Digital Health Association Propose Digital-Based Strategy to Improve Mental Health Outcomes in New Zealand

Summary:

• The New Zealand Digital Health Association (DHA) is a not-for-profit group dedicated to championing digital technology in healthcare throughout New Zealand.
• A special interest group within DHA was established to focus specifically on mental health, addiction and well-being: the Digital Wellbeing Industry Group (DWIG), chaired by eMHIC Global Leadership Council member Anna Elders.
• DWIG have recently published a document titled “Optimising our digital mental health, addiction and wellbeing ecosystem to improve equity and create impact in Aotearoa”
• The purpose of the document is to:
  • “Share insights about the current barriers, and provide action points that will allow us to utilise technology to enhance our mental health and addictions system.”
  • “Propose a partnership with the Ministry of Health, Māori Health Authority, Health NZ/Hauora New Zealand, and other key central government organisations that play a vital role in working to improve mental wellbeing outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.”
• The DWIG has also emphasised the importance of placing communities, people with lived experience, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the constitutional agreement between the Crown and Māori (indigenous) people of Aotearoa/New Zealand) at the centre of any developments.
• The document provides a timely piece of thought leadership, delivering a detailed analysis of current gaps and opportunities for digital tools within the current New Zealand mental health system. Future directions and recommendations for the developing eMental health ecosystem are also provided.

Click here to read the document.