Abstract
BackgroundA three-phase implementation program was carried out to support Indigenous primary healthcare organisations in Australia to integrate e-mental health approaches into the day-to-day practice. The present study aimed to evaluate the process and the effectiveness of the program.MethodsA concurrent triangulation design was employed to collect and compare quantitative and qualitative data from organisations that participated in the implementation program (case studies) to those that participated in training only (non-case studies). Quantitative methods, i.e., t-tests and descriptive statistics, were used to measure outcomes relating to the frequency of e-mental health usage and levels of organisational readiness. Qualitative data were analysed separately, using theoretical thematic analysis, to gain an in depth understanding of the implementation process. The findings were integrated and interpreted within the implementation science literature.ResultsThe case studies evidenced greater use of e-mental health approaches than the non-case studies. They also demonstrated increased organisational readiness over the course of the implementation program. The program helped organisations to work and improve on essential aspects within the organisation so that they better supported e-mental health adoption. The key areas addressed were Information Technology resources and infrastructure, leadership and support, policy and protocols around e-mental health utilisation and its integration into practice.ConclusionsBy addressing and improving essential aspects relating to e-mental health implementation, the program helped organisations to increase organisational readiness and enhance uptake of e-mental health approaches.
Highlights
A three-phase implementation program was carried out to support Indigenous primary healthcare organisations in Australia to integrate e-mental health approaches into the day-to-day practice
Findings within Australia suggests that eMental health (eMH) approaches are perceived to be acceptable, findings within Australia suggests that eMH approaches are perceived
The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the three-phase implementation program in enhancing e-mental health adoption within Indigenous primary healthcare organisations
Summary
A three-phase implementation program was carried out to support Indigenous primary healthcare organisations in Australia to integrate e-mental health approaches into the day-to-day practice. The present study aimed to evaluate the process and the effectiveness of the program. Mental health (eMH) approaches have exponentially gained popularity in the past decade. In the literature, growing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of eMH approaches in addressing mental health concerns. Many studies have shown that eMH is effective in reducing symptoms associated with a range of mental illnesses, e.g., depression, anxiety, and substance misuse [4,5,6] in non-Indigneous populations. Fewer studies have been conducted with Indigenous populations; a recent literature review of international studies suggests usefulness of eMH approaches for Indigenous populations, globally [7]. Findings within Australia suggests that eMH approaches are perceived to be acceptable, findings within Australia suggests that eMH approaches are perceived
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