mHealth and Digital Innovations as Catalysts for Transforming Mental Health Care in Ghana
2024
Transforming Ghana’s Mental Health Care Through mHealth and Digital Solutions
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Sackey Enoch, Ofori-Atta Angela, Ohene Sammy, Obeng Kwadwo, Ben-Zeev Dror
Conclusion
mHealth and digital innovations can significantly improve mental health care delivery in Ghana by bridging gaps in access and addressing resource shortages.
Supporting Evidence
- Ghana has a critical shortage of mental health professionals, with only 1 psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people.
- Only about 2% of Ghanaians with moderate to severe mental health disorders receive formal treatment.
- mHealth technologies can provide remote access to mental health services, improving care delivery in underserved areas.
- The M-Healer smartphone toolkit has shown promise in improving mental health outcomes and reducing human rights abuses.
Takeaway
This study talks about how using mobile phones and technology can help people in Ghana get better mental health care, especially when there aren't enough doctors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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