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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Suicide | Research

Exploring the experiences of mental health professionals engaged in the adoption of mobile health technology in Irish mental health services

Authors: Ruth Melia, Luke Monahan, Jim Duggan, John Bogue, Mary O’Sullivan, Karen Young, Derek Chambers, Shane McInerney

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The World Health Organization report that an estimated 793,000 people died by suicide in 2016 globally. The use of digital technology has been found to be beneficial in the delivery of Web-based suicide prevention interventions. Research on the integration of digital technology within mental health services has indicated that despite the proliferation of technology, engagement by patients and professionals in adopting such technology can be poor.

Objectives

The current study aims to explore the experiences of 15 mental health professionals involved in integrating mobile health technology into their practice. A secondary aim was to identify the drivers and barriers to the adoption of such technology by mental health professionals, and to consider what theoretical models could best account for the data.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews, conducted from July to October 2019, were used to explore the experiences of mental health professionals engaged in the adoption of mobile health technology within mental health services. Mental Health professionals and clinician managers working in HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, and Primary Care Psychology services were recruited for the study. Qualitative interview data was transcribed and analysed using NVivo. Thematic Analysis was used to identify themes.

Results

Four major themes were identified: Accessibility, ‘Transitional Object’, Integration, and Trust. Within these 4 major themes, a total of 9 subthemes were identified: Service Accessibility, Immediate Access, Client Engagement, Adjunct-to-therapy, Therapeutic Relationship, Infrastructural Support, Enhancing Treatment, Trust in the Technology, Trust in the Organisation.

Conclusions

Overall, Diffusion of Innovation Theory provides a useful theoretical framework which is consistent with and can adequately account for many of the Major and Subthemes identified in the data. In addition, ‘Transitional Objects’, a key concept within Object Relations Theory, could offer a means of better understanding how patients and professionals engage with digital technology within mental health services particularly.

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Title: Exploring the experiences of mental health professionals engaged in the adoption of mobile health technology in Irish mental health services
Authors: Ruth Melia
Luke Monahan
Jim Duggan
John Bogue
Mary O’Sullivan
Karen Young
Derek Chambers
Shane McInerney
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Suicide
Suicide
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03426-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Exploring the experiences of mental health professionals engaged in the adoption of mobile health technology in Irish mental health services

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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