Transatlantic Insights into Digital Technologies for Mental Health

by Elisabeth Steindl

The promise of digital technologies for mental health services is undeniable, but it also brings forth challenges, particularly concerning privacy and data protection. Elisabeth Steindl and Richard Rak have successfully secured third-party funding for a modest-scale project on “Privacy and Data Protection Challenges Affecting Internet of Things for Mental Health: Comparative Perspectives and Pathways for Soft Regulation in Europe and Canada” (IoT-MH). The research project navigated the crossroads of mental health, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and regulation. As Principal Investigators, Elisabeth and Richard focused on addressing critical issues surrounding the deployment of IoT devices for mental health purposes, uncovering the potential for soft law instruments to shape the future of e-mental health services.

IoT-MH adopted a multifaceted approach. It revolved around the collaboration with two Living Labs in Canada and Europe: Elisabeth led the Canadian part of the project at the McGill-UdeM-CRIR Living Lab, whereas Richard conducted his research at the AUTH Living Environment Simulation in Greece. By collaborating with Living Labs in both Europe and Canada, IoT-MH aimed to construct inter-jurisdictional perspectives, which allowed for a comprehensive examination of the regulatory deficiencies and challenges associated with e-mental health services in two distinct regulatory environments and led to a deeper understanding of the global regulatory landscape.

Related to the research project, Elisabeth had the privilege of being a visiting scholar at McGill University in Montréal. During her research stay, she seized the opportunity of engaging in a thought-provoking mini symposium with representatives from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in Ottawa. Without doubt, this exchange added valuable perspectives and enriched the comprehension of the hurdles and the potential inherent in the field of e-mental health in Canada.

In parallel with the preparations for IoT-MH, mental health has emerged as one of the primary topics on the agenda of EU health policy. In June 2023, the Commission published its Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health. In July 2023, the EP ENVI SANT sub-committee published its draft report on mental health. Council is expected to adopt its only conclusion during the Spanish Presidency (second half of 2023) on mental health. In different capacities and stages, Elisabeth and Richard have been engaged in these EU policy discussions. On 10 October 2023, they will share some of their findings at the event ‘All in one brain: a discussion on mental health event in the in the European Parliament’ hosted by MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos, involving Commissioner Stella Kyriakidis and the Greek Deputy Minister of Health Dimitris Vartzopoulos. Moreover, Elisabeth will present the insights gained at the 15th World Conference on Bioethics, Medical Ethics and Health Law. The World Conference offers participants an international platform for scientific discourse on more than 70 topics and sub-topics in the fields of bioethics, medical ethics, and health law and is organized by the UNESCO International Chair in Bioethics.

IoT-MH has been made possible through the generous funding of the EU Horizon project, Vitalise. Our profound gratitude goes to Eva Kehayia and Nancy Azevedo, our project partners in Canada, Panagiotis Kartsidis and Silia Petronikolou, our collaborators in Greece, and last not least Evdokimos Konstantinidis, the Project Coordinator of Vitalise, for their steadfast support and guidance throughout IoT-MH’s lifecycle. Our sincere appreciation is extended to our esteemed interview partners and the many collaborators onsite, willing to share their experiences and knowledge. 

Many thanks also go to Maureen Abbott and her colleagues from the E-Mental Health Team of the MHCC for organizing a truly stimulating exchange on e-mental health policy, regulation and the law in Canada and the EU. 

The cooperation of all partners involved has not only advanced our research but can hopefully make a contribution to the ongoing discussions surrounding digital technologies for mental health in Europe and Canada.