25.03.15
Mental Health Apps library goes live on NHS Choices
NHS England has launched a Mental Health Apps library to improve access to psychological therapies.
The first-ever directory of NHS-endorsed digital mental health services features online tools, resources and apps that NHS England say have a proven track record of effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes.
It will be accessible through NHS Choices, a website which gathers over 40 million visits per month, 9.7 million of which are to pages on depression; 6 million per month to stress and 9.4 million to anxiety.
Geraldine Strathdee, NHS England’s clinical director for mental health, said: “Mental health care can be enhanced by technology and its ability to connect us with the right treatment in a more personalised and accessible way. Increasing access to digital services which support those suffering with mental health difficulties will help people get the right care, at the right time.”
About 15% of the population is estimated to have a common mental health disorder but many find it difficult to seek help. Department of Health figures show that only one in six older people with depression ever discuss this with their GP.
NHS England believe that online therapy offers patients flexibility through out of hours appointments as well as discretion for those worried about stigma and privacy.
Nick Clegg has welcomed news of the new app library. The deputy PM said: “This showcases the NHS at its best – pioneering new ways of treating and supporting some of the most vulnerable in our society, harnessing innovative technology to help build a fairer society for us all.”
The Mental Health Apps Library is the first experiment of the wider work currently being undertaken by the National Information Board to formally endorse and accredit digital services for use in clinical practice.
Tim Kelsey, national director for Patients and Information, said: “We want to offer people the chance to use apps and digital tools routinely to help them take control of their own healthcare. There are online services already working for patients and we hope, by giving them our official backing, we will give clinicians, citizens and carers the confidence to use them. Digital platforms have a key role to play in improving access to psychological therapies and helping us meet our ambition of achieving parity of esteem for mental health services.”
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