Assessment framework for safe e-mental health tools

SECTOR UPDATE - Ministry of Health

The Digital Mental Health & Addiction Tool (DMHAT) is an assessment framework for the safe navigation of e-mental health in Aotearoa. It is intended to help anyone involved in the design, development and use of e-mental health tools to ensure the products meet acceptable quality standards.

The standardised assessment of digital tools and e-health is an emerging space globally. The DMHAT assessment framework outlines baseline standards to deliver safe, trusted and effective digital mental health and wellbeing solutions for individuals, whānau, and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The DMHAT framework assesses e-mental health tools against a range of areas including:

• clinical safety and quality
• data privacy and security
• cultural safety

The framework applies to apps and tools that are digitally delivered and aim to support mental health in some way (eg, mobile apps and online programmes). This can include wellness-oriented apps if there is a clear health-related focus and benefit.

The Framework
The assessment framework has two components. The first is an introductory guide to DMHAT that sets out the baseline standards expected of e-mental health tools for users in Aotearoa New Zealand. The second component is a self-assessment tool for designers and developers of digital mental health apps and tools. The self-assessment is available either as an online tool or a downloadable document.

Designers and developers will be guided through what it takes to meet acceptable standards for New Zealanders, and the health professionals who support them. Over the longer-term, there may be opportunities to consider the use of the framework as part of a more formal accreditation pathway.

The DMHAT framework is hosted by eMHIC, an international group of leaders and experts collaborating and sharing knowledge on e-mental health and addiction to get better outcomes for users.

For further details - https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/digital-health/other-digital-health-initiatives/assessment-framework-safe-e-mental-health-tools\