Nelson Advisors referenced in the JMIR Paper 'Expected Competencies and Personal Attributes of Digital Health Navigators to Support Digital Mental Health Care'
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Nelson Advisors has been referenced in the JMIR Paper 'Expected Competencies and Personal Attributes of Digital Health Navigators to Support Digital Mental Health Care'.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2368795926000417
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
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.
Introduction
Mental health conditions are a significant global concern, with a substantial and increasing number of individuals affected [1,2]. A recent study shows that approximately half of the global population is expected to experience at least one mental disorder by the age of 75 years [3]. This rising prevalence has profound implications not only for individuals but also for societies and economies worldwide.
The burden of poor mental health extends far beyond the direct costs of treatment, encompassing substantial indirect costs associated with reduced productivity. Depression and anxiety disorders alone cost the global economy approximately US $1 trillion annually in lost productivity [4]. In contrast, the total economic impact of mental health conditions, including lower employment rates and reduced productivity, is estimated at up to 4.2% of GDP in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development countries [2]. Furthermore, untreated mental health conditions often follow a chronic course and are associated with substantially increased risks of physical comorbidities, excess premature mortality, and greater health care usage [5,6]. Addressing mental health issues promptly is thus essential to prevent long-term consequences. Early intervention and access to appropriate care can mitigate the progression of mental disorders [7].
In Germany, the so-called “Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA; in English: digital health application)” refers to low-risk, Conformité Européenne–marked digital health apps that are intended for the diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of diseases. They must demonstrate positive health effects to be reimbursed by statutory health insurance. Germany implemented legislation for DiGA in December 2019, becoming the first country in the world to combine regulatory approval with reimbursement for DTx [18,19]. Since then, approved DTx have been reimbursed by statutory health insurance funds.
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.
[21] The German Digital Health Act (DiGa): strategy, impact, challenges and future direction
Healthcare.digital (2025)