The use of e-& mHealth technology-based interventions to improve modifiable lifestyle risk factors amongst individuals with severe mental illness (SMI): a scoping review

Objective: The physical health of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) is generally far worse than the general population. Emerging electronic and mobile health (e-& mHealth) technology may provide new ways to offer interventions in order to reduce modifiable lifestyle risk factors in this vulnerable population. This scoping review aimed to assess the state of knowledge about the use of e-& mHealth technology-based interventions to address modifiable lifestyle risk factors amongst individuals with SMI. Method: EMBASE, Medline (Ovid) and PsycINFO were searched to identify papers published up to July 2021. Extended PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews were followed to report the results. Results: A total of 85 papers were identified, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. These interventions were effective in bringing about positive and clinically significant impacts in weight loss, diet, smoking cessation, and physical activity for some participants. However, many participants did not experience these benefits. Overall, participants indicated that they were satisfied with, and receptive to e-& mHealth interventions. Conclusion: The evidence base for the use of technology-based interventions to improve modifiable lifestyle risk factors for people with SMI is very limited. More rigorous research on the use of technological tools is needed to determine how more users could benefit from them. Further research and intervention development should be undertaken in collaboration with people with SMI to ensure that unique requirements and preferences are included.