Discovery Health has partnered with Amwell to introduce the first-ever digital therapeutic benefits funded by a health insurer in South Africa. As part of the organization?s robust mental healthcare program and benefits package, clinicians are now able to prescribe SilverCloud by Amwell, a clinically validated, evidence-based and affordable digital mental healthcare platform, to members. As a data-driven healthcare organization that administers over 57% of the country?s market for competitive health insurance products, Discovery Health?s data from member claims reveal that the prevalence of mental health conditions has steadily increased in recent years, and this has been particularly noticeable since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aligned to global statistics, including the World Health Organization?s measure of a 25% rise in the prevalence of depression since 2018, Discovery Health demonstrates a 19% increase in the prevalence of depression since the pre-pandemic period. Adding to the strain, South Africa?s healthcare industry has also been impacted by the global workforce shortage trend. Rising prevalence with lower supply of essential service underscores Discovery Health?s need to leverage technology to broaden access to treatment via innovative, effective, and affordable digital therapies.

This benefit offering expands access to treatment, improves outcomes, and supports 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. SilverCloud by Amwell is an award winning, on-demand digital mental health and well-being platform with proven impact among over 1 million users worldwide. Ongoing platform data shows that approximately 65% of SilverCloud users experience significant improvements and 56% of users diagnosed with symptoms of depression or anxiety were diagnosis-free within three months of using the platform.

It is used by the U.K.?s National Health Service, Ireland?s Health Service Executive, and numerous provider and insurer organizations in the U.S. and worldwide.