THE NEXT LEAP – INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY WITH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Capitalizing on the advancement of technology and the increasing role that it plays in the world of today’s youth, the organization has been working on combining Artificial Intelligence, digital data and mental health expertise to create ICT based Interactive platforms for improving mental health outcomes through increased engagement and expanded reach of Mental Health Services.
At MRF the aim is to leverage technology for incorporating Predictive Analytics that combines technology, data and expertise to help improve current patient health outcomes by identifying high-risk patients sooner and with more accuracy, thereby reducing healthcare costs and work disability days.
MRF has a proven track record of impacting thousands of patients in individual and group settings over a spectrum of behavioral health issues. We have been successfully delivering and treating patients to prove and validate the effectiveness of the behavioral health model in an Indian setting and now intend to use complex variables and parameters to make it more effective with Thought Care products & alternative Medication Management. Predictive analytics will enable us make the best decisions, allowing for care to be personalized to each individual.
We are at the beginning of a new era of intelligent interfaces. Users especially youth resonate with interactive device interfaces. Capitalizing on the advancement of technology and the increasing role that it plays in the world of today’s youth, an important part of what we are planning to do in near future will be to create an AI based Mobile Application that will enable continued connect with the youth and enable positive engagement with the Mental Health Guidance and resources.
As digital platforms take on new functions and gather an increasing amount of personal data about users, the issue of user privacy / confidentiality will remain a matter of top priority. We take full cognizance of the fact that it will be increasingly important to set clear boundaries regarding which information they need and can have access to.
In order to avoid adverse effects, we are focusing on research and feedback system as two major sources which will help us in correcting ourselves at every step of our journey. Research as mentioned before, helps us in understanding our clients and their needs better, making us aware of providing what each client wants and the way they want it. Feedback system is our core focus. Going back to our clients and taking quick feedbacks and understanding where we are lacking has made us grow and understand various ways in which the same information can be presented but in a different manner so that it is easy to consume for each client. The Mind research foundation believes in keeping up with the technology as well as research and that too at a global level. Human beings across the globe are the same and hence are their emotions, feelings and mental health issues. There are projects in the pipeline for the coming future which would not just align with our vision and mission but also, connect mental health wellbeing at an international level.
- AI based Mobile Application
We are at the beginning of a new era of intelligent interfaces. Users especially youth resonate with interactive device interfaces. Capitalizing on the advancement of technology and the increasing role that it plays in the world of today’s youth, an important part of the project will be to create an AI based Mobile Application that will enable continued connect with the youth and enable positive engagement with the Mental Health Guidance and resources.
Intelligently and sensitively using humanized technology in the context of Mental Health Guidance tool will turn devices into ‘identity accessories’: that can become gears to actively sculpt behavior, identity and guided actions of the participating youth. The objective of the Mobile App is to make it come ‘alive’ via AI technology, acting as a mediator for self-discovery and self-realization, which in turn can have far-reaching positive consequences on the state of mind of the user. The proposed AI based Mobile application will emerge to take on the role of a constant support resource’. The interface will be with the users whenever they need them, keeping them company, supporting them, and making them feel secure and cared for in an increasingly complex and erratic world.
Depending on how advanced the project participants agree to the AI system will not only gather factual data such as workout or eating patterns, but also glean intimate insight into the user psyche and problems, desires, dreams, and fears. The aim is to create a simple, intuitive, and attractive self-guided Mobile App that will aim at increasing positive emotions through exercises and tools supported by positive psychology and mindfulness research. An initial questionnaire could be used to suggest “tracks” for an individual’s use, and subsequent activity content will be geared towards various aims such as reducing worry, building relationships, increasing fitness, or coping with other life challenges based on AI garnered inputs. Activities will be backed up with a blurb about research or scientific rationale that the user will be encouraged to read. This app will start with the role of describing basic concepts with a creative animated interface, presenting concepts in a user-friendly way with clear instructions; creating an online forum; supplying podcasts; normalizing mind-wandering; and illustrating main points with videos. The content using AI can subsequently get customized to each user and provide specified feed.
An important point to note is that the app is not intended as a treatment substitute or as a Flag raiser; but an authentic support system for Youth intending at building their mental health capacities.
Targeted to help adolescents, teens, and young adults the app would help gain insight into basic skills for managing any stress invoking symptoms, worry, performance anxiety, test anxiety, and perfectionism to symptom recognition of impeding psychological issues. The skills taught may be applied providing users with more helpful, balanced ways of thinking about feared situations. Using Artificial Intelligence tools the app could be offering lists of active coping strategies tailored to each individual’s inputs / responses a variety of thought patterns and specific user inputs.
“Suggested exercises, mental imagery, and mindfulness strategies could be provided in text and audio format. “Quick Tips” could be included to assist issues in the moment. Users would be able “favorite” the methods that work for them. Scoring could be embedded in the application for monitoring analyzing how one’s mental health is changing over time. This app could help individuals rate various symptoms of mood (as an example) to determine the impact it may have on their day to day functioning and interpersonal relationships. Through Data Analysis the app could suggest users to speak or check in with person responsible for Primary Level Care (Teachers, Family as an example)
Designed for Young People the app will allow people to: Manage their mental wellness in an informed manner by building their own profile of Positive Mental Health by getting in-depth user insights leading to personalized out outcomes. There are many possibilities of expanding the Mobile App scope features that the participating organizations can agree to or the participating Youth / Schools can benefit from. .
***As digital platforms take on new functions and gather an increasing amount of personal data about users, the issue of user privacy / confidentiality will remain a matter of top priority. Parties proposing are taking full cognizance of the fact that it will be increasingly important to set clear boundaries regarding which information they need and can have access to.