Exploring Mental Health Providers' Interest in Using Web and Mobile-Based Tools in their Practices

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Informatics
• Clinical Technology Adoption

Background:

• Increasing development of internet sites and mobile applications for clinical practice.
• Provider needs and interests are often overlooked during the development of clinical digital tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore healthcare providers' interests and challenges regarding digital health tools.
• To identify key considerations for designing and deploying internet sites and mobile applications in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys.
• Grounded theory analysis of 15 provider interviews (US and Canada).
• Survey of 132 providers at a large healthcare system on technology use and interest.

Main Results:

• Four primary themes emerged from interviews: challenges, potential tools, access, and usability.
• 80.9% of surveyed providers recommended technology, primarily informational/psychoeducational websites.
• Strong provider interest in clinical websites and applications was identified.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers express significant interest in utilizing digital health tools.
• Future development must address usability, patient security, and privacy concerns.
• Provider-centered design is crucial for successful clinical technology implementation.