A Scoping Review of Technology/Digital Support Tools for Informal Mental Health Carers: Impacts on Well being and Experience
AI Summary
Self-accessible digital interventions can enhance informal carers' well being and experience, particularly when multifactorial and tailored to carer needs.
Professionally developed tools were associated with greater reductions in caregiver burden and improvements in emotional regulation and quality of life.
Sustained engagement, usability and digital literacy are critical; codesign alone does not guarantee clinical benefit and requires clearer development reporting.
Community Ment Health J. 2026 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s10597-026-01651-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Informal carers provide essential support to individuals with mental health conditions, yet often experience poor well being and limited access to traditional supports due to stigma, time constraints, and geographic barriers. Self-accessible digital tools may offer a flexible and scalable solution. This scoping review explores the impact of self-accessible digital support tools on the well being and experience of informal carers of individuals with mental health conditions.
METHODS: Five databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies (2015-2025) evaluating digital tools for carers of individuals with mental health conditions, excluding neurocognitive disorders. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
RESULTS: Seven unique digital tools were identified (three mobile apps, four web-based tools). Professionally developed tools appeared to be associated with greater improvements in caregiver burden, emotional regulation, and quality of life. Codesigned digital tools were positively received for their flexibility and relevance, but had mixed clinical outcomes and engagement challenges.
DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that while digital tools can benefit carers, digital literacy, usability, and sustained engagement are critical factors. Codesign alone does not guarantee improved outcomes, particularly when user involvement is limited or underreported. Future research should further investigate codesigned interventions, with clear reporting of development processes and strategies that promote sustained use.
CONCLUSION: Digital interventions can enhance the well being and experience of informal mental health carers, particularly those that are codesigned and multifactorial to address carer needs. Strengthening these tools has the potential to support carers and reduce systemic strain on mental health services.
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