Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2009"
TL;DR: The study indicates online support as a valuable resource for adolescents with chronic kidney disease as well as both benefits and challenges of online social support for adolescents.
Abstract: This study reports on the development and evaluation of an online social support network for adolescents with chronic kidney disease. Twenty-four adolescents were enrolled in a six-month online intervention in which asynchronous and synchronous online peer support was facilitated. Online dialogue transcripts were analyzed, as were postintervention qualitative interviews with network participants. Findings identify both benefits and challenges of online social support for adolescents and provide guidelines for future support initiatives. The study indicates online support as a valuable resource for adolescents with chronic kidney disease.
51 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented a multimedia biography for persons with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment in motion picture format, which combines family photographs, film clips, audio narration, and music.
Abstract: The multimedia biography tells the story of the life of an elderly person with a cognitive impairment in motion picture format. The multimedia biography combines family photographs, film clips, audio narration, and music. It is intended to be screened on an ongoing basis to provide spaces for reminiscence and communication between cognitively impaired persons and their families. Using a production process in which we collaborated with family caregivers, we created 12 multimedia biographies for persons having Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. This article describes our production and screening processes. We also share lessons learned from the multimedia biography research to assist practitioners, families, or researchers who wish to use similar technologies and processes for eliciting and sharing life stories.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the literature on problematic Internet use is presented, including definitional criteria for problematic internet use, explanatory theories of the manifestation of problematic Internet usage, measures of problematic internet usage, and groups with a higher vulnerability of developing problematic Internet using.
Abstract: While the Internet has revolutionized the process of information gathering and communication in society, there has been mounting concern in the literature as to the effect of the medium on the individual. Researchers appear torn as to whether an individual can actually develop an addiction to the Internet. This report will review this controversy in detail, including proposed definitional criteria for problematic Internet use, explanatory theories of the manifestation of problematic Internet use, measures of problematic Internet use, and groups with a higher vulnerability of developing problematic Internet use. The report will conclude by identifying gaps in the literature, areas for future research, and implications for human service agencies and treatment providers.
46 citations
TL;DR: These authors demonstrate how a human services counseling skills course can be taught using Web 2.0 technologies with most of the focus on two synchronous applications: 3-D virtual worlds and web conferencing.
Abstract: In the face-to-face classroom, human services counseling educators rely on highly interpersonal, interactive methods to teach clinical skills. Replicating these instructional methods in the asynchr...
41 citations
TL;DR: Various e-health programs and lessons learned related to access, promotion, user demographics, and patterns of use are described and validation procedures, effectiveness and attrition rates, fitting and tailoring, and qualitative analyses of social networks are described.
Abstract: E-Health programs for mental illness and addictive behaviors have recently emerged as potentially useful self-help resources. Health care professionals will soon have the option of referring clients to free-to-end-user online, expert-moderated e-health programs as complementary means of assisting clients. Such programs will have significant implications for developing improved stepped models of care. This article describes various e-health programs and lessons learned related to access, promotion, user demographics, and patterns of use. In addition, validation procedures, effectiveness and attrition rates, fitting and tailoring, and qualitative analyses of social networks are described. It is difficult to validate e-health programs that are completely anonymous and do not require registration, personal interaction, or membership fees. As competition emerges in the budding e-health industry, best practice guidelines will need to be developed for collecting data and evaluating the utility of these programs.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a study that measures the degree of digital exclusion in Hong Kong, a developed city in East Asia, and show that people who are traditionally disadvantaged, such as the elderly and those on a low income, are further excluded from information society.
Abstract: This article presents a study that measures the degree of digital exclusion—or, conversely, the degree of digital inclusion—in Hong Kong, a developed city in East Asia. Governments in the region are among the most active in the developed world in pushing ahead in developing knowledge economies and information societies. The major concern is to improve/maintain their competitiveness in the new knowledge economy created by the process of globalization and the advancement in information technology. Many countries in the region have established themselves in the top ranks of a number of indexes and measurements comparing digital readiness, digital access, information and communication technology penetration, and others. However, not all the citizens in the region share the benefits and promises of the information society. People who are traditionally disadvantaged, such as the elderly and those on a low income, are further excluded from the information society. Such exclusion affects other social groups as we...
