Greer B, Robotham D, Simblett S, Curtis H, Griffiths H, Wykes T. (2019). Digital exclusion among mental health service users: Qualitative investigation. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 21(1): e11696. doi: 10.2196/11696
Researchers interviewed 20 patients at a mental health clinic who were unable to use the internet (i.e. digitally excluded). Participants completed an assessment of technology access and confidence and participated in an interview exploring familiarity with the internet, barriers to internet use, and facilitators to initiating internet use. Participants reported that digital exclusion stemmed from: 1) a lack of knowledge about technology and about resources to facilitate technology use, 2) personal circumstances including financial barriers and living situations that did not allow for internet connections, and 3) mental health issues including symptoms such as hallucinations and memory problems and in-patient admissions resulting in missing developments in technology. Participants reported technology access could be facilitated by patient motivation to use technology and personalized support resources to meet patient needs. Participants who expressed motivation to use technology noted external pressures, such as an increasing reliance on technology for daily tasks (e.g. banking), as contributing to their motivation. Older participants seemed to accept digital exclusion, but reported being open to learning about technology. Participants expressed mixed preferences for individual or group support resources for using technology, noting the added benefit of getting out of the house and socializing involved in in-person resources. Some participants noted that group resources may not provide enough individualized attention and that multi-session classes may require too much of a commitment compared to drop-in sessions.