Marcus Eng is building a digital tool to stimulate physical activity as part of treating mental illness. The idea is that the tool should support the patients so that the prescribed treatment really works.
Many of the ideas that seek support from DigitalWell's Innovation Support are rooted in the entrepreneur's own knowledge. Marcus Eng is one such example.
- I work as a physiotherapist at Klarälvskliniken and there I try to get the patients to perform evidence-based treatment, but I am humbled by the fact that compliance with what is recommended is not always followed. Within a digital platform for hip and knee osteoarthritis, this has been achieved through push notifications, a clearly structured program and daily feedback from the therapist.
Large target group
With a similar methodology, he is now building a digital tool aimed at mental illness. The target group is large. About one million Swedes are medicated with antidepressants, and the WHO estimates that within three years, depression will be one of the biggest burdens of disease globally.
- Within mental illness, it is known that physical activity is an effective measure for prevention and treatment purposes, says Marcus Eng.
The need for continuous feedback is a key for treatment to be effective. Here, he believes that the app can close gaps that arise between the physical meetings, and provide both support to the patients as well as feedback on their well-being, physical function and adherence to the treatment.
- The physical care includes, among other things, contact with a doctor, medication, talk therapy and physiotherapy in physical form. Physical activity in digital form would work as a complement to other tools, says Marcus Eng.
Welcome traction
Until now, Marcus Eng has mostly driven development of the service on his own. Therefore, he thinks that the support from DigitalWell Innovationssupport has provided a welcome boost.
- The support I have received so far has meant a lot. Partly through advice, support, a wide network of contacts and a project to produce a prototype. I have learned a lot there but also progressed in the development of the idea.
