HelloBetter, a German organisation focused on digital therapy courses, has announced the release of a new online programme that is a reimbursable digital health application (DiGA) for German doctors and patients.

The digital therapy course targets type 1 and type 2 diabetics with depressive symptoms.

WHY IT MATTERS

According to HelloBetter founder Dr David Ebert, Professor of Psychology and Digital Mental Health from TU Munich, a quarter of all people with diabetes also suffer from depressive symptoms.

In order to provide adequate, efficient care for this patient group – as an alternative to psychopharmaceuticals – HelloBetter has developed a specific treatment programme based on four years of research at universities in Amsterdam, Freiburg, Marburg and Lüneburg. Furthermore, its efficacy has been underlined in a clinical trial.  

The 12-week 'HelloBetter Diabetes and Depression' digital programme is based on cognitive behavioral therapy and is presented in the form of an interactive web application with six course units.

Patients learn skills to solve problems around their condition and how to prevent relapses, individually supported by psychologists. Additionally, they may deepen their treatment progress through a mobile app that comprises diary functions, mood and symptom tracking among other features. Doctors can deploy this mobile feature in synergy with on-site treatment.

THE LARGER TREND

Since the Digital Care Act was passed in November 2019, there has been a legal basis for prescribing and reimbursing digital therapies in Germany. Eligible programmes called ‘DiGA’ have successfully undergone a quality check by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

The digital health company HelloBetter, founded in 2015, has developed a variety of online therapy programmes – for a range of conditions including burnout, depression, sleep disorder, anxiety and panic, stress management and alcoholism.

'HelloBetter Diabetes and Depression' is the second HelloBetter online course to receive approval as a DiGA in the DiGA directory – following the approval of 'HelloBetter Stress and Burnout', the first HelloBetter course to be approved in October 2021.

ON THE RECORD

“In Germany alone, this affects about two million people. Although there are specialised psycho-diabetological therapy concepts that are specifically tailored to those affected with diabetes and depression, their availability is very limited,” Dr Ebert said.

He concluded: “The online therapy course thus closes a gap in care in diabetology and can help to substantially improve the care of this patient group.”