The promise and the reality: A mental health workforce perspective on technology-enhanced youth mental health service delivery

Simone Orlowski; Sharon Lawn; Ben Matthews; Anthony Venning; Kaisha Wyld; Gabrielle Jones; Megan Winsall; Gaston Antezana; Geoffrey Schrader; Niranjan Bidargaddi

doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1790-y

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The promise and the reality: A mental health workforce perspective on technology-enhanced youth mental health service delivery

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

The promise and the reality: A mental health workforce perspective on technology-enhanced youth mental health service delivery

Simone Orlowski, Sharon Lawn, Ben Matthews, Anthony Venning, Kaisha Wyld, Gabrielle Jones, Megan Winsall, Gaston Antezana, Geoffrey Schrader and Niranjan Bidargaddi

BMC health services research, Vol.16(1), 562

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1790-y

PMCID: PMC5057226

PMID: 27724951

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Abstract

Background Digital technologies show promise for reversing poor engagement of youth (16–24 years) with mental health services. In particular, mobile and internet based applications with communication capabilities can augment face-to-face mental health service provision. The literature in this field, however, fails to adequately capture the perspectives of the youth mental health workforce regarding utility and acceptability of technology for this purpose. Methods This paper describes results of in-depth qualitative data drawn from various stakeholders involved in provision of youth mental health services in one Australian rural region. Data were obtained using focus groups and semi-structured interviews with regional youth mental health clinicians, youth workers and support/management staff (n = 4 focus groups; n = 8 interviews) and analysed via inductive thematic analysis. Results Results question the acceptability of technology to engage clients within youth mental health services. Six main themes were identified: young people in a digital age, personal connection, power and vulnerability, professional identity, individual factors and organisational legitimacy. Conclusions These findings deepen the understanding of risks and challenges faced when adopting new technologies in mental healthcare. Recommendations for technology design and implementation in mental health services are made.

Details

Title: The promise and the reality: A mental health workforce perspective on technology-enhanced youth mental health service delivery
Authors/Creators: Simone Orlowski - Flinders University
Sharon Lawn - Flinders University
Ben Matthews - The University of Queensland
Anthony Venning - Flinders University
Kaisha Wyld - Flinders University
Gabrielle Jones - Country and Outback Health, Kadina, Australia
Megan Winsall - Flinders University
Gaston Antezana - Flinders University
Geoffrey Schrader - Flinders University
Niranjan Bidargaddi - Flinders University
Publication Details: BMC health services research, Vol.16(1), 562
Publisher: BioMed Central
Identifiers: 991005607769907891
Copyright: © 2016 The Author(s)
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.44 Nutrition & Dietetics; 1.44.1069 Digital Mental Health
Web Of Science research areas: Health Care Sciences & Services
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine