Eberswalde

This research aims to explore the role of Digital Navigators (DN) in helping general practitioners, outpatient psychiatrists, psychologists, and their patients use digital mental health apps (DiGAs) and incorporate them into treatment. The study focuses on understanding the acceptance, expectations, and potential benefits of Digital Navigators, including their impact on patients' psychological health, digital health literacy, and technical skills. It targets patients with mental disorders who have access to smartphones and basic digital skills. Trained medical team members, primarily medical assistants, become Digital Navigators through a specialized training program adapted from Harvard Medical School. These Digital Navigators support treatment teams in selecting and integrating suitable digital health applications and assist patients over a 12-week period to find and use appropriate mental health apps. The intervention includes guidance through the DiGAnavigator.de website and ongoing support to enhance adherence and ease the burden on healthcare providers. Participants undergo assessments before and after the 12-week support period, measuring digital health literacy focused on information retrieval and interactive skills, as well as attitudes and expectations toward Digital Navigators. Researchers also evaluate implementation challenges and the effects on patients and professionals using standardized scales. The study includes interviews, focus groups, and surveys to capture digital skills, willingness to change, and illness severity. The goal is to establish sustainable training for Digital Navigators in mental health care.