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Yi M, Li X, Chiaramonte D, Sun S, Pan S, Soulliard Z, Eisenstadt BE, Ljótsson B, Hagaman A, Pachankis J. Guided internet-based LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy: A randomized controlled trial among sexual minority men in China. Behav Res Ther 2024; 181:104605. [PMID: 39029333 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses minority stress to improve sexual minority individuals' mental and behavioral health. This treatment has never been tested in high-stigma contexts like China using online delivery. METHOD Chinese young sexual minority men (n = 120; ages 16-30; HIV-negative; reporting depression and/or anxiety symptoms and past-90-day HIV-transmission-risk behavior), were randomized to receive 10 sessions of culturally adapted asynchronous LGBTQ-affirmative internet-based CBT (ICBT) or weekly assessments only. The primary outcome included HIV-transmission-risk behavior (i.e., past-30-day condomless anal sex). Secondary outcomes included HIV social-cognitive mechanisms (e.g., condom use self-efficacy), mental health (e.g., depression), and behavioral health (e.g., alcohol use), as well as minority stress (e.g., acceptance concerns), and universal (e.g., emotion regulation) mechanisms at baseline and 4- and 8-month follow-up. Moderation analyses examined treatment efficacy as a function of baseline stigma experiences and session completion. RESULTS Compared to assessment only, LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT did not yield greater reductions in HIV-transmission-risk behavior or social-cognitive mechanisms. However, LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT yielded greater improvements in depression (d = -0.50, d = -0.63) and anxiety (d = -0.51, d = -0.49) at 4- and 8-month follow-up, respectively; alcohol use (d = -0.40) at 8-month follow-up; and certain minority stress (e.g., internalized stigma) and universal (i.e., emotion dysregulation) mechanisms compared to assessment only. LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT was more efficacious for reducing HIV-transmission-risk behavior for participants with lower internalized stigma (d = 0.42). Greater session completion predicted greater reductions in suicidality and rumination. CONCLUSIONS LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT demonstrates preliminary efficacy for Chinese young sexual minority men. Findings can inform future interventions for young sexual minority men in contexts with limited affirmative supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yi
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xianhong Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | | | - Shufang Sun
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Si Pan
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | | | | | | | - Ashley Hagaman
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John Pachankis
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Lyzwinski L, Mcdonald S, Zwicker J, Tough S. Digital and Hybrid Pediatric and Youth Mental Health Program Implementation Challenges During the Pandemic: Literature Review With a Knowledge Translation and Theoretical Lens Analysis. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e55100. [PMID: 38916946 PMCID: PMC11234057 DOI: 10.2196/55100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for child and youth mental health. There was a rise in depression, anxiety, and symptoms of suicidal ideation. OBJECTIVE The aims of this knowledge synthesis were to gain a deeper understanding of what types of mental health knowledge translation (KT) programs, mental health first aid training, and positive psychology interventions were developed and evaluated for youth mental health. METHODS We undertook a literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE for relevant studies on youth mental health including digital and hybrid programs undertaken during the pandemic (2020-2022). RESULTS A total of 60 studies were included in this review. A few KT programs were identified that engaged with a wide range of stakeholders during the pandemic, and a few were informed by KT theories. Key challenges during the implementation of mental health programs for youth included lack of access to technology and privacy concerns. Hybrid web-based and face-to-face KT and mental health care were recommended. Providers required adequate training in using telehealth and space. CONCLUSIONS There is an opportunity to reduce the barriers to implementing tele-mental health in youth by providing adequate technological access, Wi-Fi and stationary internet connectivity, and privacy protection. Staff gained new knowledge and training from the pandemic experience of using telehealth, which will serve as a useful foundation for the future. Future research should aim to maximize the benefits of hybrid models of tele-mental health and face-to-face sessions while working on minimizing the potential barriers that were identified. In addition, future programs could consider combining mental health first aid training with hybrid digital and face-to-face mental health program delivery along with mindfulness and resilience building in a unified model of care, knowledge dissemination, and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette Lyzwinski
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sheila Mcdonald
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer Zwicker
