Nelson Advisors referenced in JMIR Mental Health publication 'Expected Competencies and Personal Attributes of Digital Health Navigators to Support Digital Mental Health Care: Focus Group and Interview Study With Patients and Health Care Professionals'

Nelson Advisors has been referenced in JMIR Mental Health publication 'Expected Competencies and Personal Attributes of Digital Health Navigators to Support Digital Mental Health Care: Focus Group and Interview Study With Patients and Health Care Professionals'

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13105428/

Background

Digital mental health apps (DMHAs), and in particular digital therapeutics (DTx), offer promising opportunities to support mental health care. However, their effective use in outpatient settings in Germany remains limited. To overcome this gap, the role of digital health navigators (DHNs) has been introduced. DHNs are trained individuals who support patients and health care professionals in selecting, using, and integrating DMHAs into care. Despite increasing interest in this role, there is limited evidence on the competencies, knowledge, and personal attributes required for DHNs to work effectively in mental health settings.

Objective

The study aims to explore the expected competencies, knowledge areas, and personal attributes that DHNs need to effectively support the implementation and use of DTx in outpatient mental health care.
Methods

As part of the prestudy of the Digital Navigators for Acceptance and Competence Development with Mental Health Apps (DigiNavi) study, a qualitative study was conducted involving 35 participants (7 general practitioners, 8 patients in general practice, 11 outpatient psychiatrists/psychologists, and 9 patients in psychiatric outpatient clinics) from different general practices and psychiatric outpatient clinics in Germany. A total of 17 semistructured interviews and 4 focus groups were conducted to explore expectations of DHNs. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

However, widespread adoption remains limited in Germany [20,21]. Several key factors contribute to this [20,22], including the fact that many health care professionals (HCPs), particularly physicians, lack sufficient knowledge and awareness of DTx, their benefits, and effective implementation strategies. Time constraints faced by HCPs also pose a challenge, limiting their capacity for patient onboarding and explaining DTx usage. The complexities of integrating DTx into existing health care workflows, alongside concerns surrounding data security and patient privacy, represent additional barriers to their widespread adoption [23]. Furthermore, low patient adherence and engagement significantly hinder the successful integration of DTx [24], as well as low digital literacy among patients and HCPs [25-27].

21.The German Digital Health Act (DiGa): strategy, impact, challenges and future direction. Healthcare.digital. 2025. [30-11-2025]. https://www.healthcare.digital/single-post/the-german-digital-health-act-diga-strategy-impact-challenges-and-future-direction URL. Accessed.