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.
Paula CárdenasSophia M BartlesViviana CruzLina GáfaroJosé M Uribe-RestrepoWilliam C TorreySergio M CastroLeonardo CubillosMakeda J WilliamsLisa A MarschDiana Goretty Oviedo-ManriqueCarlos Gómez-RestrepoPublished in: Qualitative health research (2020)
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.
Keyphrases
- mental health
- healthcare
- primary care
- health information
- depressive symptoms
- public health
- mental illness
- combination therapy
- machine learning
- social media
- climate change
- palliative care
- physical activity
- deep learning
- optical coherence tomography
- chronic pain
- electronic health record
- pain management
- artificial intelligence