Abstract
BackgroundDigital 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsResults 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.ConclusionsThese 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.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1790-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Digital technologies show promise for reversing poor engagement of youth (16–24 years) with mental health services
Direct quotes from participants are used to demonstrate each theme
They represent: an overall picture of the digital world in which young service consumers live; the enablers and challenges this is perceived to create for delivery of mental health care and the therapeutic relationship with consumers; how technology potentially changes and challenges traditional health professional expertise and interactions with consumers, shifting the power base; how workers variously respond to and cope with these challenges; workers’ underlying technology literacy that shapes their response to these challenges; and, the role of the organisation in addressing these challenges
Summary
Digital technologies show promise for reversing poor engagement of youth (16–24 years) with mental health services. Mobile and internet based applications with communication capabilities can augment face-to-face mental health service provision. The literature in this field, fails to adequately capture the perspectives of the youth mental health workforce regarding utility and acceptability of technology for this purpose. Similar results have been reported in pre-implementation studies in youth mental health service contexts [13, 19] This body of literature suggests an unbalanced focus on the technical components of design over human and organisational factors. Evidence from the telehealth literature has demonstrated that clinician acceptance, along with workforce demand and availability, adequate technology resourcing and project champions are key factors in establishment of sustainable telehealth services [20, 21]
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