Digital health intervention prescriptions for people with depressive disorders: results of a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Since 2020, family physicians have been able to prescribe digital health interventions to people with statutory health insurance. Especially for people with depressive disorders, these digital interventions offer a perspective during waiting times for specialist or therapeutic care. Currently, it is not known how family physicians integrate digital health interventions into treatment for people with depressive disorders. Therefore, this article focuses on the reasons for and against the prescription of these interventions from a family physician perspective. Methods: A qualitative interview study was conducted with family physicians (n = 17) from January–April 2022. The data were analyzed according to the qualitative content analysis. Results: Treatment of patients with mild and moderate depression is challenging for family physicians. Meanwhile digital health interventions for depression are rarely used in family medicine. Physicians describe a lack of knowledge concerning the tools. Digital health interventions are discussed controversially by physicians: advantages from a family physician’s perspective are, for example, the chance to offer patients a low-threshold, readily available treatment option with diverse language options. Supporting patient’s self-management and extended treatment options for family physicians are further positive aspects. Criticized are costs and evidence basis of the interventions. Their patients are not seen as the right target group. Overall, there is a consensus that the prescription of digital interventions needs to be embedded in a personal provision of medical care. Conclusion: Overall, the evaluation of digital interventions by family physicians is quite ambivalent: though depressive disorders represent a burden in family medicine, they are not or with limited extent perceived as support or relief for physicians.