Perspectives, Experiences, and Practices in the Use of Digital Information Technologies in the Management of Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder in Health Care Systems in Colombia

Abstract

Digital information technologies are increasingly used in the treatment of mental health disorders. Through this qualitative study, researchers illuminated perspectives, experiences, and practices among diverse stakeholders in the use of digital information technologies in the management of depression and alcohol use disorders in Colombia. In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted in five primary care institutions across Colombia. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The use of technology in the treatment of mental health disorders can facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis, treatment, and promotion and prevention of mental health disorders, as well as multiple nonmental health applications in the primary care setting. Potential barriers to the use of technology in this setting include challenges of digital literacy, access to technology, confidentiality, and financing. This study can inform the implementation of digital information technologies in the care of depression and problematic alcohol use within health care systems in Colombia.

Supporting Vulnerable Populations During the Pandemic: Stakeholders’ Experiences and Perceptions of Social Prescribing in Scotland During Covid-19

“…By the end of the year the benefits and costs of digital communication had become more evident. While vital to the operation of health and allied services under social distancing measures, barriers to the use of technology noted in our own and other studies include digital literacy, access to technology, confidentiality and language have been noted in our own and other studies ( Cárdenas et al, 2020 ; Fixsen et al, 2021 ). An important factor in the Covid-19 pandemic had been its unequal impact on different ethnic communities in Scotland (National Records of Public Health Scotland, 2020 ), and communications barriers can only have exacerbated this situation.…”

Healthcare Barriers Among Working-Age Persons with Disabilities in Trinidad

“…Working-age persons with disabilities explicitly suggested the establishment of an integrated digitalized healthcare system with the option to access services and information via an updated online platform. Notably, the digitalization of healthcare systems is viewed as a key component of strengthening people-centred healthcare since people can actively participate in healthcare systems and promote their quality of care (Cárdenas et al, 2020; Crotty & Slack, 2016; World Health Organization, 2018). Digitalization in many countries led to the creation of national e-health portals which facilitated electronic reservation of appointments, access to medical records, increased personal health literacy, and usage of e-prescription and electronic referral services (Cárdenas et al, 2020; Kushniruk et al, 2010; World Health Organization, 2018).…”

“…Notably, the digitalization of healthcare systems is viewed as a key component of strengthening people-centred healthcare since people can actively participate in healthcare systems and promote their quality of care (Cárdenas et al, 2020; Crotty & Slack, 2016; World Health Organization, 2018). Digitalization in many countries led to the creation of national e-health portals which facilitated electronic reservation of appointments, access to medical records, increased personal health literacy, and usage of e-prescription and electronic referral services (Cárdenas et al, 2020; Kushniruk et al, 2010; World Health Organization, 2018). The development of interconnected health information systems across regions and nationally could promote the reduction of unnecessary visits to facilities and inform clinical decision-making (Kushniruk et al, 2010; World Health Organization, 2018).…”

Service User Experiences of Integrating a Mobile Solution (IMPACHS) Into Clinical Treatment for Psychosis

“…A clear message from participants was that even relatively minor technical problems could negatively influence engagement. Ensuring that service users and treatment providers have sufficient time to learn and understand how to use the mobile solution is necessary to improve IT health literacy and promote engagement (Cárdenas et al, 2020; Mackert et al, 2016).…”