Forhelse SFI: International exchange at eCentre Clinic, Macquarie University, Sydney

The eCentre Clinic, led by Professor Blake Dear, is one of the leading research clinics in the field of digital health interventions. The clinic has developed, evaluated, and implemented several digital health interventions for both mental and somatic health conditions. The center comprises 18 clinicians and researchers, as well as 8 students. It collaborates closely with the treatment clinic Mindspot, led by researcher Nick Titov, who is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Council at Forhelse SFI.

The aim of the visit was to observe and learn from the eCentre Clinic’s practices, as well as to present her own research and experiences in various settings. Additionally, Kahlon sought to acquire more knowledge on the Big Five assessment and intervention, which will be adapted into Norwegian. The Big Five project led by Nic Titov is a project which has identified five key types of behaviour that contribute to good mental health. The key types are: meaningful activity, healthy thinking, setting goals and making plans, healthy routines and social connections.

The stay at the eCentre Clinic at Macquarie University was beneficial both for the Forhelse SFI project as a whole and for Kahlon’s postdoc. The SFI gained visibility through presentations in different settings, including the eCentre Clinic’s monthly research seminar and a research meeting with the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, which focuses on mental health problems across the lifespan. Khalon’s postdoc also received valuable input through meetings with members of Lifespan, including Lauren McLellan and Ron Rapee, who provided her with more knowledge on adolescent anxiety and the development of interventions targeting this group. Kahlon also had individual meetings with various researchers at the eCentre Clinic, gaining insights into their research and expertise, as well as learning more about different research methods and statistical analyses. She had the opportunity to see and test some of their interventions and attended a seminar on the Big Five with Nick Titov.

To summarize, Smiti Kahlon would recommend international exchange to other scientific staff because it has “inspired me for future intervention development. Moreover, I have been inspired by their working methods and collaboration as a research centre by participating in their research meetings and writing seminar. Most of all, networking with international key researchers has been important for me as a young researcher. The exchange has given me an opportunity to learn and see how other research centres for digital health interventions practise their field, which has been truly inspiring and valuable as a young researcher. They have also invited me back to the eCentre Clinic”.

We welcome Smiti back to Forhelse SFI and the centre’s workplace at the host institution Helse Bergen. We are proud and happy for the knowledge and experiences she brings with her from Macquarie University.