ArticleInteractive journal of medical research2025
Effectiveness, facilitators and barriers of digital mental health services for First Nations Peoples in Australia: A systematic scoping review.
Article in Interactive journal of medical research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundFirst Nations peoples in Australia experience inequitable mental health outcomes and service access. Digital mental health (DMH) services, which refer to offering mental health services through digital platforms, are considered potential solutions to address such mental health service inequities and improve First Nations Australians' mental health outcomes. However, evidence on the effectiveness of DMH for First Nations Peoples in Australia is yet to be synthesised.
objectiveThis systematic scoping review aimed to fill this gap, and to identify the facilitators and barriers that influence the implementation of DMH services in this context.
methodsA systematic search was conducted across six academic databases to search for studies related to DMH services for First Nations Peoples in Australia. Search terms relating to First Nations Peoples, geographic terminologies of Australia, mental health, and digital mental health services were used. Studies were included if they assessed the effectiveness, or determinants of facilitators and barriers of implementing digital mental health interventions among First Nations people in Australia. Data were extracted based on study design, targeted services, and research findings, then synthesised using a thematic analysis framework.
resultsIn total, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. DMH services were used to provide support, treatment, and psychological assessments for First Nations Australians. Evidence of effectiveness was stronger for non-severe mental health conditions. Determinants of facilitators and barriers of the implementation of DMH services included: (i) organisational and administrative factors; (ii) cultural appropriateness; (iii) accessibility; (iv) integration of DMH services to the existing health system; (v) engagement between clients and service providers; (vi) coverage of different conditions and clients; (vii) acceptability to DMH services; (viii) digital literacy, and (ix) efficiency.
conclusionsEvidence on the use of digital mental health (DMH) services for First Nations Australians remains heterogeneous in study design and outcome measurement. DMH services appear most effective for managing non-severe mental health conditions. Successful implementation requires multi-level structural support, including policy and organisational commitment, enhanced digital infrastructure, workforce training and engagement, and the design of culturally responsive DMH models to improve uptake and equitable access to mental health care among First Nations Australians. CLINICALTRIAL:
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