- The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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3
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Huang YT, Chong ESK, Lau CC, Chow LZ. Mentorship for young gay men in Hong Kong: A pilot mixed-methods randomized controlled trial. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38494677 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
This study examined whether mentorship could promote young gay men's identities and well-being, and whether a mentor's sexual orientation matters. A randomized control trial compared outcomes across three conditions: Arm A (a mentee matched with a sexual minority mentor), Arm B (a mentee matched with a heterosexual mentor), and a control arm receiving psychoeducation only. A community sample of 60 mentees aged 18-25 years was randomly allocated to the three arms and completed questionnaires at baseline, 3 months into the intervention, and at the end of the 6-month program. Fifteen mentees recounted their mentoring experiences through in-depth interviews. Linear mixed effects models showed that for both intervention and control conditions, internalized homonegativity declined while resilience, loneliness, and body acceptance improved over time. No time and group interactions were found. Meanwhile, a mentor's sexual orientation did not drive differential quality and outcomes of mentorship. Interviewees cited various benefits of mentorship, including providing companionship, enriching connection with lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) communities, and adding knowledge and perspectives of LGB lives and identities. Although quantitative data did not support any exclusive benefits of mentorship, most mentees recognized mentorship as a vital source of affirmation and companionship. Implications for research and mentoring programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Te Huang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Center of Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Eddie S K Chong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Chung Lau
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Center of Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Leo Z Chow
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Ramos N, Jones SA, Bitterman M, Janssen A. Recruitment, Retention, and Wellbeing of LGBTQ-Serving Child Psychiatrists and Mental Health Providers. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2024; 33:e17-e28. [PMID: 38342556 PMCID: PMC10932474 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
The workforce of mental health providers serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) youth lags far behind the demand for LGBTQ-focused mental health care. Unsatisfactory training and a lack of standardized training metrics for accredited programs perpetuate the lack of preparedness among providers. The presence of LGBTQ+ faculty and mentors in medical education increases the amount of LGBTQ+ content taught to trainees and improves professional development for LGBTQ+ trainees. Inclusive workplace practices and affirming care policies may also improve retention and recruitment of LGBTQ-serving mental health providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Skylar A Jones
- The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Moshe Bitterman
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aron Janssen
- Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Berry KR, Gliske K, Schmidt C, Cray LDE, Killian M, Fenkel C. LGBTQIA+ Adapted Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program for Youth and Young Adults: Subgroup Analysis of Acuity and Improvement Following Treatment (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e45796. [PMID: 37083637 PMCID: PMC10163404 DOI: 10.2196/45796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other minoritized gender and sexual identities (LGBTQIA+) youth have disproportionately high levels of depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In addition, LGBTQIA+ youth frequently report lower levels of satisfaction or comfort with their health care providers because of stigmatization, which may prevent continuation of care, yet there is a lack of mental health treatment and outcome research addressing these disparities. However, there is some indication that LGBTQIA+ individuals feel more comfortable with web-based formats, indicating that telehealth services may be beneficial for this population. OBJECTIVE This program evaluation explored the effectiveness of a remote intensive outpatient program with a curriculum tailored specifically to LGBTQIA+ youth with high-acuity depression, anxiety, and suicidality. This study sought to understand baseline acuity differences between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ youth and young adult patients and to determine if there were differences in clinically significant improvement by subtypes within the LGBTQIA+ population following participation in LGBTQIA+-specific programming. METHODS Data were collected from intake and discharge outcome surveys measuring depression, suicidality, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in 878 patients who attended at least six sessions of a remote intensive outpatient program for youth and young adults. Of these 878 clients, 551 (62.8%) were identified as having at least one LGBTQIA+ identity; they participated in an