Individualized Intervention to Support Mental Health Recovery Through Implementation of Digital Tools into Clinical Care: Feasibility Study

Abstract

Myriad digital tools exist to support mental health but there are multiple barriers to using these tools in routine care. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an intervention incorporating a support role to help the clinical team identify and use technology to promote recovery. The technology specialist intervention is 3 months in duration and comprises four stages: goal setting, researching and evaluating tools, demonstrating and selecting tools, and ongoing support. We implemented the intervention in a community mental health center and a dual diagnosis treatment program, working with eight clients and their case managers. Clients and case managers willingly engaged with the technology specialist and found the intervention beneficial. Integration and collaboration with the care team facilitated implementation of the technology specialist in these real-world settings. Clients reported that the intervention made it easy to try a digital tool. Six of the eight participants stated that they made substantial progress toward their goals. The technology specialist is a promising new role for mental health care delivery to augment traditional services and enhance individualized recovery.

Evaluation of a Psychoeducational Group to Expand Mobile Application Knowledge and Use in a Veteran Residential Treatment Program

“…Since the VA and DoD have made considerable investments in the development of mobile apps, ongoing research is needed to examine adequate ways to improve Veteran knowledge and use of apps. Consistent with research in community mental health settings (Carpenter-Song et al, 2021 ), the results from this project suggest that psychoeducational groups may be feasible for increasing Veteran knowledge and comfort level in using mobile technology. This project did not examine clinical sub-groups of Veterans, but certain patient populations (e.g., those with substance use disorders, brain injuries, or cognitive issues) may face unique challenges with app adoption and be poised to benefit most from tailored adoption support.…”

“…Pilot studies of digital educational interventions in community mental health settings and among patients with serious mental illness have shown increases in digital literacy as well as awareness of an interest in apps. They have also highlighted the benefits of having a technology specialist to assist with learning about apps (Carpenter-Song et al, 2021 ; Hoffman et al, 2020 ). Veterans participating in a residential treatment program may be particularly well suited for such an intervention given their often complex mental health and psychosocial needs that precipitated engagement in residential treatment.…”

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental health systems: a qualitative systematic review to inform a policy framework

“…Beyond necessary fundamental clinical considerations, digital health transition should be embedded in organisational structures in a participatory process that involves multidisciplinary teams of workers e.g., clinicians, human resource managers, administrative personnel, and IT experts. For example, alongside fundamental clinical expertise, leaders and managers significantly contribute to long-term capacity building for implementing digital technologies at the organisational level, increasing the likelihood of sustained investment, and fostering team building and development [ 141 ]. Themes grouped under the support and resource domain highlighted that both financial investment, multidisciplinary facilitation teams and trainings are priorities to enable the integration of digital innovation, which should be maintained in the post-implementation period.…”

Mental Health Digital Interventions Technology: A Systematic Review

“…Even though there are several digital tools available to assist mental health, implementing them in everyday medical practice is complicated by a number of factors. In their research from 2022, Carpenter-Song et al, [23] sought to determine if it would be feasible to implement an intervention that incorporated a support role to facilitate the clinical team in identifying utilizing technology to aid recovery. Note that the intervention by a technology specialist lasts for three months and is split into four stages: goal-setting, tool research and evaluation, tool demonstration and tool selection, as well as ongoing support.…”