The project was implemented with the aim to increase the competencies of people with mental health problems to improve their self-management by adopting mobile health (mHealth) solutions by: Developing an experiential training methodology to increase the awareness and skills of people with mental health problems on mHealth; developing a set of training resources for trainers to improve the implementation of the training methodology; developing a set of training materials for participants to improve their successful engagement in the training process and skills acquisition; Develop a digital training tool to improve the implementation of the training methodology; implement pilot training actions to validate the quality of the training program and its capacity to increase competences in improving their self-management skills through the adoption of mHealth solutions and raise awareness of related stakeholders at national and EU level on the potential of mHealth use.
Mental health in the EU has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression, in particular due to limited access to healthcare. Against this backdrop, mobile health (mHealth) has proven to be an effective solution, enabling affected people to monitor their condition, receive support and become more independent. 29% of mHealth apps and devices are dedicated to mental health. However, mHealth use remains low due to lack of awareness, low digital literacy and reluctance to privacy. A needs analysis highlighted their need for improved knowledge, skills and attitudes towards mHealth self-management using technology and mobile apps, access to tailored learning methodology, support for caregivers who need knowledge and tools to support them in turn, and training for professionals in the field. To meet these needs, a partnership was created and customized solutions tailored to the target groups - people with mental health problems, carers and professionals in the field- were developed.