LGBTQIA+-adapted program of the general curriculum. RESULTS LGBTQIA+ patients had more clinically severe intake for depression, NSSI, and suicidal ideation. Nonbinary clients had greater NSSI within the LGBTQIA+ sample at intake than their binary counterparts, and transgender clients had significantly higher depressive scores at intake than their nontransgender counterparts. LGBTQIA+ patients demonstrated improvements in all outcomes from intake to discharge. The Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents depression scores improved from 18.15 at intake to 10.83 at discharge, representing a 41.5% reduction in depressive symptoms. Overall, 50.5% (149/295) of the LGBTQIA+ youth who endorsed passive suicidal ideation at intake no longer reported it at discharge, 72.1% (160/222) who endorsed active suicidal ideation at intake no longer reported it at discharge, and 55.1% (109/198) of patients who met the criteria for clinical NSSI no longer met the criteria at discharge. In the subgroup analysis, transgender patients were still 2 times more likely to report clinical NSSI at discharge. CONCLUSIONS This program evaluation found substantial differences in rates of depression, NSSI, and suicidal ideation between LGBTQIA+ clients compared with their non-LGBTQIA+ counterparts. In addition, this evaluation showed a considerable decrease in symptoms when clients attended LGBTQIA+-affirming care. The findings provide support for the role of LGBTQIA+-specific programming to meet the elevated mental health needs of these youth and that more research is needed to understand barriers that may negatively affect transgender clients, specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Gliske
- Charlie Health, Inc, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | | | | | - Michael Killian
- College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Cassity-Caywood W, Griffiths A, Woodward M, Hatfield A. The Benefits and Challenges of Shifting to Telehealth During COVID-19: Qualitative Feedback from Kentucky's Sexual Violence Resource Centers and Children's Advocacy Centers. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023; 8:87-99. [PMID: 36597503 PMCID: PMC9801142 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-022-00296-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented novel challenges for service providers addressing mental health issues with a large shift to the utilization of telehealth. While previous research has examined the benefits and challenges of providing mental health and crisis services remotely through telehealth, little research exists examining the use of telehealth in children's advocacy centers (CACs) and sexual violence resource centers (SVRCs). CACs and SVRCs are multi-disciplinary agencies taking a holistic approach to addressing interpersonal violence, making them unique in that they provide a range of direct services beyond mental health counseling (e.g., legal advocacy, medical exams, and prevention education) but all geared toward public health and safety. The current study explored the experiences of direct service providers in Kentucky CACs and SVRCs and their opinions about the most significant challenges and benefits of adapting their practices at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 118 providers participated in the study, and 88 reported using telehealth (defined as communicating with clients via technology such as videoconferencing, phone calls, or email) since the onset of COVID-19. Qualitative data from those 88 respondents regarding the challenges and benefits of using telehealth were collected and coded using a thematic content analysis. 78.6% of the sample indicated that they served primarily rural areas. Benefits noted included increasing treatment access, increasing treatment flexibility, and advancing continuity of care, while challenges included difficulties with technology, client engagement, privacy, and logistical challenges. Responses highlighted that telehealth presented both a number of advantages and difficulties and that more formal guidance for providers at CACs and SVRCs was desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cassity-Caywood
- Department of Community Leadership and Human Services, Murray State University, Murray, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Paducah Regional Campus, Murray State University, 4430 Sunset Ave, Paducah, KY 42001 USA
| | - Austin Griffiths
- The Department of Social Work Program, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA
| | - Matthew Woodward
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA
| | - Alecia Hatfield
- Department of Psychology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA
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7
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Lei B. A Cognitive Behavioral Computing Model Combined with DM’s Teaching Quality Improvement. MOBILE INFORMATION SYSTEMS 2022; 2022:1-9. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/7184295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
