eMHIC’s Executive Director, Professor Anil Thapliyal’s recent trip to Brisbane and Adelaide in Australia and New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, highlighted these regions as powerhouses in digital mental health innovation. Anil was accompanied by renowned digital mental health experts Kathy Hay (CEO and President of Kids Help Phone) and Professor Andrew Greenshaw (University of Alberta). Here’s a recap of their inspiring engagements:
Brisbane Roundtable on Digital Mental Health
The Brisbane Roundtable on Digital Mental Health Strategy & Implementation and the Role of AI in Mental Health, co-hosted by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and eMHIC, saw impressive contributions from Queensland Health, Federal Department of Health and Aged Care and leading experts from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health services through digital innovation.
Ivan Frkovic, Mental Health Commissioner, Queensland Mental Health Commission"I would also like to express my gratitude to our colleagues from the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) for their facilitation of the roundtable and for contributing their insights from around the globe.
As evidenced by our discussion on the day, this is a dynamic and evolving space. It is encouraging to see the commitment, both at the state and national level, to expand and improve digital mental health utilisation and services."
Some of the themes highlighted on the day included:
- Person-centred: People need to be at the centre of digital innovation – this means designing services and programs that are responsive to people’s needs, as well as the needs of the clinicians and communities; improving digital literacy; and addressing barriers to equitable access. We also need to do more to build awareness, trust and confidence in digital mental health.
- Lived-living experience: People with lived-living experience of mental ill-health, alcohol and other drugs concerns and suicide must be active partners in all stages of digital innovation. This includes the development, implementation, evaluation and governance of digital mental health services and technology.
- Innovation and improvement: Research, monitoring and evaluation are essential for growing and optimising digital mental health. We must take proactive steps to balance innovation and risk, including enabling knowledge translation, implementing safety and quality mechanisms, and ensuring proper clinical governance.
- Collaboration: We can achieve more together – partnership, collaboration and knowledge exchange are key to success.
– The above themes were provided to eMHIC by Ivan Frkovic, Mental Health Commissioner at the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
Key Highlights:
- Focused Discussions: The agenda emphasized developing a shared understanding of digital mental health strategies, ensuring collective commitment to successful outcomes, and examining international best practices. Discussions also explored the role of artificial intelligence in improving access, addressing workforce challenges, and providing early interventions.
- Australia’s Leadership: With over two decades of strategic investment, Australia continues to lead in digital mental health innovation. The Roundtable underscored the country’s robust evidence base, consumer engagement, and strong infrastructure supporting these advancements.
An Inspiring Visit to Adelaide
Following the Brisbane Roundtable, Anil, Kath and Andy visited Adelaide, a city celebrated for its significant contributions to mental health innovation.
Key Highlights:
- Executive Briefing with Hon Chris Picton: Anil, Kathy and Andy met with the Minister of Health and Wellbeing, Hon Chris Picton, to discuss the strategic role of digital technologies in enhancing timely access to mental health care, support, and treatment. This meeting reflected a strong political commitment to advancing digital mental health initiatives.
- Collaborative Meetings at Flinders University: Engaging with Deborah West, Vice President and Executive Dean of Flinders University, and other senior scientists, Anil and Team explored Flinders’ leadership in mental health and their impactful programs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
- Discussion with Dr. Melissa McCradden: A notable session with Dr. Melissa McCradden, AI Director at Women’s and Children’s Hospital Network, provided insights into the rapid advancements in AI and its application in digital mental health services. Dr. McCradden shared strategies for harnessing AI to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Fireside Chat at AIDH World Café: Anil, Kathy and Andy were honored to participate as panel members in a Fireside Chat organized by the Australasian Institute of Digital Health. The discussion focused on consent and cultural inclusion in digital mental health, fostering meaningful dialogue and innovative perspectives.
- Celebrating Leadership Excellence: A memorable moment was witnessing Taimi Allan, South Australia’s Mental Health Commissioner and eMHIC’s Deputy Board Chair, being honored in the South Australia Parliament House on November 13, 2024, for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the mental health sector.
New Zealand Digital Mental Health (DMH) Kaleidoscope
Ēhara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini: “Our strength is not that of a single leader but that of many of us as a collective.”
Building on a legacy dating back to 2005, Aotearoa, New Zealand continues to shine as an enigmatic yet impactful leader in digital mental health (DMH). This journey began under the visionary leadership of Dr. Janice Wilson, whose pioneering efforts laid a strong foundation for DMH implementation. A major milestone followed in 2015 with the establishment of Whakarongorau Aotearoa // New Zealand Telehealth Services, unifying various standalone DMH helplines under a centralized framework with robust clinical governance.
Key Highlights:
- Engagement with Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health
Minister Doocey’s vision for improving access and systems navigation in mental health is inspiring. His leadership will culminate in a landmark DMH Summit at the New Zealand Parliament on 10 December 2024, aimed at driving design-led improvements to DMH systems. - Innovation in Rural and Remote Areas
Insights from Karl Metzler and Grace Curtis spotlighted the unique challenges of rural mental health, including farmer suicide prevention, and the innovative approaches tailored to these communities. - Focus on Māori Perspectives
A visit to Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi, the Māori unit at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, offered a profound glimpse into culturally rooted mental health strategies. Grounded in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, these programs emphasize mental, physical, and spiritual well-being while fostering resilience and excellence. - Building a Future-Ready Curriculum
Discussions with Sir Anand Satyanand and Professor Joseph Lane at The University of Waikato emphasized integrating digital-first principles into the proposed medical school’s curriculum, preparing future generations to meet the demands of DMH innovation. - Strengthening Global Partnerships
The High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan, expressed admiration for New Zealand’s leadership and explored collaborative opportunities between New Zealand and India, aligning with eMHIC’s philosophy that “mental health has no geopolitical boundaries.” - Meeting with Te Hiringa Mahara
Engagements with Karen Orsborn and the Board of Te Hiringa Mahara reinforced New Zealand’s commitment to building on its strong mental health and well-being foundations.
A Vision for the Future
eMHIC’s engagements across Australia and New Zealand underscore a shared commitment to advancing digital mental health through innovation, collaboration, and cultural inclusion. New Zealand’s visionary approach and robust governance demonstrate how a small nation can lead transformative change, while Australia’s decades-long leadership continues to set global benchmarks for evidence-based practices and strategic investment. Together, these countries embody a beacon of hope and unity, inspiring the world with their dedication to reshaping mental health care. As the global community seeks collaborative solutions, the efforts of eMHIC and its partners reaffirm the call for one world, one family, and one future.
