For someone recovering from a brain injury, dealing with these feelings can make everyday life really hard. And for many, it’s not easy to get the mental health care they need, especially if they live far from clinics or don’t have access to support.
Dr Tom Bashford and his team at the University of Cambridge have been looking into how digital tools can change that. Mobile apps, text messages, and phone calls could make a big difference for people recovering from a brain injury. These tools let patients stay connected with their doctors and mental health teams, even if they can’t visit in person. By using currently available technology, doctors can check in on patients more often, and patients can share how they’re feeling more easily, making mental health care much more accessible and helpful.
How Technology is Helping
One of the best things about using digital tools for mental health care is that they make it easier for people to get help. For example, simple automated text message reminders could prompt someone to check in with themselves or let their doctor know how they’re doing. Apps can go even further by allowing people to track their mental health and find tips or resources when needed.
These tools are beneficial in places where mental health care is hard to find but most people can access a phone. By using technology, more people can get the care they need, regardless of where they live.
Challenges to Using Digital Tools
Even though these tools can be handy, they’re not perfect. Some people with brain injuries have trouble using apps or text systems, especially if their injury makes it harder for them to focus or understand technology. Another problem is that some people stop using the tools after a while—they might lose interest or forget to keep up with them. These challenges show why it’s important to design tools that are easy to use and keep people engaged over time.
Building Better Tools
To improve the effectiveness of digital health tools, researchers developed a new approach to designing and using them. Instead of focusing on the tool itself, this approach considers the bigger picture- the people using it, the healthcare systems it fits into, and the risks involved.
One of Tom’s goals is to make sure the tools aren’t too complicated. The worry is that if the tools are difficult to use, patients might give up on them. And if they consume too much of a doctor’s time, they might not be practical. By finding a balance, these tools can offer the most help without creating more issues for anyone involved.
What’s Next?
This research shows how important it is to think about the whole system when creating digital mental health tools. If these tools are designed well, they can become a normal part of healthcare, helping patients and doctors work together more easily. This study has the potential to create a future where someone recovering from a brain injury gets regular check-ins through their phone or uses an app to keep track of how they’re feeling. Allowing them to feel more connected to their healthcare team and get support exactly when they need it.
Why It Matters
As mental health care becomes more digital, research like this is can help to ensure that these tools are designed to actually help people. For someone recovering from a brain injury, having easy access to mental health support can make a huge difference in their recovery. This work is about more than just technology—it’s about giving people better ways to connect, heal, and move forward after something as life-changing as a brain injury.
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