Connected Mental Health Care (ConnectMe): Opportunities and Challenges for a Flexible Working Life

Research problem and specific questionsThe rapid digitalization of healthcare, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increased interest in connected mental health applications, particularly telemedicine such as video consultations (VCs).

In Sweden, where mental health issues are on the rise, the implementation of these applications poses both opportunities and challenges for healthcare professionals.

This research project addresses the gap in existing literature by focusing on the Swedish context and aims to explore how connected mental health applications, with a specific emphasis on VCs, influence the work environment of clinicians.

The project comprises three main aims:AIM 1: Explore how the implementation of connected mental health applications, specifically VCs, has influenced the work environment of clinicians.

AIM 2: Compare the influence of connected mental health applications, specifically VCs, on the work environment in different mental health contexts, and for different professional groups.AIM 3: Propose recommendations for the design, implementation, and use of connected  mental health applications.

Data and methodTo achieve these aims, a mixed-method approach will be employed, including interviews with psychologists and psychiatrists from various mental health contexts (AIM1), a national survey distributed to these professionals (AIM2), and a Delphi study to validate the proposed recommendations (AIM3).

Societal relevance and utilisationThe findings from this research project will contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discussion on the integration of connected mental health applications into the healthcare system, with a focus on enhancing the work environment for clinicians.

The project will provide both recommendations for the implementation and use of connected mental health in different contexts, and requirements for the design of future connected mental health applications.

Plan for project realisationThe project is divided into 5 work packages, including overall project management, and communication of results.

The interdisciplinary team of researchers from software engineering, human-computer interaction, health informatics, and occupational health, will work closely together with the clinical partners to conduct the research according to plan.