OHT Mental Health: Coffee Chat: The “Ghosting” Problem - Solving Attrition in Digital Therapeutics

In the world of mental healthtech, we’ve gotten really good at the "first date." Millions of people are downloading apps, and clinicians are increasingly issuing "software on prescription". But then, the "ghosting" starts.

Recent data shows a startling reality: while mental health apps represent the largest share of prescribed digital health applications (DiGAs), they also suffer from the poorest follow-up adherence, with re-uptake rates often falling below 15%. Even in the commercial "wellness" sector, median 90-day retention is often less than 10%.

Why are we losing users when they need support most?

Join us for a casual, 60-minute virtual coffee catch-up where we move beyond "time-on-app" and dive into the "why" behind the drop-off. We’ll be discussing the "missing ingredients" of user engagement, from the lack of human guidance in digital tools to the "novelty decay" that happens when behavioural science is retrofitted rather than baked into the design.

What we will explore:

• The engagement paradox: why do users download but rarely stay? We'll explore the gap between micro-engagement (clicks and logs) and macro-engagement (real-world behaviour change).

• The human link: is the lack of manufacturer-provided human support or "digital navigators" the reason users feel isolated in their digital care journey?

• Design vs. regulation: does the rigid evidence logic of regulated tech favour "boring" designs (like simple diaries) over the gamification and wearable connectivity that users actually enjoy?

• The Goldilocks principle: how do we design for "habit strength" so that tech becomes a seamless routine rather than a digital burden?

Who is this for?

Whether you are a developer, a clinician, a researcher, a patient, or just someone interested in how we make digital mental health more "sticky" and inclusive, your thoughts are welcome. No slides (okay, maybe a few!), no formal lectures - just an open, honest conversation about building tech that people actually keep using.