Digital Health Coaching Meets Behavioral Health: Private, On-Line, Self-Management for Behavioral Health Issues
Volume 4, February 2010
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 26.2 percent of Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder each year. Surprisingly, only one third of these individuals will actually seek treatment — largely due to the stigma and shame associated with asking for help with behavioral health challenges.
"Millions of Americans continue to suffer silently with a host of mental health issues," says Richard Bedrosian, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral Health, HealthMedia, Inc. "Although attitudes about mental health are continually changing, the stigma surrounding behavioral health disorders and treatment remains a significant barrier to effective treatment. Moreover, the majority of individuals that come forward for treatment are typically seen in the primary care setting where they are prescribed medication only. Current research shows that medication treatment in this setting rarely follows established clinical guidelines of standards of care. Therefore, it is clear that reaching this large and untreated population calls for inventive solutions that extend beyond traditional services."
One such solution is web-based Digital Health Coaching programs that are designed to help address such conditions as depression, insomnia, eating disorders, and stress. These web-based digital programs provide a private, confidential, and convenient option and can play a critical role in reaching individuals who may not feel comfortable seeking traditional methods of treatment. Although not a replacement for high-touch services, Digital Health Coaching can play an increasingly important role in behavioral health management.
Additionally, evidence reveals that a poor mental state significantly affects productivity in the workplace — resulting in short and long term disability, absenteeism, and presenteeism. Studies show that the more frequently an employee experiences depression, the more that employee will be absent from work. To this end, many organizations are taking steps to improve population management of behavioral health issues by recommending more frequent screening for behavioral health issues in primary care, and establishing a combination of medical and behavioral treatment as a model of care.
The suite of HealthMedia® Digital Health Coaching programs in the areas of depression, insomnia, eating disorders, and stress offer health plans and employers help with early identification and intervention for those at risk, provide immediate access for those seeking help, and help improve outcomes for those already in treatment. Unlike static web content, Digital Health Coaching provides a behavior change plan designed for each user's unique state of health, motivation, self-confidence, and readiness for change — increasing efficacy.
"Digital Health Coaching programs for behavioral health issues have resulted in symptom reduction, reduced medical utilization, and improved productivity," says Dr. Bedrosian. "Because of its scalability and low cost, Digital Health Coaching has the potential to show an enormous return on investment."
Participant self-reported results at 6 months. Productivity savings data was calculated using the Work Productivity Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, which employs a validated algorithm to generate an estimate of productivity impairment. The WPAI consists of questions about absence from work, hours actually worked, the reduction in productivity at work, and the reduction in productivity while performing regular activities. Productivity savings is calculated using an average annual salary and benefits package of $50,000.