Examining the Propensity to Adopt Telehealth Technologies to Deliver Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery Services

Transcription

1 Examining the Propensity to Adopt Telehealth Technologies to Deliver Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery Services Joyce A. Hartje, PhD Terra K. Hamblin, MA

2 Introduction Just because an organization integrates new technology to deliver services, there is no guarantee that staff will embrace using it. Research has examined the complexity of individuals relationships with technological innovation, identifying several paradoxes experienced when dealing with new technologies: - individuals choices to accept or reject an innovation & the extent to which it is integrated into the appropriate context (adoption) - how an innovation spreads through a population (diffusion) - beliefs & attitudes formed over time that may influence decisions about the adopted or rejected innovations

3 This study extended previous research on understanding of why one individual chooses to adopt a technology while another resists. Objectives 1. Demonstrate understanding of technology adop7on research 2. Iden7fy technology adop7on factors related to providing substance abuse treatment and recovery services 3. Cite cogni7ve, emo7onal, & contextual strategies related to technology adop7on

4 What helps innovations spread? Rela%ve advantage Compa%bility Simplicity and ease of use Triability Observable results Formulating a Belief about Technology How beneficial will this new technology be once I start using it? How difficult will it be for me to learn to use it properly?

5 Methods Web- based survey administered to substance abuse treatment professionals (n=171) Examined propensity to adopt technology on four dimensions: - Contribu0ng Factors ² Op%mism technology makes life easier ² Proficiency learning to use technology is quick and easy - Inhibi0ng Factors ² Dependence overly reliant on technology ² Vulnerability increased chance of being targeted

6 Results Reasons for implemen0ng telehealth technologies facilitate easier access for individuals in remote areas ability to provide services to more individuals ² wait 7me to schedule appointments was too long ² specialty services were not available (e.g., psychiatric care for adolescents) Early Adopters believe that: most co- workers think using telehealth technologies to deliver treatment and recovery services is a good thing delivering services using telehealth technologies is as effec7ve as face- to- face

7 Beliefs about Telehealth Technologies valuable adjunct to in- person care expands client access to treatment expands client access to recovery support effec0ve in delivering treatment services effec0ve in delivering recovery support as effec0ve as face- to- face comfortable using it to deliver services Proficiency (p<.001) Dependence

8 Services Provided Using Telehealth Technologies 2.42 Assessment Client Educa%on Clinical Support Con%nuing Care Counseling Recovery Support Screening Staff Training 4.02 (Mean) Dependence Proficiency (Mean) (1= Strongly disagree 5 = Strongly agree)

9 Take Away AGtudes about technology influences propensity to adopt Facilita%ng technology implementa%on projects should be informed by knowledge of technology adop%on research Early Adopters in the behavioral health workforce who use telehealth technologies may increase its promo%on, adop%on, and implementa%on Along with recognizing where individuals are on the adop%on/dissemina%on con%nuum, it is important to understand that successfully facilita%ng technology adop%on needs to address cogni%ve, emo%onal, and contextual concerns

10 Conclusions Technology adop%on is a complex, developmental process through which individuals construct unique, but malleable, percep%ons that influence adop%on. Results were explained on only 2 factors (Dependence & Proficiency), but do suggest posi%ve correla%ons between aftudes and propensity to deliver SUD treatment services using technology- based interven%ons.