Opportunities and Challenges for Digital Social Prescribing in Mental Health: Questionnaire Study

Background: The concept of digital social prescription usually refers to social prescriptions that are facilitated by using technology. Tools that enable such digital social prescriptions may be beneficial in recommending nonmedical activities to people with mental illness. As these tools are still somewhat novel and emerging, little is known about their potential advantages and disadvantages. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the potential opportunities and challenges that may arise from digital social prescriptions. Methods: We developed a qualitative questionnaire that was disseminated through social media (Facebook and Twitter). A purposive sample targeting digital mental health experts and nonexperts was approached. The questionnaire asked participants' views about digital social prescription; the core elements linked with a definition of digital social prescription; and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with digital social prescription. Results: Four core elements were recommended to define the concept of digital social prescription: digital, facilitate, user, and social. The main strength identified was the possibility to rapidly start using digital social prescription tools, which were perceived as cost-effective. The main weaknesses were their poor adherence and difficulties with using such tools. The main opportunities were an increased access to social prescription services and the prevention of serious mental illness. The main threats were certain groups being disadvantaged, patients being subject to unintended negative consequences, and issues relating to confidentiality and data protection. Conclusions: Although digital social prescriptions may be able to effectively augment the social prescriptions, a careful consideration of practical challenges and data ethics is imperative in the design and implementation of such technologies.

Automated summary

Digital social prescription refers to the concept of facilitating social prescriptions through technology. The study identified the main strength of digital social prescription tools as rapid start-up and cost-effectiveness, while the main weaknesses were low adherence and usability challenges. Opportunities of digital social prescriptions include increased access to social prescription services, while threats involve certain groups being disadvantaged, potential negative consequences for patients, and issues related to confidentiality and data protection.