Implementation of e‐mental health for depression and anxiety: A critical scoping review

The aim of this review was to scope the growth and development of implementation research of e‐mental healthcare programs for anxiety and depression, the research and evaluation tools used, and the specific implementation processes and outcomes examined. A search of four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) was conducted from January 2000 to January 2019. Of 33 studies identified, most (n = 28) were published in the last five years. Only 10 used an implementation framework to guide implementation or evaluation. Most studies reported on acceptability (n = 28), appropriateness (n = 23), and feasibility (n = 17). Less commonly reported implementation outcomes were fidelity (n = 10) and adoption (n = 7); with penetration (n = 4), sustainability (n = 3), and implementation cost (n = 2) being studied rarely. Of the 21 studies that used surveys to study implementation outcomes, less than half used a previously published survey (n = 9). More rigorous implementation studies, underpinned by strong theory and real‐world understanding, are urgently needed.