Engagement as a Mechanism of Impact in Digital Mental Health Interventions
Isabella Cadoni (BMS-PGT)*, Kerem Dogan (BMS-PGT)*, Sofia Bastoni (BMS-PGT), Iris Ten Klooster (BMS-PGT) Saskia Kelders (BMS-PGT)
*Both authors contribute equally
Abstract
Mobile and web-based Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHIs) have become increasingly popular in public health to deliver evidence-based treatments for issues such as depression and anxiety. While the effectiveness of DMHIs has been validated in clinical group studies (i.e., randomized controlled trials), it is still unknown what works at an individual level. This limitation causes DMHIs to have high dropout and non-adherence rates when implemented in practice, limiting their effectiveness. In the funded ERC project ENGAGE, we propose engagement as a possible mechanism of impact for DMHIs. More specifically, this project aims to 1) conceptualize engagement and identify methods for measuring engagement for DMHIs, 2) identify, explore, and apply strategies to design for individual engagement in DMHI, and 3) explore the relationship between intervention components, engagement, and outcomes.
The aim of this sandbox session is to initiate a brainstorm with the audience about their mental model of engagement, how they would measure it, and what strategies do they have in mind when designing for engagement with digital mental health interventions. Participants will further be encouraged to share their insights on the dose-response relationship between engagement and effectiveness. By using design thinking methodologies, we aim to capture the diverse perspectives of researchers and other attendees who have a general interest in digital mental health and in the multifaceted nature of engagement.