There are more and more ideas of applying data research science to replace theoretical research science, including monitoring and evaluation of school teaching quality. In order to distinguish different types of learners through knowledge and behavior performance, so as to better improve the teaching quality of teachers, a data mining model based on knowledge expression and calculation mode is provided. According to all the key cognitive and behavioral input parameters and cognitive and behavioral index factors, through the collection of artificial neural networks, sensitivity analysis, data mining, and classification regression trees, they are divided into three types of differences, so as to better adopt differentiation strategies for learners with different types. The experimental results also show that the behavior parameters are far more critical than the knowledge parameters. The research results show that the model is effective in supporting teachers' work in the education system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lei
- Xi’an Fanyi University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710105, China
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8
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Ellis LA, Meulenbroeks I, Churruca K, Pomare C, Hatem S, Harrison R, Zurynski Y, Braithwaite J. The Application of e-Mental Health in Response to COVID-19: Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e32948. [PMID: 34666306 PMCID: PMC8651237 DOI: 10.2196/32948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation measures and impacts, such as shelter-in-place orders, social isolation, restrictions on freedoms, unemployment, financial insecurity, and disrupted routines, have led to declines in mental health worldwide and concomitant escalating demands for mental health services. Under the circumstances, electronic mental health (e-mental health) programs and services have rapidly become the "new normal." OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess key characteristics and evidence gaps in the e-mental health literature published in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic via a scoping review and bibliometric analysis. METHODS We conducted a search of four academic databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL) for documents published from December 31, 2019, to March 31, 2021, using keywords for e-mental health and COVID-19. Article information was extracted that was relevant to the review objective, including journal, type of article, keywords, focus, and corresponding author. Information was synthesized by coding these attributes and was then summarized through descriptive statistics and narrative techniques. Article influence was examined from Altmetric and CiteScore data, and a network analysis was conducted on article keywords. RESULTS A total of 356 publications were included in the review. Articles on e-mental health quickly thrived early in the pandemic, with most articles being nonempirical, chiefly commentaries or opinions (n=225, 63.2%). Empirical publications emerged later and became more frequent as the pandemic progressed. The United States contributed the most articles (n=160, 44.9%), though a notable number came from middle-income countries (n=59, 16.6%). Articles were spread across 165 journals and had above-average influence (ie, almost half of the articles were in the top 25% of output scores by Altmetric, and the average CiteScore across articles was 4.22). The network analysis of author-supplied keywords identified key topic areas, including specific mental disorders, eHealth modalities, issues and challenges, and populations of interest. These were further explored via full-text analysis. Applications of e-mental health during the pandemic overcame, or were influenced by, system, service, technology, provider, and patient factors. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has accelerated applications of e-mental health. Further research is needed to support the implementation of e-mental health across system and service infrastructures, alongside evidence of the relative effectiveness of e-mental health in comparison to traditional modes of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabelle Meulenbroeks
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Churruca
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chiara Pomare
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Hatem
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reema Harrison
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yvonne Zurynski
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Mishna F, Milne B, Sanders J, Greenblatt A. Social Work Practice During COVID-19: Client Needs and Boundary Challenges. GLOBAL SOCIAL WELFARE : RESEARCH, POLICY & PRACTICE 2021; 9:113-120. [PMID: 34754722 PMCID: PMC8569291 DOI: 10.1007/s40609-021-00219-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While information and communication technologies (ICTs) permeated social work practice long before the onset of COVID-19, the abrupt need to close non-essential workplaces resulted in an unparalleled incorporation of digital technology into practice across the globe. The onset of COVID-19 occurred during phase two of research in which we were investigating social workers' informal use of ICT with clients. Prior to COVID-19, we were conducting interviews with practitioners and clients from four agencies serving diverse client populations in a large city in Canada. With the onset of COVID-19, we adapted to the COVID-19 context and amended the questions to investigate ICT use during the pandemic. In addition, with ethics approval, we conducted second interviews with practitioners interviewed prior to COVID-19 with a revised guide to address the pandemic context; and we continued to recruit and interview practitioners and clients using an amended interview guide incorporating pandemic-related questions. The sample comprised 27 practitioners and 22 clients. Eleven practitioners participated in interviews prior to and during COVID-19. Analysis of transcribed interviews revealed that the COVID-19 context had led to a paradigm shift in practitioners' ICT use, with two key themes identified: (1) boundary challenges and (2) clients' diverging ICT needs. We discuss these themes and present implications for policy and practice in a post-COVID-19 world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye Mishna
