Poster
198
(#198) Rural Patient Survey Reveals Unique Barriers to Mental Healthcare and High Receptivity to Prescription Digital Therapeutics
Psych Congress 2025
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs) hold unique potential to improve mental health in underserved rural areas. However, community-specific differences in barriers to care and perceptions towards PDTs are not well-understood.
METHODS: 351 adults in the U.S. with ≥1 mental health condition and care-seeking behaviors were recruited for an online survey based on rural (n=145) versus non-rural (n=206) residence. The recruited sample represented a diverse range of races/ethnicities, ages, and mental health conditions.
RESULTS: About 60% of all respondents, regardless of community setting, experienced ≥1 barrier to mental healthcare, with rural respondents living significantly further from in-person medical care (p=0.003). Despite the use case for remote treatment, rural respondents were significantly less likely to have used any digital app or device for physical or mental health (55% vs. 73%; p=0.001) and more likely to be unfamiliar with mental health apps (21% vs. 16%). When provided with a detailed description of PDTs, 97% of all respondents were somewhat or very likely to use a PDT recommended by their mental health provider. Most respondents (89%) thought that a safe and effective mental health app could address ≥1 barrier to mental healthcare, and respondents were more likely to trust an FDA-cleared app (68%).
CONCLUSIONS: PDTs are a promising treatment modality with potential to alleviate diverse obstacles to mental healthcare, especially in rural communities. High willingness to use PDTs across community settings signals clear promise for and receptivity to these treatments. However, low familiarity, particularly among rural respondents, suggests provider and advocacy intervention is needed.
Short Description: An online survey of rural (N=145) and non-rural (N=206) individuals living with a mental health condition assessed differences in barriers to mental healthcare and perceptions towards Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs). Both rural and non-rural respondents faced barriers to care, with distinct challenges for rural respondents. High interest in PDTs but low familiarity, particularly among rural respondents, suggests provider and advocacy intervention is needed.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
METHODS: 351 adults in the U.S. with ≥1 mental health condition and care-seeking behaviors were recruited for an online survey based on rural (n=145) versus non-rural (n=206) residence. The recruited sample represented a diverse range of races/ethnicities, ages, and mental health conditions.
RESULTS: About 60% of all respondents, regardless of community setting, experienced ≥1 barrier to mental healthcare, with rural respondents living significantly further from in-person medical care (p=0.003). Despite the use case for remote treatment, rural respondents were significantly less likely to have used any digital app or device for physical or mental health (55% vs. 73%; p=0.001) and more likely to be unfamiliar with mental health apps (21% vs. 16%). When provided with a detailed description of PDTs, 97% of all respondents were somewhat or very likely to use a PDT recommended by their mental health provider. Most respondents (89%) thought that a safe and effective mental health app could address ≥1 barrier to mental healthcare, and respondents were more likely to trust an FDA-cleared app (68%).
CONCLUSIONS: PDTs are a promising treatment modality with potential to alleviate diverse obstacles to mental healthcare, especially in rural communities. High willingness to use PDTs across community settings signals clear promise for and receptivity to these treatments. However, low familiarity, particularly among rural respondents, suggests provider and advocacy intervention is needed.
Short Description: An online survey of rural (N=145) and non-rural (N=206) individuals living with a mental health condition assessed differences in barriers to mental healthcare and perceptions towards Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs). Both rural and non-rural respondents faced barriers to care, with distinct challenges for rural respondents. High interest in PDTs but low familiarity, particularly among rural respondents, suggests provider and advocacy intervention is needed.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
