Orlowski, S, Lawn S, Matthews B, et al. (2016). People, processes, and systems: An observational study of the role of technology in rural youth mental health services. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. DOI: 10.1111/inm.12262
Researchers observed and interviewed 22 clinicians working at two mental health clinics for youth in rural south Australia to understand the opportunities and considerations for the use of technology in mental health care for rural youth. Researchers completed 80 hours of observation and 12 interviews with clinic staff. Clinicians reported that technology facilitates communication, care coordination, and triage among providers on behalf of clients and improves their ability to provide timely care to a large, rural area. There were mixed perceptions among clinicians with regard to impact of technology on client engagement in care, and some expressed concern about technology blurring professional boundaries with clients. Clinicians also encountered cases where patients’ use of technology was a partial cause of their symptomology (e.g. bullying over social media leading to disordered eating). Researcher observations revealed many opportunities for technology to improve mental health care for rural youth.