Use of digital technologies by users of psychiatric inpatient services in Berlin, Germany: a cross-sectional patient survey

Few studies and almost exclusively from the USA have recently investigated mobile phone and computer use among users of psychiatric services, which is of high relevance regarding the increasing development of digital health applications and services. Objective, design and setting In a cross-sectional patient survey, we examined (a) rates and purposes of mobile phone, computer, internet and social media use, and (b) the role of social and clinical predictors on rates of utilisation among psychiatric inpatients in Berlin, Germany. Participants and results Descriptive analyses showed that among 496 participants, 84.9% owned a mobile phone and 59.3% a smartphone. Among 493 participants, 68.4% used a computer regularly. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed being homeless, diagnosis of a psychotic illness, being of older age and a lower level of education to be significant predictors for not owning a mobile phone, not using a computer regularly or having a social media account, respectively. Conclusions Users of psychiatric services may have access to mobile phones and computers, although rates are lower than in the general population. However, key barriers that need to be addressed regarding the development of and engagement with digital health interventions are factors of social exclusion like marginalised housing as well as clinical aspects like psychotic illness.