From Innovation to Implementation: A Qualitative Study of New Zealand Mental Health Clinicians’ Views on Digital Tools

Abstract The objective was to explore New Zealand mental health clinicians’ and trainees’ knowledge, utilization, and attitudes towards digital mental health tools through semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from an online survey about digital mental health tools. At the survey’s conclusion, participants could express interest and provide contact details via a link. One-on-one in-depth Zoom interviews were conducted, lasting an average of 45 min each. Data collection occurred between August 2021 and February 2022. Anonymized transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Seventeen clinicians took part, and four primary themes emerged: (1) receptiveness to digital innovation, most had used digital mental health tools with clients, observing beneficial outcomes and positive responses; (2) digital technology remains a double-edged sword, offering significant supportive opportunities while also highlighting the digital divide; (3) impediments to clinical implementation, stemming from concerns about maintaining clinical safety and the need to adapt beyond established comfort zones; (4) aspirations for digital technology in clinical practice, encompassing innovative ideas, desire for tools responsive to New Zealand’s diverse communities, and ideas to maximize their potential. This qualitative study gives voice to New Zealand mental health practitioners and their interest in digital innovations to improve client care. However, integrating digital mental health tools into clinical practice effectively depends on overcoming challenges like the digital divide, data privacy, safety concerns, and the lack of tools that reflect New Zealand culture or offer personalization to meet individual needs. It highlights the need for collaboration in developing and deploying digital interventions that are both aligned with clinician requirements and adapted to the specific contexts of their client communities. This research provides a historical (albeit 3-year-old) account of clinician attitudes and knowledge. Given the rapid pace of technological innovation—particularly the rise of generative AI since late 2023—taking snapshots of changing attitudes becomes ever more important as the technological landscape continues to evolve.