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Chapter 9 - Digital Wellbeing

Using Technology Well

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 November 2023

By
Toral Thomas  and
Paul Bradley
Edited by
Rob Waller ,
Omer S. Moghraby  and
Mark Lovell
Rob Waller
Affiliation:
NHS Lothian
Omer S. Moghraby
Affiliation:
South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Mark Lovell
Affiliation:
Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
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Summary

Digital processes need to have wellbeing at their core. Rather than focusing on burnout and distress, digital can be considered as an enabler of wellness. Using key concepts such as user-centred design, reimagining processes and education, digital can enhance the lives of staff and patients. Many solutions to digital distress involve taking a break from technology. These solutions are temporary and do not address the root cause of the issue. As technology embeds itself into every facet of our lives, we have an opportunity to take control of how we engage with digital. Instead of translating paper processes into digital equivalents there is an opportunity to leverage the power digital brings to reduce the burden rather than add to it. Clinician and patient engagement are key to digital wellbeing and the success of digital in our healthcare systems. Increasing autonomy and providing flexible support can reduce burnout with digital systems. Involvement must be meaningful and not acceptability testing at the end of system design. Critically, we must remember that people are the most important determinant of the success of any digital project.

Keywords

WellbeingDigitalDistressReimagineProcessRedesignMentalHealthTechnology
Type
Chapter
Information
Digital Mental Health
From Theory to Practice
 , pp. 108 - 121
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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