# The potential of using telehealth in mental health care - Savonia AMK

> Helena Blažinćić, Student of Master’s Degree Programme in Digital Health, focused her Master Thesis to study the potential of using telehealth in mental health care.

## Background and Context
Nowadays, healthcare expenditures have surpassed income (European Commission, 2020). Simultaneously, healthcare systems worldwide are struggling with an increase in mental health problems among children and adolescents. Anxiety and depression disorders are among the top five causes of the overall disease burden, and suicide is the leading cause of death among adolescents aged 10–19 years. Disadvantaged young people, such as those from low-income families or those without proper parental care, are particularly affected (World Health Organization, 2021; World Health Organization, 2020).

## Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Digital transformation is viewed as an opportunity to improve the quality of care and lower costs (Herrmann, et al., 2018). The rise of paperless healthcare and digital approaches—including on-demand virtual urgent care, virtual office visits, and tech-enabled home medication administration—has allowed patients to manage their health more efficiently (Bestsennyy, Gilbert, Harris, & Rost, 2021). 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth saw a 50% penetration level within psychiatry and 30% in substance use treatment, exceeding other specialties (Bestsennyy, Gilbert, Harris, & Rost, 2021). Given that the global cost of mental health services is projected to reach nearly $6 trillion by 2030, the implementation of digital technologies is essential (World Health Organization, 2020).

## Study Objectives and Methodology
The study aimed to investigate the potential of telehealth as a supportive treatment tool, the benefits of virtual clinics, which procedures can be transferred online, and the needs of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers (HCPs).

Empirical data was collected via semi-structured interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers during October 2021 at the Neuropsychiatric hospital “Dr. Ivan Barbot Popovača” in Croatia.

## Findings and Future Research
The results confirmed a significant need and opportunity for digital tools—such as telehealth, trackers, reminders, and educational components—particularly for those living in remote areas or those of lower economic status. 

Future research should focus on identifying the user interface and experience preferences of individuals to ensure these tools are effectively integrated into daily routines.

## Thesis Link
[Read the full thesis here](https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/751761)

## Authors
*   **Helena Blazincic**, Student of Master’s Degree Programme in Digital Health, Savonia UAS
*   **Marja-Liisa Rissanen**, Principal Lecturer, Master School, Savonia UAS

## References
*   Bestsennyy, O., Gilbert, G., Harris, A. & Rost, J. 2021, July 9. Telehealth: A quarter-trillion-dollar post-COVID-19 reality? McKinsey & Company.
*   European Commission 2020. The 2021 Ageing Report – Underlying Assumptions and Projection Methodologies. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
*   Herrmann, M., Boehme, P., Mondritzki, T., Ehlers, J. P, Kavadias, S & Truebel, H. 2018. Digital Transformation and Disruption of the Health Care Sector: Internet-Based Observational Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(3):e104, DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9498.
*   Interreg North-West Europe 2019. E-mental health innovation and transnational implementation platform North-West Europe (eMEN).
*   Neuropsihijatrijska bolnica dr. Ivan Barbot Popovača 2021. Poliklinika za dječju i adolescentnu psihijatriju s dnevnom bolnicom.
*   World Health Organization 2020, September 28. Adolescent mental health.
*   World Health Organization 2021. Mental Health.