Vitality’s owner Discovery Health has partnered with Amwell, a global hybrid health care enablement specialist, to introduce the first digital therapeutic benefits funded by a health insurer in South Africa.
The move means clinicians are now able to prescribe SilverCloud by Amwell, a clinically validated, evidence-based digital mental healthcare platform, to members.
Noluthando Nematswerani, chief clinical officer at Discovery Health, said: “The rapid digitisation of healthcare, accelerated by the global pandemic, has improved access to quality patient care across nearly every specialty worldwide.
“As our organisation faces demands for mental healthcare much like the concerning trends being experienced worldwide, Discovery Health sought a clinically validated, Food and Drug Administration approved and internationally proven partner to help.
“This benefit offering expands access to treatment, improves outcomes, and supports our members in changing their behaviour in a sustainable manner through leading digital cognitive behaviour therapies, so that they can better manage their condition on a regular basis.
“In SilverCloud by Amwell, we have found a mental health technology platform and valuable partner that will support our goal to provide increased access to care for our members.”
Kathy Weiler, chief commercial and growth officer at Amwell, added: “Global research paints a grim picture of the increased prevalence of mental health diagnoses, as one in eight people globally live with a mental health condition, and care team burnout among healthcare organisations worldwide.
“Discovery Health is demonstrating its global leadership and innovative approach by integrating digital therapy benefits into its mental health care offering.
“We are honoured to enable Discovery Health’s first-of-its-kind offering in South Africa as it eases the strain on behavioural health providers while providing members easy access to affordable and effective treatment options.”