Adapting a Technology-Based Implementation Support Tool for Community Mental Health: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Abstract

With mental health services shifting to community-based settings, community mental health (CMH) organizations are under increasing pressure to deliver effective services. Despite availability of evidence-based interventions, there is a gap between effective mental health practices and the care that is routinely delivered. Bridging this gap requires availability of easily tailorable implementation support tools to assist providers in implementing evidence-based intervention with quality, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving the desired client outcomes. This study documents the process and lessons learned from exploring the feasibility of adapting such a technology-based tool, Centervention, as the example innovation, for use in CMH settings. Mixed-methods data on core features, innovation-provider fit, and organizational capacity were collected from 44 CMH providers. Lessons learned included the need to augment delivery through technology with more personal interactions, the importance of customizing and integrating the tool with existing technologies, and the need to incorporate a number of strategies to assist with adoption and use of Centervention-like tools in CMH contexts. This study adds to the current body of literature on the adaptation process for technology-based tools and provides information that can guide additional innovations for CMH settings.

The dawn of eMental health professional

“…Virtual consults at home, at primary health centers, and at other important nodal points will enable the MHPs to reach the unreached Community medical professionals could be supported, guided, and mentored in their work to reduce the mental health burden at the community level. [ 10 ] Sensitizing the community at large and developing integrative communities is quite possible with education and support. Community-based educational technologies in the form of incorporating multimedia videos, games, AI, and interactive learning modules would help us to customize, individualize, and design culturally sensitive information material.…”