Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping Review
BackgroundObesity and mental health issues present interconnected public health challenges that impair physical, social, and mental well-being. Digital technologies offer potential for enhancing health care communication between health professionals (HPs) and individuals livi...
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JMIR Publications
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Internet Research |
| Online Access: | https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e58434 |
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| author | Amanda Kearns Anne Moorhead Maurice Mulvenna Raymond Bond |
| author_facet | Amanda Kearns Anne Moorhead Maurice Mulvenna Raymond Bond |
| author_sort | Amanda Kearns |
| collection | DOAJ |
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BackgroundObesity and mental health issues present interconnected public health challenges that impair physical, social, and mental well-being. Digital technologies offer potential for enhancing health care communication between health professionals (HPs) and individuals living with obesity and mental health issues, but their effectiveness is not fully understood.
ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to identify and understand the different types of technologies used by HPs in supporting obesity and mental health communication.
MethodsA comprehensive scoping review, which followed a validated methodology, analyzed studies published between 2013 and 2023 across 8 databases. The data extraction focused on HPs’ use of communication technologies, intervention types, biopsychosocial considerations, and perceptions of technology use. The review was guided by the following research question: “What are the uses, benefits, and limitations of digital technologies in supporting communication between HPs and persons living with obesity and mental health issues?”
ResultsIn total, 8 studies—featuring web-based platforms, social media, synchronous video calls, telephone calls, automated SMS text messaging, and email—met the inclusion criteria. Technologies such as virtual learning collaborative dashboards and videoconferencing, supported by automated SMS text messaging and social media (Facebook and WhatsApp groups), were commonly used. Psychologists, dietitians, social workers, and health coaches used digital tools to facilitate virtual appointments, diet and mental health monitoring, and motivational and educational support through group therapy, 1-on-1 sessions, and hybrid models. Benefits included enhanced access to care and engagement, personalized digital cognitive behavioral therapy, perceived stigma reduction, privacy, and improved physical health outcomes in weight reduction. However, improvements in mental health outcomes were not statistically significant in studies reporting P values (P≥.05). The limitations included engagement difficulties due to conflicting personal family and work commitments; variable communication mode preferences, with some preferring in-person sessions; and misinterpretations of SMS text messaging prompts. Conflicts arose from cultural and individual differences, weight stigma, and confusion over HP roles in obesity and mental health care.
ConclusionsDigital technologies have diversified the approaches HPs can take in delivering education, counseling, and motivation to individuals with obesity and mental health issues, facilitating private, stigma-reduced environments for personalized care. While the interventions were effective in obesity management, the review revealed a shortfall in addressing mental health needs. This highlights an urgent need for digital tools to serve as media for a deeper engagement with individuals’ complex biopsychosocial needs. The integration of data science and technological advancements offers promising avenues for tailored digital solutions. The findings advocate the importance of continued innovation and adaptation in digital health care communication strategies, with clearer HP roles and an interdisciplinary, empathetic approach focused on individual needs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-73fddd5b50bd49ebb89b98b15367ca62 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1438-8871 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | JMIR Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Internet Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-73fddd5b50bd49ebb89b98b15367ca622025-02-10T19:30:34ZengJMIR PublicationsJournal of Medical Internet Research1438-88712025-02-0127e5843410.2196/58434Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping ReviewAmanda Kearnshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8540-3885Anne Moorheadhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8585-2987Maurice Mulvennahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1554-0785Raymond Bondhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1078-2232 BackgroundObesity and mental health issues present interconnected public health challenges that impair physical, social, and mental well-being. Digital technologies offer potential for enhancing health care communication between health professionals (HPs) and individuals living with obesity and mental health issues, but their effectiveness is not fully understood. ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to identify and understand the different types of technologies used by HPs in supporting obesity and mental health communication. MethodsA comprehensive scoping review, which followed a validated methodology, analyzed studies published between 2013 and 2023 across 8 databases. The data extraction focused on HPs’ use of communication technologies, intervention types, biopsychosocial considerations, and perceptions of technology use. The review was guided by the following research question: “What are the uses, benefits, and limitations of digital technologies in supporting communication between HPs and persons living with obesity and mental health issues?” ResultsIn total, 8 studies—featuring web-based platforms, social media, synchronous video calls, telephone calls, automated SMS text messaging, and email—met the inclusion criteria. Technologies such as virtual learning collaborative dashboards and videoconferencing, supported by automated SMS text messaging and social media (Facebook and WhatsApp groups), were commonly used. Psychologists, dietitians, social workers, and health coaches used digital tools to facilitate virtual appointments, diet and mental health monitoring, and motivational and educational support through group therapy, 1-on-1 sessions, and hybrid models. Benefits included enhanced access to care and engagement, personalized digital cognitive behavioral therapy, perceived stigma reduction, privacy, and improved physical health outcomes in weight reduction. However, improvements in mental health outcomes were not statistically significant in studies reporting P values (P≥.05). The limitations included engagement difficulties due to conflicting personal family and work commitments; variable communication mode preferences, with some preferring in-person sessions; and misinterpretations of SMS text messaging prompts. Conflicts arose from cultural and individual differences, weight stigma, and confusion over HP roles in obesity and mental health care. ConclusionsDigital technologies have diversified the approaches HPs can take in delivering education, counseling, and motivation to individuals with obesity and mental health issues, facilitating private, stigma-reduced environments for personalized care. While the interventions were effective in obesity management, the review revealed a shortfall in addressing mental health needs. This highlights an urgent need for digital tools to serve as media for a deeper engagement with individuals’ complex biopsychosocial needs. The integration of data science and technological advancements offers promising avenues for tailored digital solutions. The findings advocate the importance of continued innovation and adaptation in digital health care communication strategies, with clearer HP roles and an interdisciplinary, empathetic approach focused on individual needs.https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e58434 |
| spellingShingle | Amanda Kearns Anne Moorhead Maurice Mulvenna Raymond Bond Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping Review Journal of Medical Internet Research |
| title | Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping Review |
| title_full | Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping Review |
| title_fullStr | Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping Review |
| title_short | Assessing the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Digital Technologies Used by Health Professionals in Supporting Obesity and Mental Health Communication: Scoping Review |
| title_sort | assessing the uses benefits and limitations of digital technologies used by health professionals in supporting obesity and mental health communication scoping review |
| url | https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e58434 |
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