How can the potential of internet- and mobile-based interventions be used in the treatment of depression? Findings from a qualitative survey among German psychotherapists

Introduction and Objectives: Internet and mobile -based interventions (IMIs) can reduce the unmet need for treatment of people with depression. The service providers as key actors in the healthcare market play an essential role in implementation. Therefore, the barriers, drivers and expectations from the perspective of psychotherapists were examined. Methods: In the Nuremberg area, n = 15 psychotherapists were interviewed using a semi -structured guideline. The data were then evaluated according to the principles of Grounded Theory. Results: Primarily, optimizing patient benefits and bridging waiting times and aftercare were seen as advantages. Challenges exist in relation to insufficient information and communication channels between those involved in the healthcare market and the resulting lack of therapists' experiences with IMIs. Discussion: In addition to the drivers and barriers, different fields of action must be taken into account in order to increase the implementation of IMIs in the care of people with depression; these include the way that IMIs are integrated into the treatment process, the conception of IMIs and the relationships on the healthcare market. The decisive factor here is to increase cooperation between all those involved in the healthcare market. Conclusion: The barriers identified are mainly due to insufficient information and communication channels within the healthcare market. They provide helpful guidance for understanding how the increased implementation of IMIs into the care process in the treatment of depression can succeed.