Access to e-health in Swedish healthcare programs for psychological health problems

Abstract: Background: One of society's most pressing social challenges is the state of people's psychological health. Healthcare institutions have adopted e-health due to the noticeable rise in psychological health issues and growing societal reliance on digital technologies. Internet based Cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is essential for those with psychological health issues. Since 2012, the Department of Swedish Municipalities and Regions (SKR) has coordinated the 1177 healthcare programme, a digitisation initiative. By 2025, the Swedish Government hopes to be a global leader in digitising social services and health care. This ehealth system must promote the welfare and good health, which are founded on the idea of equality between individuals. It must increase patient engagement and confidence while bridging the gap between patient needs and what the healthcare system can supply.  Aim: To describe the access to e-health within Swedish healthcare programs for psychological health problems.  Method: Summative qualitative content analysis of data from websites regarding access to e-health services or iCBT in the Swedish local authorities and regions through an inductive approach.  Findings: The results show that e-health services and resources are unequally distributed among local authorities and regions in Sweden.  Conclusion: Results of the study show that unequal e-health service and resource distribution might result in stigmatization and a decline in patient's willingness to seek care.