engagement – Lancashire & South Cumbria Library Blog

Digital peer support interventions for people with mental health conditions in outpatient settings

A systematic review and meta-analysis

Source: Croke S. BMJ Mental Health 2026;29(1):1-8.

Studies evaluated digital peer support via online platforms, mobile apps or digital communities for people aged ≥16 years with mental health conditions. Digital peer support offers modest improvements in symptoms and functioning for individuals with mental health conditions and may be considered as an adjunct to usual care to enhance engagement and provide accessible support between clinical contacts.

Read the full article here: Digital peer support interventions for people with mental health conditions in outpatient settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis | BMJ Mental Health

Health and Social Care

Integrated care

In September 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England (NHSE) and the Local Government Association (LGA) published ‘ICP engagement document: integrated care system (ICS) implementation’. Following that publication, the DHSC, NHSE and LGA conducted an engagement exercise with those who have an interest in the formation of integrated care partnerships. This paper sets out the key findings from the engagement process. It also proposes next steps and outlines how DHSC, NHSE and the LGA intend to support and guide the development of these new partnership arrangements going forward.

Integrated care communications toolkit
This toolkit was developed to help communicate the changes taking place in the health and care system. Resources have been produced to help with explaining integrated systems to the public, elected members and officers of councils, and non-executive directors. The toolkit also includes a jargon buster and some FAQs

Digital health and care conference

A virtual conference for the digital revolution

The Kings Fund are holding a virtual conference from Monday 2nd November to Thursday 5th November, which will bring together top experts from the NHS and other parts of the digital health system to discuss the lessons learned and next steps after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The conference, along with other topics, will include:

the role of leadership in a time of crisis
the role of digital solutions
how to engage with health care staff and prepare them for the digital work environment

To find out more and see the full programme click here.

This virtual conference will take place over four half-days from Monday 2 November. You can join the short, interactive sessions live or catch up later on demand.