Despite effective treatment options, people who experience mental health conditions often do not receive needed care. E-mental health, for instance the use of mobile apps, is emerging as a way to increase access to and extend care. However, little formal training is available to increase the digital literacy level among behavioral healthcare providers (BHPs), seeking to employ such technology. The purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability and usability of an adapted in-person Digital Navigation Training (DNT) curriculum into e-Learning modules focused on the integrated environment for BHPs. BHP confidence to serve as digital navigators was also explored. E-Learning modules were adapted from an existing in-person DNT. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit BHPs (n = 8) to complete the modules. Acceptability, usability, and confidence were assessed via survey and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were calculated for survey data and qualitative data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. BHPs who completed the training (n = 8) felt the modules were usable, enjoyed the structure, and felt the amount of time to complete the modules was acceptable. All participants thought the structure of the training worked well and enjoyed learning new information. While participants' confidence in their digital navigation skills increased, they desired more information and/or experience with screening apps prior to increasing their use of apps within their care. E-Learning modules were an acceptable method of educating BHPs with digital navigation skills. Future research is needed to explore incentives needed for training along with if participating in these modules can increase use of quality mobile apps to augment care within BHP treatment plans.
Keywords: Digital Navigation Training; E-Mental Health; E-learning; Integrated care; Mental health; Mobile apps.
Supporting the use of technology in the integrated primary care environment, where patients often seek care for mental health conditions requires training. Behavioral Health Providers (BHPs) are members of the integrated team. BHPs are prime candidates to promote engagement of mobile apps within this model of care. Understanding how providing training in an online format to BHPs which supports their ability to incorporate apps into this unique environment is needed. The purpose of this article is to explore the acceptability and usability, and subsequent confidence to serve as a digital navigator, of an adapted in-person Digital Navigation Training consisting of E-Learning modules. E-Learning module content includes education pertaining to digital skills, shared-decision making and mobile app evaluation to facilitate knowledge among BHPs as well as their confidence in digital navigation. Our findings suggest that the online training is acceptable and usable by those who completed the training and improves their confidence to serve as a digital navigator. BHPs suggested quality improvement changes to the training which are being undertaken to include creating a checklist and adding to the mobile app evaluation content. The training can be accessed at https://www.unmc.edu/bhecn/education/m-health-digital-navigation-training-for-integrated-behavioral-health/index.html.
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