Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2015"
TL;DR: Clinicians, parents, and adolescents participated in qualitative interviews in order to gain new perspectives on developing a targeted intervention and a safety plan phone application for suicide prevention.
Abstract: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and has become a serious public health problem. There has been limited research on strategies to decrease the likelihood of reattempt in adolescents. As phase one of a treatment development study, clinicians, parents and adolescents participated in qualitative interviews in order to gain new perspectives on developing a targeted intervention and a safety plan phone application for suicide prevention. Participants indicated that transition of care, specific treatment targets and safety planning were important parts of treatment. In addition, all participants endorsed the use of a smartphone application for these purposes.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors replicated the validity and reliability of a newly developed assessment tool for self-reported media literacy levels of social work students and educators, and found that a significant difference between the levels of new media literacy of students and teachers indicated that students were more engaged with new media.
Abstract: The focus of this article is to replicate the validity and reliability of a newly developed assessment tool for self-reported media literacy levels by assessing the new media literacy levels of social work students and educators. The study is grounded in the New Media Literacies (NML) framework and the concept of participatory culture. Findings indicate a significant difference between the levels of new media literacy of students and educators. Students were also found to be more engaged with new media. The study demonstrates the need to incorporate new media literacies into the social work curriculum to increase the digital competencies of both educators and students. Implications for social work education and future research are suggested.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a prototype smartphone application (app) aimed at DV survivors' peers, which they used with focus groups/interviews, 31 college students who self-identified as friends of DV survivors reviewed the app's usefulness, understandability, appropriateness, and comprehensiveness.
Abstract: Dating violence (DV) from an intimate partner/expartner is common on college campuses, but young college women are far more likely to disclose DV to a peer than to seek formal services. Therefore, our team developed a prototype smartphone application (app) aimed at DV survivors’ peers. Through focus groups/interviews, 31 college students who self-identified as friends of DV survivors reviewed and provided feedback on the app's usefulness, understandability, appropriateness, and comprehensiveness. These findings support the acceptability and usefulness of an app to support peers of DV survivors on campus and thereby also strengthen the safety net for DV survivors.
29 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the issue of the digital divide in Shanghai with particular attention to children from low-income families and examined whether a difference in the Internet access of children was associated with their academic and psychosocial attributes.
Abstract: This research article explored the issue of the digital divide in Shanghai with particular attention to children from low-income families. It examined whether a difference in the Internet access of children was associated with their academic and psychosocial attributes. Data were collected from a household survey with a representative sample of 796 low-income and 799 nonlow-income families with children aged 9–17 in Shanghai. Our findings suggest that the digital divide for low-income children in Shanghai is getting smaller or even closing, but the urban–rural divide might be a factor in aggravating digital exclusion. Preliminary group comparisons show that low-income-no-Internet children reported significantly lower scores on all dimensions of digital literacy, academic performance, aspirations, perceived efficacy, self-esteem, family and peer relationships. On the contrary, low-income children with Internet access did not show significant differences with nonlow-income group across all dimensions. While...
29 citations
TL;DR: One hundred and thirty-six child welfare workers completed an online survey examining their experiences regarding the impact that electronic communication and social media use has had on their practice with youth and families as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: One hundred and thirty-six child welfare workers completed an online survey examining their experiences regarding the impact that electronic communication and social media use has had on their practice with youth and families. Workers reported e-mail and text message use have made work with youth easier, yet distinct difficulties have emerged for practitioners in relation to electronic communication and social media use. New elements have also emerged including issues with harassment and the ethics related to monitoring clients' online activities. Comparisons with a previous study conducted by Finn indicate that the use of technology within social work practice has evolved over time. Implications for social work practice and future research are also discussed.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the outcomes of student-led, student-participant experiences in both Google Hangout and face-to-face groups in graduate-level counseling courses are compared using process-and experience-oriented measures.
Abstract: The outcomes of student-led, student-participant experiences in both Google Hangout and face-to-face groups in graduate-level counseling courses are compared using process- and experience-oriented measures. Overall, participants assessed face-to-face groups as superior on measures of presence, cohesiveness, safety, and delivery method. Implications for the counseling field are discussed.
18 citations
TL;DR: This article analyzed how emotion work is done online, including personalizing statistics to generate moral shock and telling survivor stories to demonstrate efficacy and create hope for social change, and argued that the web especially social media, facilitates interactions between activists, state actors, and end users that provide mutual affirmation and validation.