26 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that for decision support systems to be widely adopted in child welfare practice, they should be integrated into the referral system and include workers' knowledge and experiences with referral resources.
Abstract: Child welfare workers must process complex information in deciding to refer clients to appropriate mental health services. Decision support systems have been demonstrated in other fields to be an important tool, yet little research has been done in child welfare. This study focused on the adoption of a specific decision support system into child welfare practice. Quantitative analysis was used to demonstrate the diffusion of innovation process among a sample of state child welfare workers, while qualitative analysis was used to explain the facilitators and barriers to decision support systems adoption. Results indicate that for decision support systems to be widely adopted in child welfare practice, they should be integrated into the referral system and include workers' knowledge and experiences with referral resources. For successful adoption, decision support systems need to respect the natural logic and flow of worker interaction as well as organizational constraints.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined how two measures of performance (adaptation and innovation) can be predicted by the use of digital communication and found that information technology in nonprofits offers strong leverage for adaptation but not for innovation.
Abstract: This report examines how two measures of performance—adaptation and innovation—can be predicted by the use of digital communication. It suggests that information technology in nonprofits offers strong leverage for adaptation but not for innovation. This suggests that (a) the two measures are dissimilar in both their nature and their relevance to organizational performance in nonprofit settings, (b) that service organizations are more likely to use information technology for adapting to change, and (c) it is probable that large and well-founded organizations will use IT for establishing innovations.
14 citations
TL;DR: The extent to which participation in online health discussion groups was reported to be helpful in increasing medical knowledge and in enhancing the participatory patient role of health care consumers in interaction with health care service professionals is examined.
Abstract: Internet technology has become an informational resource for most health care consumers. Online information, discussion, and support groups, in the form of message boards, listservs, and chat rooms are emerging as parts of virtual self-health-care network. This paper examines the extent to which participation in online health discussion groups was reported to be helpful in increasing medical knowledge and in enhancing the participatory patient role of health care consumers in interaction with health care service professionals. Data for this study was collected from 350 patients who participated in Internet discussion groups for cancer patients. The findings of the study indicated the important impact of Internet health discussion groups on health care management practices as perceived by health care consumers, including empowerment through knowledge and proactive participation in cancer care management. This research contributes to understanding the patient perspective and assesses the perceived importanc...
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe key mechanisms in management information systems that serve multisite programs based on the Healthy Families America® model in Florida and Indiana, and explain how the systems facilitate successful implementation of these programs as well as track progress towards achieving improved outcomes in child abuse and neglect, child health and development, parenting, and maternal life course.
Abstract: Management information systems are proving to be a vital tool supporting voluntary long-term home visiting programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. This article describes key mechanisms in management information systems that serve multisite programs based on the Healthy Families America® model in Florida and Indiana. The descriptions explain how the systems facilitate successful implementation of these programs as well as track progress towards achieving improved outcomes in child abuse and neglect, child health and development, parenting, and maternal life course. Illustrations of a few key reports and analyses are presented and recommendations for ongoing improvement to these systems are offered.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe one human service organization's attempt to implement and capture the complex knowledge needs and requirements for a knowledge management system, which is in the third year of a five year process.
Abstract: Managing emerging scientific, professional, and applied practice knowledge has become increasingly more important in the 21st century because economic and social connections in organizations are becoming more complex, associated with greater global connectivity. One approach to this growing complexity and emerging need involves the development of a technology-based knowledge management (KM) system. This paper describes one human service organization's attempt to implement and capture the complex knowledge needs and requirements for a knowledge management system. The implementation described is in the third year of a five year process. The challenges when incorporating such reorganization will be addressed. This case example also illustrates the complexities, possibilities, and lessons learned while implementing a knowledge management system within a school of social work and subsequently its capacity to be transferred to human service organizations.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explain the rationale for the digitization of social work heritage material and the virtualization of an archived non-digital museum exhibit constructed by a Scottish Museum of Social Work.
