Implementation of digital outreach for obtaining skills and resources (DOORS) to improve the well-being and functional outcomes in adults with serious mental illnesses
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Citation
Abstract
BACKGROUND: New technologies have risen to meet the demands of mental health care. With new technology, digital inclusion and equity become increasingly crucial to healthcare. Despite its importance, many still lack the essential digital skills needed to function in today’s society. To meet this need, Digital Outreach for Obtaining Skills and Resources (DOORS), a community-based group was developed to educate participants on digital skills and how to utilize technology to improve their well-being.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this thesis is to summarize the improvements to and implementation of a digital skills program for adults with serious mental illnesses. This program aims to improve smartphone skills and the overall health of participants.
METHODS: There were four phases: (1) development of surveys, (2) accessibility improvement, (3) implementation of the program in two locations, (4) and qualitative feedback on the program. The surveys were created by building upon the United Kingdom’s Essential Digital Skill framework and were updated to ensure all skills that were assessed were covered by the curriculum. The accessibility of the program was improved by creating handouts, translating materials into Spanish, and focusing on basic digital skills. DOORS was implemented in two locations, and after the last session, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis using NVivo was used to analyze the interviews.
RESULTS: Improvements to this program included an updated curriculum, patient-facing education handouts, translation into Spanish, and re-designed surveys. Participants reported improved confidence in 72% of the digital skills that were taught during the 8-week intervention. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews results in three overall themes: awareness of divide, patient-centered design, and expanded skills and confidence.
DISCUSSION: This thesis evaluates the improvement and implementation of DOORS. The updated curriculum focuses on skills that are used in daily life and has the potential to be used to improve the participant’s health. This iteration of DOORS shows that the program can improve participants’ skills and confidence. While this program had a positive impact on participants, it still can be improved. Overall, the findings illustrate that programs like DOORS can mitigate the second digital divide and increase technology accessibility and usability for participants.
CONCLUSION: DOORS is a digital literacy program that aims to bridge the second digital divide and promote access to digital health resources. With recent updates and adaptations, DOORS is better equipped to be an accessible program that can positively impact participants through education.