Subotic-Kerry M, King C, O’Moore K, Achilles M, O’Dea B. (2018). General practitioners’ attitudes toward a web-based mental health service for adolescents: Implications for service design and delivery. JMIR Human Factors. 5(1): e12. doi: 10.2196/humanfactors.8913
Researchers conducted phone interviews and online surveys with 13 Australian general practitioners (GPs) assessing attitudes towards a web-based mental health service targeting depression and anxiety in youth. GPs were recruited using online advertisements, word of mouth, and professional email networks. Participants received a description of an online, school facilitated treatment program (Smooth Sailing) that allocates users to 1 of 4 levels of treatment intensity, based on symptom severity determined by an initial mental health assessment. Interviews and surveys assessed perceptions and acceptance of Smooth Sailing and suggestions for implementing Smooth Sailing. All participants reported that Smooth Sailing was acceptable and that they would likely refer patients to Smooth Sailing. Participants reported that acceptability of Smooth Sailing was influenced by the potential for Smooth Sailing to support prevention and early intervention, adolescent preferences for technology, increased access to mental health care in school settings, and anonymity. Reported barriers to adopting Smooth Sailing included concerns about the digital care model, patient noncompliance, lack of patient access to technology and/or face-to-face services (i.e. to support adolescents with more severe symptoms), and GP knowledge and experience with eHealth. Participants felt perceived need for and beliefs about the helpfulness of Smooth Sailing would influence likelihood of referring patients. Participants reported that, in order to adopt Smooth Sailing, Smooth Sailing would need to facilitate of collaborative care (e.g., between adolescents, health care providers, school counselors), provide clarity regarding duty of care and legal implications, promote a relationship between the patient and GP, and include adequate training.