Abstract: Despite the absence of face-to-face interactions, the web offers digital activists a surprisingly rich setting for emotion work, facilitating evocative storytelling and offering easy and immediate opportunities to engage in symbolic action. This article uses data from interviews with activists to analyze how emotion work is done online, including personalizing statistics to generate moral shock and telling survivor stories to demonstrate efficacy and create hope for social change. Furthermore, it argues that the web, especially social media, facilitates interactions between activists, state actors, and end users that provide mutual affirmation and validation. A positive unintended emotional consequence of such interactions is that activists working in the field draw encouragement and motivation from users at home.
18 citations
TL;DR: A case study approach was used including in-depth interviews, direct observations, and user feedback obtained from the Needs Portal to determine perceived benefits and barriers to adopting the needs Portal and report how the flow of information between users and developers was used to adapt to user needs.
Abstract: Access to social services is important for the safety of children and ultimately for reunification of families involved in the child welfare system. The process of linking families to services however, varies by caseworker and can be cumbersome and time-consuming. The DCFS Needs Portal is an internet-based intervention to improve the timing and quality of social service referrals in Los Angeles County We used a case study approach including in-depth interviews, direct observations and user feedback obtained from the Needs Portal to 1) determine perceived benefits and barriers to adopting the Needs Portal and 2) report how the flow of information between users and developers was used to adapt to user needs. Our analyses revealed four major barriers: 1) caseworker apprehension regarding new technology, 2) variation in communication styles by user type, 3) lack of technological infrastructure and 4) competing workplace demands. Information sharing between developers and users has the potential to better meet the needs of users and ultimately maximize utilization of new technology. Although internet-based interventions are designed to inexpensively and effectively coordinate services, emerging interventions may require in-person assistance and modifications in order to succeed.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a system that supports human interventions using Natural Language Generation (NLG) techniques is presented, which generates draft responses aimed at reducing moderators' workload, and improving their efficacy.
Abstract: As online mental health support groups become increasingly popular, they require more support from volunteers and trained moderators who help their users through “interventions” (i.e., responding to questions and providing support). We present a system that supports such human interventions using Natural Language Generation (NLG) techniques. The system generates draft responses aimed at reducing moderators’ workload, and improving their efficacy. NLG and human interventions were compared through the ratings of 35 psychology interns. The NLG-based system was capable of generating messages that are grammatically correct with clear language. The system needs improvement, however, moderators can already use it as draft responses.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used qualitative data from two sources (individual interviews and two focus groups) to learn about domestic violence service providers' needs and perceptions related to technology use.
Abstract: There is growing recognition of the need to better understand the intersections between the work of domestic violence service providers and technology. Professionals who work with clients impacted by domestic violence are increasingly using technologies across different aspects of their work, including communicating with other professionals and seeking information and resources via the Internet. The current study used qualitative data from two sources—individual interviews and two focus groups—to learn about domestic violence service providers’ needs and perceptions related to technology use. The results provide insights about technologies used currently, expected benefits of future technological advances, barriers to using technology, and participants’ self-rated levels of comfort with technology.
13 citations
TL;DR: It is presented an argument that the body of work known as actor-network theory (ANT) has considerable potential as an analytical framework for the conduct of research inquiries into human service technology applications.
Abstract: This article presents an argument that the body of work known as actor-network theory (ANT) has considerable potential as an analytical framework for the conduct of research inquiries into human service technology applications. Especially so when these inquiries focus on tracing the human and technical factors associated with the adoption of a technological innovation. It introduces and explains some of the key philosophical assumptions of ANT before discussing its methodological implications. The article also offers some practical illustrations of an ANT orientation by applying ANT-related concepts to three articles published in this special issue.
TL;DR: Based on a survey of 40 social workers using video assisted visitation as part of family reunification work, its perceived advantages and disadvantages are identified.
Abstract: Based on a survey of 40 social workers using video assisted visitation as part of family reunification work, this study identifies its perceived advantages and disadvantages. The advantages included connecting to the team, relationship maintenance, therapeutic value, access due to distance, and the added visual component. The disadvantages included the technology, age of the child, limitations of not being in person, and fear VAV would replace in-person visits. The discussion describes how to capitalize on the strengths and provides suggestions for how to work within the disadvantages.
TL;DR: This article defines and provides an overview of the concept “learning objects” and guidelines for locating and incorporating existing learning objects and for creating learning objects for use in social work courses are detailed.
