Real-World Technology Use Among People With Mental Illnesses: Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Technology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Consumer Technology Use

Background:

• Growing interest exists in technology-based tools for mental health recovery.
• Despite technology access among those with mental illnesses, adoption in mental health settings is low.
• Limited understanding of real-world technology use by mental health consumers for self-management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine current technology practices and orientations among mental health consumers.
• To understand how technology is used in real-world mental health settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing ethnographic observations and semistructured interviews.
• Data collection in 3 US mental health settings, including a community mental health center.
• Analysis of fieldnotes and interview transcripts from 15 consumers.

Main Results:

• Technology ownership varied; awareness of capabilities differed among participants.
• Technology was used for various purposes, with limited application for mental health support.
• Few participants routinely used mental health-specific tools, though some found general mobile apps helpful.

Conclusions:

• Many, but not all, mental health consumers are open to using technology for recovery.
• Mental health technology development should accommodate a range of user functionality and existing platforms.
• Leveraging widely available tools and platforms may enhance mental health recovery support.