Abstract
BackgroundThe last few decades have witnessed significant advances in the development of digital tools and applications for mental health care. Despite growing evidence for their effectiveness, acceptance and use of these tools in clinical practice remain low. Hence, a validated and easy-to-use instrument for assessing professionals’ readiness to adopt eMental health (EMH) is necessary to gain further insights into the process of EMH adoption and facilitate future research on this topic.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to develop and validate an instrument for assessing mental health care professionals’ readiness to adopt EMH.MethodsItem generation was guided by literature and inputs from mental health care professionals and experts in survey development. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted on an initial set of 29 items completed by a sample of mental health care professionals (N=432); thereafter, the scale was reduced to 15 items in an iterative process. The factor structure thus obtained was subsequently tested using a confirmatory factor analysis with a second sample of mental health care professionals (N=363). The internal consistency, convergent validity, and predictive validity of the eMental Health Adoption Readiness (eMHAR) Scale were assessed.ResultsExploratory factor analysis resulted in a 3-factor solution with 15 items. The factors were analyzed and labeled as perceived benefits and applicability of EMH, EMH proactive innovation, and EMH self-efficacy. These factors were confirmed through a confirmatory factor analysis. The total scale and subscales showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach α=.73-.88) along with acceptable convergent and predictive relationships with related constructs.ConclusionsThe constructed eMHAR Scale showed a conceptually interpretable 3-factor structure having satisfactory characteristics and relationships with relevant concepts. Its ease of use allows for quick acquisition of data that can contribute to understanding and facilitating the process of adoption of EMH by clinical professionals.
Highlights
IntroductionA wide range of digital tools and technologies have been used in the practice of mental health care
Over recent decades, a wide range of digital tools and technologies have been used in the practice of mental health care
There is a growing body of evidence for the effectiveness of eMental health (EMH) [1,2], which can be defined as “the use of information and communication technology (ICT)—in particular, the many technologies related to the Internet—when these technologies are used to support and improve mental health conditions and mental healthcare” [3]
Summary
A wide range of digital tools and technologies have been used in the practice of mental health care. There is a growing body of evidence for the effectiveness of eMental health (EMH) [1,2], which can be defined as “the use of information and communication technology (ICT)—in particular, the many technologies related to the Internet—when these technologies are used to support and improve mental health conditions and mental healthcare” [3] Multiple benefits, such as an increased access to psychological treatment, convenience, and enhanced self-reflection and self-disclosure of the client, are associated with the use of these technologies [4,5,6,7]. Objective: The aim of this study is to develop and validate an instrument for assessing mental health care professionals’ readiness to adopt EMH. Its ease of use allows for quick acquisition of data that can contribute to understanding and facilitating the process of adoption of EMH by clinical professionals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
