Kaiser Permanente physicians and therapists now have the ability to refer their patients to evidence-based mental health and wellness apps through the organization's electronic health record (EHR) system.
With a simple referral to an app, Kaiser Permanente patients can begin using it on their own or under the guidance of a clinician at no cost, according to health system officials, who point to a recent case study showing that patients are more receptive to using mental health and wellness apps and feel better when referred by a clinician. These are among the takeaways published in the January 2021 issue of NEJM Catalyst Innovations in Care Delivery. “This case study provides important learnings to support the integration of mental health apps in care and expand patient engagement with digital tools as part of their overall treatment plan,” Kaiser Permanente officials say.
In 2018, Kaiser Permanente began providing patients access to apps by signing in to their kp.org account. The organization also trained clinicians on the use of the apps, workflow, documentation, and evidence-based best practices. Following the rapid expansion of the app referral effort earlier this year, clinicians referred 44,000 mental healthcare patients to the digital tools. More recent data shows app referrals have increased to 115,000, and the number continues to grow, officials point out.
"What we're tapping into is the existing relationship people have with their Kaiser Permanente therapist. We know that our patients are more likely to use these digital resources if their provider refers them," said Don Mordecai, M.D., national leader for mental health and wellness at Kaiser Permanente. "Digital therapeutics such as mental health apps have a clear place in a care plan and it's very exciting to be on the forefront of this."
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on Americans' emotional well-being. The prevalence of depression symptoms in U.S. adults is three times higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic began, research shows. Since untreated mental health issues can get worse, digital apps for mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can offer significant help for patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, Kaiser Permanente leaders contend.
To that end, the apps Kaiser Permanente offers in clinical settings include Calm, Headspace, and Whil — mindfulness and meditation apps aimed at reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep — and myStrength, SilverCloud, and Thrive — cognitive behavioral therapy apps providing higher-touch guided support through interactive activities and/or coaching. All of these apps are secure and confidential and available to Kaiser Permanente members at no cost to them, according to officials. Adult members can access Calm and myStrength through kp.org without a clinician's referral.
"It's been amazing to watch patients' progress just by using the apps in between sessions," said Leigh Miller, a Kaiser Permanente clinical social worker who offered feedback during early testing. "We found that these tools really enhanced how we support our patients' mental health and we are thrilled to see the positive changes in our patients."