Abstract: This article explains the rationale for the digitization of social work heritage material and the virtualization of an archived nondigital museum exhibit constructed by a Scottish Museum of Social Work. The project involved the “virtualization” of an existing social work museum exhibition on the migration of “Home Children” from Scotland to Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century and the digital preservation of historical assets (both text and images) held by the contemporary social care organization involved in the migration of the children. This article discusses best practice in the preservation of historical assets, the methodology and technology used in the creation of the multimedia version of the exhibition, and the complexities of negotiating intellectual property rights in the transition from historical artifacts to new digital works.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the accessibility of baccalaureate social work program websites in 2003 and 2008 using Priority 1 checkpoints from the World Wide Web Consortium 1.0 guidelines and found that 75.6% of programs still had one or more accessibility barriers in 2008 and thus did not meet the lowest W3C accessibility guidelines.
Abstract: This study (N = 45 schools) sought to determine the accessibility of baccalaureate social work program websites in 2003 and 2008 using Priority 1 checkpoints from the World Wide Web Consortium 1.0 guidelines. Paired t-test results indicate that the mean accessibility scores of five of the nine items (plus the website accessibility scale as a whole) was statistically higher after five years. However, 75.6% of programs still had one or more Priority 1 accessibility barriers in 2008 and thus did not meet the lowest W3C accessibility guidelines. This highlights the need for more education about barriers to accessibility and methods for making websites more accessible.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on using games as a potential mode of online service delivery, on the potential of the various forms of social networking, and whether classism exists between client and staff perceptions.
Abstract: Web-based (2.0) media will play an increasing role in substance abuse treatment. Two focus groups identified initial barriers and potential uses within a population living below the median income. Client suggestions included using different approaches to service delivery based on a person's access to web 2.0 media. Preliminary results indicated that contrary to the staff members' opinions, the majority of clients appeared to have sufficient Internet access and the requisite social networking skills in order to participate in online interventions. Future research should focus on using games as a potential mode of online service delivery, on the potential of the various forms of social networking, and whether classism exists between client and staff perceptions.
TL;DR: A survey of a random sample of licensed social workers in Virginia showed 98.8% had Internet access in either their home or workplace as mentioned in this paper, indicating that social workers who actually used the Internet and e-mail tended to expect a future increase in their use, in contrast with nonusers.
Abstract: A survey of a random sample of licensed social workers in Virginia showed 98.8% had Internet access in either their home or workplace. A comparison of this study with a study conducted in the early 2000s indicated more than 20% difference regarding e-mail communication with clients and Internet use for work-related research. Social workers who actually used the Internet and e-mail tended to expect a future increase in their use, in contrast with nonusers. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses found age and type of agency (private/for-profit) as factors negatively related to having Internet access in the workplace, age, and the reason “E-mail is not secure enough” as factors negatively related in the future e-mail communication with clients among current nonusers.
TL;DR: This article will briefly review the adaptation of computer technology to mental health treatment, provide a rationale for using computer applications in sex therapy, and demonstrate how computer technology could be applied to Masters and Johnson's sensate focus technique.
Abstract: It is well established that computer technology can be ethically, legally, usefully, and efficaciously integrated with the psychosocial treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. There is, however, a paucity of literature regarding how these applications could be applied to sex therapy. This article will briefly review the adaptation of computer technology to mental health treatment, provide a rationale for using computer applications in sex therapy, and demonstrate how computer technology could be applied to Masters and Johnson's sensate focus technique. The Sensate Focus Prototype (an Internet-delivered therapeutic module) presented is a working application designed for use by psychotherapists and researchers.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that leadership, context, and perceptions of the technology were key features effecting videophone acceptance and the need for new survey instruments regarding nonutilization is addressed.
Abstract: Hospice services care for millions of Americans at the end of their life. To improve this care, videophones have been introduced. However, the use of videophones is often not readily accepted by hospice nurses. This study used three theories, surveys, and focus groups with 25 hospice employees to investigate why there was a lack of acceptance. The survey predicted the videophones would be adopted. However, this was not the case, so focus groups were conducted to expand understanding of nonacceptance. This research demonstrates that leadership, context, and perceptions of the technology were key features effecting videophone acceptance. Future research should further examine these barriers and address the need for new survey instruments regarding nonutilization in this context.
