Implementing digital self-guided mental health programs for LGBTQA+ people in Australia: barriers and recommendations from Australian healthcare providers

Objective Little is known about healthcare providers’ (HCPs) experiences implementing digital self-guided mental health programs within their services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual and other sexual, romantic and gender minority identities (LGBTQA+) people. This work aims to understand HCPs’ perceptions of barriers, facilitators and recommendations for implementing digital self-guided mental health programs within LGBTQA+ contexts.Methods An online survey was disseminated to HCPs with experience providing care to LGBTQA+ people in Australia. Data were analysed descriptively and using inductive qualitative conventional content analysis of open-ended items.Results The most common barrier to implementation revolved around client accessibility (47, 52.2%) – often described as the impact of technology access, living with a disability and having a safe place to complete programs. Facilitators of implementation often involved supporting integration into clinical care through training (49, 43.8%) and providing information on programs available (17, 15.2%).Conclusion Our results suggest that HCPs have few logistical barriers regarding the implementation of programs, but programs need to be carefully designed to be accessible and safe for LGBTQA+ end-users. These findings within an LGBTQA+ context mirror findings within other populations, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to maximise implementation alongside community-led program design.