Here , we explore the advantages of a digital health system and how this will influence mental health care .

Focus on areas where needs are yet to be met

A key area of improvement is in support for younger sufferers of mental health problems . While the average funding for an adult is £ 225 , the funding per child is as little as £ 14 –£ 191 . Between April and June 2021 , 190,271 people between 0 – 18 years old were referred to children and young people ’ s mental health services – which was a 134 % increase from the year prior . With this demand comes long waiting lists , with the average waiting time for this group to access the services ranging from eight days up to 82 days .

However , these issues aren ’ t just limited to young people . In general , 18 weeks is the maximum wait time for consultant-led mental health services , but the clock is ticking . All cases differ , with some being more extreme than others , so waiting for an appointment can ’ t be considered a solution .

Thankfully , mental health technology exists to assist those who are facing long waiting lists . For example . the NHS prescription delivery service can help those who find it difficult to leave their home . As well as this , it can be useful for ongoing medication , booking an appointment to seek medical advice and video consultations for those who can ’ t be physically present at an appointment .

Health services need to embrace digital services to cater to as many people as possible . MyGP explores the advantages of a digital health system and how this will influence mental health care .

Sometimes , a visit to the GP isn ’ t always necessary and there can be other community points of care that will be of assistance . The app can direct users to these points , thus helping to reduce the long waiting lists by allowing those in extreme cases to be seen quicker .

With this mental health technology , older individuals , young people with less funding and people at a geographic disadvantage who will struggle to make an appointment can have much simpler access to mental health services .

www . intelligenthealth . tech 17