Towards a gold standard for internet-delivered programs in behavioral and mental health

Introduction Technological innovation has been pervasive and has touched almost every aspect of modern life, including the delivery of behavioural and mental heath care. As telehealth expands, internet interventions are particularly interesting as a medium of delivering effective care. However, standards are required to help inform healthcare policy makers, providers, clinicians and patients. Objective Move towards outlining a gold standard for internet-delivered behavioural and mental health interventions. Aims Contribute and build upon existing standards and guidelines for the practice of telehealth, but to now extend these to include internet-delivered interventions. Methods Drawing from research, experience and practice, the authors propose a matrix for the evaluation of what might be considered a gold standard for internet-delivered behavioural and mental health interventions. Results Seven elements are proposed and considered aspects of what would constitute a gold standard and they include, the use of evidence-based and empirically supported content, robust, engaging, secure and responsive technologies, shaped by behavioural health subject matter experts, employ user-centred design and development principles, have a focus on accountable care-achieving clinical outcomes, have research and evaluation that supports its effectiveness, and a well developed implementation science and support. Conclusion The paper proposes some characteristics that could compose a gold standard for internet-delivered interventions for behavioural and mental health care. The contribution is neither exhaustive nor conclusive, but offers an invitation to the discussion.