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4 Canada
| | - Betsy Milne
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4 Canada
| | - Jane Sanders
- Present Address: School of Social Work, King’s University College at Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Andrea Greenblatt
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4 Canada
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10
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Ong T, Wilczewski H, Paige SR, Soni H, Welch BM, Bunnell BE. Extended Reality for Enhanced Telehealth During and Beyond COVID-19: Viewpoint. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e26520. [PMID: 34227992 PMCID: PMC8315161 DOI: 10.2196/26520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread challenges and revealed vulnerabilities across global health care systems. In response, many health care providers turned to telehealth solutions, which have been widely embraced and are likely to become standard for modern care. Immersive extended reality (XR) technologies have the potential to enhance telehealth with greater acceptability, engagement, and presence. However, numerous technical, logistic, and clinical barriers remain to the incorporation of XR technology into telehealth practice. COVID-19 may accelerate the union of XR and telehealth as researchers explore novel solutions to close social distances. In this viewpoint, we highlight research demonstrations of XR telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss future directions to make XR the next evolution of remote health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triton Ong
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Hiral Soni
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Brandon M Welch
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Brian E Bunnell
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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11
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Craig SL, Leung VWY, Pascoe R, Pang N, Iacono G, Austin A, Dillon F. AFFIRM Online: Utilising an Affirmative Cognitive-Behavioural Digital Intervention to Improve Mental Health, Access, and Engagement among LGBTQA+ Youth and Young Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1541. [PMID: 33562876 PMCID: PMC7915123 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Digital mental health interventions may enable access to care for LGBTQA+ youth and young adults that face significant threats to their wellbeing. This study describes the preliminary efficacy of AFFIRM Online, an eight-session manualised affirmative cognitive behavioural group intervention delivered synchronously. Participants (Mage = 21.17; SD = 4.52) had a range of sexual (e.g., queer, lesbian, pansexual) and gender (e.g., non-binary, transgender, cisgender woman) identities. Compared to a waitlist control (n = 50), AFFIRM Online participants (n = 46) experienced significantly reduced depression (b = -5.30, p = 0.005, d = 0.60) and improved appraisal of stress as a challenge (b = 0.51, p = 0.005, d = 0.60) and having the resources to meet those challenges (b = 0.27, p = 0.059, d = 0.39) as well active coping (b = 0.36, p = 0.012, d = 0.54), emotional support (b = 0.38, p = 0.017, d = 0.51), instrumental support (b = 0.58, p < 0.001, d = 0.77), positive framing (b = 0.34, p = 0.046, d = 0.42), and planning (b = 0.41, p = 0.024, d = 0.49). Participants reported high acceptability. This study highlights the potential of digital interventions to impact LGBTQA+ youth mental health and explores the feasibility of digital mental health to support access and engagement of youth with a range of identities and needs (e.g., pandemic, lack of transportation, rural locations). Findings have implications for the design and delivery of digital interventions for marginalised youth and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L. Craig
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada; (V.W.Y.L.); (R.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Vivian W. Y. Leung
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada; (V.W.Y.L.); (R.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Rachael Pascoe
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada; (V.W.Y.L.); (R.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Nelson Pang
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada; (V.W.Y.L.); (R.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Gio Iacono
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Ashley Austin
- Ellen Whiteside-McDonnell School of Social Work, Barry University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA;
| | - Frank Dillon
- College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA;
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