Shadow bodies and information sharing: analysing obstacles in mental health care provision

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of mental health, obtaining adequate care requires accurate information sharing across diverse actors, institutions and technologies. Yet, information sharing is often complicated by the vast range of institutional structures involved, creating multiple constraints for both providers and care-seekers. Method. This study seeks to analyse these obstacles to information sharing through an exploration of provider experiences within a local mental health care system. We conducted sixteen semi-structured interviews with mental health care providers in Philadelphia, USA in order to provide a localized portrait of obstacles to information sharing related to mental health care. Analysis. Conceptually, we expand on Balka and Star’s (2016) framework of individuals’ shadow bodies to understand how information is shared and fractured within the scope of mental health. Results. We outline three dimensions of (or obstacles to) information sharing: physical spaces, inter-institutional referrals, and the influence of external institutions. Together, these factors decontextualise and scatter information in a way that complicates the provision and quality of care. Conclusion. Our paper concludes with a discussion of how our findings can inform information science theory, the design of health data systems and policy related to personal health information.

“They act like we are going to heaven”: pre-arrival information experiences, information crafting and settlement of immigrants in Canada

“…This study also reports the significant use of ICT-mediated resources to satisfy information needs in the new country context. Lingel (2011) examined the information practices of 12 migrants in New York to report various information sources utilized by the participants to meet their everyday life information needs. Friends and the Internet were the most frequently reported.…”

“…However, looking at the findings of the recent studies, especially those published after 2005 (e.g. Esses et al, 2013a;Khoir, 2016;Komito and Bates, 2011;Lingel, 2011;Mason and Lamain, 2007;Shuva, 2021b), it appears that the Internet and its various resources, including websites, blogs, and online communities, are becoming increasingly important sources of information for immigrants including refugees.…”

Embracing theories of precarity for the study of information practices

“…Research involving these concepts could contribute to the growing body of LIS literature focused on inequities and migration (e.g. Lingel, 2011;Mansour, 2018;Ndumu, 2020;Oduntan and Ruthven, 2019) while also addressing calls for deeper connections with critical perspectives in LIS (Drabinsky, 2019). Further research could also expand understandings of the information practices and situations of precarity surrounding often devalued types of so-called feminized, affective and/or immaterial labor (Sloniowski, 2016).…”

Investigación sobre servicios bibliotecarios para personas inmigrantes en bibliotecas nacionales

“…Sin embargo, una vez salimos de estas categorías, las necesidades de información son bastante diversas, desde temas culturales para facilitar la integración en el nuevo país hasta cuestiones de alfabetización informacional(Shepherd et al, 2018; Atisoet al, 2018; Khoiret al, 2017;Dali, 2016; Sirikul y Dorner, 2016; Khoiret al, 2015;Linden et al, 2014; Oğuz y Kurbanoğlu, 2013;Hultgren, 2013; Listwon y Sen, 2009). Pese a todas estas necesidades, los inmigrantes no suelen acudir a las bibliotecas hasta que estas les son recomendadas, ya que tienen a confiar más en sus círculos sociales y personales, así como en internet(Ndumu, 2020;Abdi et al, 2019; Bronstein, 2019; Atisoet al, 2018; Shepherdet al,2018; Sirikul y Dorner, 2016;Lingel, 2011; Listwon y Sen, 2009;).Aun así, una vez acuden, algunas de las principales razones por las que lo hacen es para obtener materiales para el aprendizaje del nuevo idioma o el uso de internet y/o ordenadores(Shepherdet al, 2018; Khoiret al, 2017;Dali, 2016; Sirikul y Dorner, 2016;Linden et al, 2014; Listwon y Sen, 2009).En cuanto al uso de la biblioteca, hay que remarcar que viene determinado en gran medida por dos factores: tiempo de residencia y edad.En lo respectivo al tiempo de residencia, en los recién llegados, quedan patentes las necesidades (y por ende usos) asociadas a la integración y el asentamiento como pueden ser el…”