Competencies of health professionals in digital mental health for preventive care among adolescents

Abstract Background Digital technology is vital in delivering innovative person-centered interventions to address mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Digital-health competencies for health professionals are crucial in providing such interventions. Health professionals require comprehensive training to effectively use technology and enhance its potential. Our systematic review explores the competencies needed to effectively use digital health technologies in preventive mental care targeting adolescents within non-clinical settings. Methods We followed the PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed, ERIC, and Scopus for empirical studies on digital health interventions among adolescents (aged 10-19) in communities, schools, and online platforms worldwide. We combined two data extraction and synthesis frameworks: the Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform and the Health Information Technology Competencies. Results Of the 4762 screened articles, 15 were included in the review. A comprehensive set of competencies emerged, encompassing: support for adolescents and caregiver (parent) engagement; translating digital content into practice; collaborative coordination among multidisciplinary teams (e.g., psychologists, developers, counsellors); technical guidance (e.g., app navigation, troubleshooting); ethical adherence (informed consent, privacy, withdrawal protocols); and program evaluation (fidelity monitoring, feedback integration, proactive, adolescent-centered implementation). Conclusions Training mental health professionals is essential to effectively build and strengthen the digital health competencies, which include technical and collaborative skills and the confidence to navigate digital platforms, engage adolescents and parents, and deliver multidisciplinary interventions with fidelity and empathy. This will foster leadership and improved response to the mental health needs of young people. Key messages • Digital mental health tools are becoming increasingly integrated into public health settings. • Without targeted workforce training, even the most well-designed digital interventions risk underperformance.