Developing a Computer Application to Prepare Social Workers for Integrated Health Care: Integrated Healthcare...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Social Work Education
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Integrated health care (IHC) aims to reduce disparities for individuals with co-occurring mental and physical health conditions.
• Social workers require specific knowledge and skills to effectively practice within IHC settings.
• Existing training methods may not adequately prepare behavioral health providers for the complexities of IHC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an internet-based computer application designed to educate social workers on integrated health care principles.
• To assess the usability and effectiveness of the 'Integrated Healthcare (Version 1.0)' tool for preparing providers for IHC.
• To provide behavioral health providers with accessible, evidence-based knowledge crucial for integrated care practice.

Main Methods:

• Development of an internet-based tool, 'Integrated Healthcare (Version 1.0)', utilizing rapid prototyping.
• Usability evaluation through two focus groups (N=5, N=7) and individual interviews (N=5) with social work professors and students.
• Application of Nielsen's usability heuristics for data analysis and iterative refinement of the tool.

Main Results:

• The computer application successfully introduces integrated health care concepts.
• The tool reinforces the interconnectedness of physical and behavioral health.
• Evidence-based knowledge is made accessible at the point of care for behavioral health providers.

Conclusions:

• Computer applications, like the developed 'Integrated Healthcare' tool, can be effective in preparing social workers for integrated health care.
• The tool supports the transition to IHC by providing essential knowledge and reinforcing key principles.
• This approach offers a scalable and accessible method for enhancing behavioral health provider readiness for integrated care settings.