The Development of Operational Model Integrating Digital Technologies into Public Mental Healthcare Services in Nigeria

The availability and utilization of digital technologies can leverage the challenges of the sharp-depleting workforce due to the consistent migration of healthcare professionals (HCPs), the alarming ratio of the number of patients to HCPs, discretional use of digital technologies among HCPs in providing effective therapeutic interventions and mental healthcare services. This study aimed to develop an operational model that integrates digital technologies in mental healthcare service delivery for public facilities in Nigeria. The practice-oriented theory guides the development of the model. A qualitative method assessed the digital technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique that employed the snowball method was used in selecting the sixteen (16) HCPs from four (4) neuropsychiatric hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Findings from the qualitative analysis revealed several challenges in providing adequate and efficient services in public mental healthcare facilities in Nigeria, such as human resource challenges, brain drain, lack of infrastructure, and strains on HCPs. Findings from this study indicated that digital technologies are sparingly utilized in public mental healthcare service delivery due to a lack of policy and framework. HCPs perceive digital technologies to be beneficial to themselves and their clients. The highlighted benefits to patients are reduced stigmatization levels, decreased financial burden, enhanced accessibility to therapists, strengthened adherence, mitigated relapse incidences and improved intervention. The transition from the traditional/conventional space of mental healthcare service delivery to digital space requires a collaborative approach with Computer scientists (software developers, database administrators), Data scientists, investors, stakeholders and mental HCPs. The proposed model serves as a contemporary framework that the Government, policymakers in the Ministry of Health and management of mental health facilities in Nigeria can adopt, providing the needed awareness of the benefit of technological intervention.