The digital divide: factors impacting on uptake of remote therapy in a South London psychological therapy service for people with psychosis

Abstract

Background

Remote therapy promises a cost-effective way of increasing delivery of psychological-therapy in underserved populations. However, research shows a “digital divide”, with some groups experiencing digital exclusion.

Aims

To assess whether technology, accessibility, and demographic factors influence remote therapy uptake among individuals with psychosis, and whether demographic factors are associated with digital exclusion.

Methods

Remote therapy uptake and demographics were assessed in people (n = 51) within a psychology-led service for psychosis, using a survey of access to digital hardware, data and private space.

Results

The majority of individuals had access to digital devices, but 29% did not meet minimum requirements for remote therapy. Nineteen (37%) individuals declined remote therapy. Those who accepted were significantly younger and more likely to have access to technology than those who declined. The mean age of those with access to smartphones and large screen devices was younger than those without access.

Conclusions

A subgroup of people with psychosis face barriers to remote therapy and a significant minority are digitally excluded. Older age is a key factor influencing remote therapy uptake, potentially related to less access to digital devices. Services must minimize exclusion through provision of training, hardware and data, whilst promoting individual choice.

Keywords:

• Digital therapy
• psychosis
• teletherapy
• digital divide
• remote therapy

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.