Introduction: The digital transformation in mental health has accelerated the migration of traditional paper-based screening instruments to digital platforms. While PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are well-established tools for depression and anxiety screening respectively, their transition to digital environments raises important questions regarding the preservation of their psychometric properties.
Purpose: To examine the validity and reliability of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 when administered through digital platforms, analysing their psychometric performance across different administration modalities.
Method: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched using terms related to PHQ-9, GAD-7, digital administration, validation, and psychometric properties. Studies evaluating validity, reliability, or equivalence of these instruments in digital versus paper formats were included. The COSMIN checklist was applied to assess methodological quality.
Results: The systematic review identifies relevant studies examining psychometric properties of digital versions of both instruments. Patterns regarding validity and reliability measures across different digital platforms and populations are being analysed, with variations observed across different technological approaches.
Conclusions: The transition from paper to digital formats presents both opportunities and challenges for depression and anxiety screening instruments. Understanding the factors that influence psychometric performance in digital environments is crucial for informed implementation decisions. Further research is needed to establish comprehensive guidelines for digital administration of these widely used screening tools.