AI assisted triage of UK patients in mental health care services: a qualitative focus group study of patients’ attitudes

Patient engagement is a key challenge for digital tools in mental health, but previous studies in digital decision support tools have focussed on clinician feedback. In this study we ascertained the views of lived experience participants in mental healthcare triage and referral in difficult to treat depression. Participants identified delays, errors and confusion in the referral process and expressed positive views on the ability of the CHRONOSIG tool to help to improve waiting times and time spent between services, particularly when used as an addition to a high-quality clinical consultation. In many countries there are shortfalls in mental health care provision with increasing waits in both recorded and unrecorded waiting lists. This study supports a potential route to improve these processes; by more accurately and efficiently identifying the needs of patients and matching these to suitable services and research opportunities.