Digital mental health tools: A narrative review on overcoming barriers in the age of displacement and disparities

Abstract

Over the past decade, digital health tools have gained traction as a promising solution to meet the growing healthcare demands of an ageing population. Refugee populations, in particular, face heightened risks of adverse ageing due to ongoing stressors that contribute to a high mental health burden. Digital health tools offer the potential to provide cost-effective, accessible, and scalable mental health care for refugees. However, these technologies are often not designed with marginalised and socially disadvantaged groups in mind, limiting their suitability for refugee populations. This narrative review critically examines the supply-side (characteristics of the mental health system) and demand-side (characteristics of the patient population) barriers of digital health tools for refugee mental health. Key supply-side barriers include the appropriateness of services and systemic challenges. On the demand side, the utilisation of services is threatened by low awareness, intentions, access, capacity, and adherence. We explore potential solutions, emphasising hybrid models incorporating community involvement and adopting a systems approach to co-designing digital health tools. By addressing these challenges, digital health tools can be tailored towards those previously underserved, to promote mental health and healthy ageing.