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Pote, Helen, Moulton-Perkins, Alesia and Rides, Gemma 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0322-7900
(2026)
Digital implementation: Developing digital mental health skills in the psychological workforce using e-learning.
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Abstract
Background: Digital mental health (DMH) delivery is expanding across psychological services, yet many practitioners lack the digital skills and confidence required for safe and effective online practice. In order to support digital implementation within mental health governmental and professional bodies emphasise the urgent need to develop digital competencies in the workforce and the need for scalable training solutions. Aims: To develop and evaluate a national e-learning package designed to improve digital mental health competencies, confidence and attitudes among novice psychological practitioners in the UK. Methods: A four-module e-learning package was produced using Sheth et al.’s five-phase e-learning development framework. Content aligned with the British Psychological Society’s Digital Competence Framework. First-year students from three clinical psychology doctoral training programmes participated in the e-learning and completed pre- and post-training measures of digital competence (Digital Competencies for Applied Psychological Practitioners, DCAPP), attitudes towards digital interventions and confidence. Quantitative data were analysed using paired t-tests. Qualitative user feedback was gathered and synthesised using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Eighty-three students completed the e-learning and 52 provided matched pre-post data. Overall digital competencies significantly improved, including students’ digital mental health knowledge and abilities. Attitudes towards digital interventions became more favourable and confidence in practising digitally increased. Qualitative findings indicated the modules were comprehensive, relevant and engaging, with valued interactive elements such as reflective exercises, quizzes and video content. Some students found modules lengthy and suggested shorter videos, improved time estimates, and downloadable summaries. Minor technical issues and diversity considerations were also identified. Conclusions: The e-learning package effectively enhanced DMH competencies, attitudes and confidence among novice psychological practitioners. Embedding competence-based digital training into preregistration curricula supports workforce readiness and contributes to scaling digitally enabled care pathways.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | psychological workforce,digital mental health,e-learning,digital competences,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Psychology |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Aug 2026 15:01 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Aug 2026 23:02 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/104280 |
| DOI: | 10.31234/osf.io/p87ay_v1 |
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