Systemic therapy goes online User-oriented development of systemic internet and mobile-based interventions

Background The digitalization of psychotherapy is increasingly progressing. Based on this development, internet and mobile-based (psychotherapeutic) interventions (IMI) have surfaced in many different forms. The potential benefits of IMI and their effectiveness are confirmed by meta-analytic levels of evidence. Objective The aim of this article is to demonstrate ways in which systemic therapy principles and systemic methods can be presented in a digitalized form. Systemic IMI could be used to complement existing therapeutic structures. Material and methods As an example, the user-centered development of the systemic IMI "mSANO tummy" is described. The results of focus groups with healthcare providers and patients as well as a usability study are presented. Results and conclusion Finally, the specific challenges of the digitalization of systemic therapy principles are critically examined, especially the impact of written digital communication on the therapy process and the implementation of working with multiple system members in a virtual space. Furthermore, possibilities for quality assurance are evaluated.