Article Title

Barriers to Implementation of a Technology-Based Mental Health Intervention in a Rural Setting

Authors

Becky F. Antle, University of Louisville, Kent School of Social WorkFollow
Lesley M. Harris, University of Louisville, Kent School of Social WorkFollow
Jesse H. Wright, University of Louisville, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Tracy D. Eells, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Amy Cappiccie, Western Kentucky University, Department of Social Work
Sara M. Williams, University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work
Rebecca Katz, University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work
Ashley Logsdon, University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work
Jesse Owen, University of Denver, Department of Counseling Psychology, Morgridge College of Education

Abstract

This study utilized qualitative focus groups with rural health providers and patients to explore barriers to implementation of a technology-based mental health intervention for the treatment of depression in a primary care setting. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was implemented in both urban and rural primary care practices to test the feasibility and effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for depression. Early implementation identified lower rates of willingness to participate in the intervention by rural patients. Subsequently, focus groups were conducted with rural providers and patients to explore barriers to participation and strategies to overcome these barriers in future implementation efforts. Two focus groups of five to seven participants each were conducted to understand patient experiences. Groups lasted approximately one hour and were recorded and transcribed for coding purposes. Key themes identified about barriers to use of CCBT by rural patients emerged included: 1) technical barriers, 2) stigma, 3) distrust of outsiders, 4) effort/motivational barriers, and 5) staff resistance/frustration. Conversely, several positive themes related to supports for CCBT also emerged, including: 1) readiness to change/symptom severity, 2) program supports and incentives, 3) clinician support, 4) components of the intervention, and 5) individual patient characteristics.

Recommended Citation

Antle, Becky F.; Harris, Lesley M.; Wright, Jesse H.; Eells, Tracy D.; Cappiccie, Amy; Williams, Sara M.; Katz, Rebecca; Logsdon, Ashley; and Owen, Jesse (2021) "Barriers to Implementation of a Technology-Based Mental Health Intervention in a Rural Setting," Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal: Vol. 13: No. 1, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61611/2165-4611.1220
Available at: https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/crsw/vol13/iss1/2