TL;DR: Journey Mapping is a unique Internet-driven program evaluation tool supporting both qualitative and quantitative data collection, and may depend on integrating the system with staff job designs and the overall mission of the program.
Abstract: Journey Mapping is a unique Internet-driven program evaluation tool supporting both qualitative and quantitative data collection. Successful implementation of the tool requires minimal training. The Journey Mapping website is updated on a regular basis to include new features; all users log on and work with the latest version. Journey Mapping supports collection of program outcome data, as well as data for program refinements. Realizing the full potential and benefits of Journey Mapping may depend on integrating the system with staff job designs and the overall mission of the program.
TL;DR: Mindjet's MindManager is an intuitive project management software with advanced information capture, organization, and sharing capabilities that readily links to common software applications, the internet, and MS Outlook calendar functions.
Abstract: Mindjet's MindManager is an intuitive project management software with advanced information capture, organization, and sharing capabilities. New users can be up and running in minutes, creatings hi...
TL;DR: In this article, the Personal Emergency Link system is used to link seniors living in the community and measures taken to prevent failure of the system are described with the use of different technology applications, many human touches and warm caregiving are rendered to the elderly and needy.
Abstract: Through a Personal Emergency Link system, the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association has rendered 24-hour care to more than 111,000 service users in Hong Kong who are mostly vulnerable seniors and chronic invalids living alone or living with their elderly spouses/caregivers only. This article will describe how the Personal Emergency Link system is used to link seniors living in the community. Measures taken to prevent failure of the system will be described. With the use of different technology applications, many human touches and warm caregiving are rendered to the elderly and needy.
TL;DR: Genogram Analytics is a software program that allows practitioners and researchers to illustrate family structure and relationships with a lot of flexibility, its does require some user training, and is slightly more costly than other programs.
Abstract: Genogram Analytics is a software program that allows practitioners and researchers to illustrate family structure and relationships. Unlike typical Genogram software programs, this software allows the user to capture multiple levels of diversity in family structure and family relationships. While this software offers a lot of flexibility, its does require some user training, and is slightly more costly than other programs.
TL;DR: In an attempt to integrate technology into the lives of professional counselors, the authors provides a comprehensive overview of the aspe... and discusses the role of technology in counselors' daily lives.
Abstract: Technology has become a significant part of our daily lives. In an attempt to integrate technology into the lives of professional counselors, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the aspe...
TL;DR: Overall students' perceptions were positive and they believed that the compact disc was a helpful tool in learning counseling skills.
Abstract: Multimedia compact discs have become an important part of counseling education. Many educators recognize the value of compact discs in training and methods of instruction. The purpose of this study was to develop an instructional compact disc and to survey counseling students' perceptions of the compact disc. Participants included 71 counseling graduate students from two universities in the southern part of the United States. Students viewed the compact disc and completed a survey to assess their perceptions of the compact disc. Overall students' perceptions were positive and they believed that the compact disc was a helpful tool in learning counseling skills.
TL;DR: Project TECH as discussed by the authors was designed to help Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TOPS) participants enhance their literacy through distance learning as a means to promote job retention and career advancement.
Abstract: Technology and Education for Career Heights (Project TECH) was designed to help Temporary Assistance to Needy Families participants enhance their literacy through distance learning as a means to promote job retention and career advancement. The evaluative research presented in this report was intended to gather information from the participants of Project TECH about their experience with distance learning training curriculum. The report describes Project TECH and what happens when participants who are low-income workers are given a computer, basic training software, Internet access, and training coupled with instruction form a instructor who met with them face to face weekly and provided daily online coaching and instruction. It highlights participants' experience with online instruction and the use of computers in their homes, and it concludes with lessons learned from the project. The information is useful for those wanting to design and develop a distance learning program to increase adult literacy for...