A qualitative interview study of patients' attitudes towards and intention to use digital interventions for depressive disorders on prescription.

Background: Depressive disorders are an emerging public health topic. Due to their increasing prevalence, patients with depressive disorders suffer from the lack of therapeutic treatment. Digital health interventions may offer an opportunity to bridge waiting times, supplement, or even substitute in-person treatment. Among others, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) explains that actual technology use is affected by users' behavioural intention. However, patients' perspectives on digital interventions are rarely discussed within the specific context of primary care provided by general practitioners (GP) and need further exploration. Method: A qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews was used to explore DTx-acceptance of patients with mild or moderate depression ( Results: Patients' Discussion: The UTAUT-based exploration suggests that acceptance determinants should be considered independently and embedded in personal and situational aspects. DTx require a healthcare professional to prescribe or diagnose the disease, unlike other digital offerings. We identified prescription- and depression-related determinants, exceeding existing theoretical constructs. GPs' guidance can compensate for some barriers to DTx use e.g., by increasing commitment and motivational support to strengthen patients' acceptance. Conclusion: We argue for a multidimensional integration of acceptance determinants for further development of health technology acceptance research. Future research should specify how DTx can be integrated into routine care to strengthen user acceptance.