Liverpool S, Mota CP, Sales CMD, Čuš A, Carletto S, Hancheva C, Sousa S, Cerón SC, Moreno-Peral P, Pietrabissa G, Moltrecht B, Ulberg R, Ferreira N, Edbrooke-Childs J. Engaging Children and Young People in Digital Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review of Modes of Delivery, Facilitators, and Barriers. J Med Internet Res 2020;22(6):e16317. doi: 10.2196/16317
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify different modes of delivery used in children and young people in digital mental health interventions, explore factors that influence usage and implementation, and describe whether children and young people engage in digital health interventions. Eligible studies had a sample with children and young people, a digital health intervention targeting a mental health symptom or problem, and explored the adherence, acceptability, or barriers and facilitators to engagement. A total of 83 articles, with 71 interventions, met inclusion criteria. Cognitive behavioral therapy was the most common therapeutic modality. Affective disorders (including anxiety and depression) were the most common targets of the digital health interventions. The review identified 6 different modes of delivery: websites, games and computer-based programs, apps, robots and digital devices, virtual reality, and mobile text messaging. The findings show children and young people prefer interventions with features such as videos, limited text, ability to personalize, ability to socialize with others, and text message reminders. This review also found that studies reported a high average retention rate of 79%. Overall, digital health interventions can support children and young people at various stages of psychological treatment. Future research is needed to explore which modalities are most effective for increasing engagement and improving mental health outcomes.