Mental health conditions are a significant concern in the communities served by the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network, located in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, these conditions are often overlooked, not adequately addressed, and remain untreated due to limited access to specialized mental healthcare services.
The health network recognized this issue and in 2017, a multidisciplinary team embarked on creating a digital formulary to provide evidence-based tools through high-quality software. The goal was to prevent, manage, or treat a range of physical, mental, and behavioral conditions. By focusing on digital therapeutics, the network aimed to enhance access to mental healthcare for patients beyond traditional healthcare settings.
Dr. Bradley Crotty, Chief Digital Officer at Froedtert & MCW, emphasized the importance of digital tools in addressing mental health access challenges. These tools could complement conventional therapy, offering patients the flexibility to work on their mental wellness at their own pace and outside of regular office hours. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was identified as a valuable tool to address various behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, alcohol overuse, and chronic pain management.
To address the need for digital CBT, Froedtert & MCW partnered with SilverCloud, a platform that provides CBT education to help individuals develop skills to manage unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This program empowered patients to take charge of their mental health by providing access to tools that enhanced their mental wellness. Additionally, SilverCloud offered digital health coaching to improve accountability and outcomes for users.
The implementation of SilverCloud at the health network helped overcome financial and scheduling barriers that prevented patients from seeking mental health support. By offering the program at no cost and making it accessible on smart devices, patients could conveniently engage with the platform based on their availability. The program was customized to meet the individual needs of patients, allowing them to set goals and access relevant resources.
Since its launch in 2017, over 10,000 individuals have benefited from the digital CBT program at Froedtert & MCW. Clinical outcomes showed significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores among patients, indicating the effectiveness of digital CBT in supporting mental health. Moreover, patient satisfaction rates have been high, with users reporting positive experiences and improved mental wellness.
Looking ahead, the health network aims to expand access to mental health resources by offering an uncoached stress and resilience module to community members. This initiative underscores the commitment to providing comprehensive mental health support to enhance overall well-being.
In conclusion, the successful integration of digital therapeutics into mental healthcare services has proven to be a valuable asset for Froedtert & MCW. By leveraging technology to deliver evidence-based interventions, the network has been able to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Moving forward, the focus remains on expanding access to mental health resources and empowering individuals to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
