MHDI is developing an implementation model to accelerate the adoption of digital mental health technologies across the NHS
The Digital Navigator programme aims to address one of the greatest barriers to digital innovation in healthcare: translating promising technologies into sustainable routine practice.
Digital Navigators are central to this approach. These specialist implementation practitioners work alongside NHS organisations, clinical teams, service users and technology providers to support the adoption, embedding and long-term use of digital mental health technologies.
Rather than supporting the rollout of a single technology, the programme is developing and refining a model through a centralised team of NHS-employed Digital Navigators that can be applied across multiple NHS Trusts and support the implementation of future digital mental health technologies.
History of Digital Navigators
The model builds on experience gained through the volunteer Digital Navigator programme developed by GM.Digital at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and draws on collaboration with Professor John Torous and colleagues at Harvard Medical School.
In 2020, Professor John Torous, Harvard Medical School, developed the role and training for Digital Navigators in America. In collaboration with Prof Torous and colleagues, the GM.Digital Research Unit established a Volunteer Digital Navigator programme at the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Volunteers complete a 4-week training programme before working with both clinical and non-clinical teams to support the adoption of digital mental health technologies. In 2022, a Research Digital Navigator supported the implementation of Lumi Nova in Greater Manchester. Their role was critical in the successful delivery of this research.
Creating a transferrable blueprint
CareLoop is the first technology to be implemented through the Digital Navigator model. As a NICE-recommended, UKCA-certified platform supporting people with psychosis through real-time monitoring, relapse prevention and earlier intervention, it provides a real-world opportunity to develop, evaluate and refine the Digital Navigator model, creating a transferable blueprint for implementing future digital mental health technologies.
This programme is a partnership between Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Manchester, Careloop, and MHDI.
Ayla, Digital Navigator Lead
“As Digital Navigator Team Lead, I make sure the service runs smoothly and supports both service users and clinical teams. I'm a clinician by background and have experience in rolling out both service user apps and new electronic patient records so, for me, bringing mental health and digital innovation together to improve outcomes and experience is what it's all about.
“I love getting staff and service users using technology that's going to make their day-to-day lives easier, especially those hard to reach or less digitally confident people. Overseeing a team of passionate Digital Navigators is just fantastic, they are the heartbeat of the service – bridging digital tools and real care to support earlier, more proactive support.”
Fran, Digital Navigator
"As a Digital Navigator on the MHG programme, my role focuses on supporting NHS mental health services to adopt and embed digital innovations effectively. I work across multiple teams to help ensure digital tools are implemented in a way that delivers meaningful benefits for both service users and staff."