Abstract: Faculty use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in social work courses has the potential to transform social work education, including increasing student engagement and accommodating different learning styles. Learning objects are reusable digital resources with a pedagogical purpose that may be used in online, hybrid, or face-to-face social work courses to achieve these and other pedagogical benefits. This article defines and provides an overview of the concept “learning objects.” Guidelines for locating and incorporating existing learning objects and for creating learning objects for use in social work courses are detailed. Finally, examples are provided.
TL;DR: This exploratory study is the first of its kind to assess an agency-built Electronic Decision Support Systems within a children's mental health program to see how it is utilized in a treatment as usual climate.
Abstract: This study examined the effect of clinician adoption on an agency built Electronic Discussion Support System on the reduction of youth risk factors. This exploratory study is the first of its kind to assess an agency-built Electronic Decision Support Systems (EDSS) within a children's mental health program to see how it is utilized in a treatment as usual climate. The results showed a significant difference between the reduction-in-risk rating for two of the domains of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale (Parental Capability and Environment). Yet findings showed that only a few staff utilized the EDSS regularly. Based on the findings, it appears there was a break down in the implementation process. Although the agency had the best of intentions by building the Dashboard, without proper emphasis on implementation their goal was never fully actualized.
TL;DR: The OCD Challenge is an interactive self-help website for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which is often untreated and many barriers prohibit access to an evidence-based intervention including cost, lack of providers, and stigma.
Abstract: The OCD Challenge is an interactive self-help website for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is often untreated and many barriers prohibit access to an evidence-based intervention including cost, lack of providers, and stigma. Analysis of 436 website participant's demographic data revealed that 63.1% were female, 80.5% were Caucasian, the mean age was 33.37 and the mean age of onset was 15.37. Results of the 436 website users showed a significant positive correlation between Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) assessment scores and disability as well as anxiety and stress scores. Future studies should examine the feasibility of the OCD Challenge at decreasing OCD, disability, depression, anxiety, and stress scores.
TL;DR: Investigating the feasibility of handheld tablet computers for older adult methadone clients found that participants were able to learn how to operate the tablets and enjoyed using the technology.
Abstract: This exploratory study examined three single case studies to investigate the feasibility of handheld tablet computers for older adult methadone clients. The intervention targeted African American adults (N = 3) over the age of 50 who were in substance abuse treatment. Subjects participated, via a face-to-face video program, in 12 educational sessions focused on healthy living. Both the feasibility of teaching older adult subjects to use tablet computers and their levels of engagement in the intervention were assessed. In addition, completion of participants’ goals and their ability to remember those goals were tracked weekly. Findings revealed that participants were able to learn how to operate the tablets and enjoyed using the technology. Frequent interactions between the counselors and the participants, using face-to-face video, facilitated success in achieving program goals.
TL;DR: The road ahead in human services web-phone automation offers much potential, but is typically difficult, time consuming, and can substantially change how services are delivered.
Abstract: This article describes the development and implementation of a web-phone system to support care managers in delivering services to clients. The cloud-based system, called Teleherence, delivered a series of voice or text statements as well as questions that could accept responses from clients. Based on these responses the system branched to additional statements or questions or performed other tasks such as playing an audio file. The four Teleherence applications described point to the potentials and challenges of implementing new technology into existing services. Potentials were for more effective services especially with clients who had the time and capability to handle more extensive care management communications. Key challenges included integrating Teleherence into antiquated agency technology, the changes in work habits and policies required to handle increased care manager–client communications, including support for unstructured treatment communications and practices, protecting the security and p...
TL;DR: A pilot study in which service user records of a short-term food assistance project operated in Hong Kong are mapped and analyzed using a geographical information system to have demonstrated a new method in locality service planning.
Abstract: Although the potential utilization of geographical information system (GIS) technologies in social service planning at a community level has been suggested for more than a decade, actual applications are still rare. This article reports on a pilot study in which service user records of a short-term food assistance project operated in Hong Kong are mapped and analyzed using a geographical information system. Spatial analysis of the data set reveals an understanding of the problem of poverty in the served region that may not be observed by using conventional statistical analyses. The visualization of service data makes information more comprehensible to practitioners and community stakeholders, and helps create an empowering environment in the service review and planning processes. The project is suggested to have demonstrated a new method in locality service planning.
TL;DR: This paper examined the effectiveness of a health professional virtual world interview skills trainer (IST) in comparison to classroom training via interview role-plays with peers, and found an increase in interviewing self-efficacy significantly after the IST experience than after role-play.
Abstract: This study examined the effectiveness of a health professional virtual world interview skills trainer (IST), in comparison to classroom training via interview role-plays with peers. Students of psychology, physiotherapy, and general health science learned interviewing skills through role-play and virtual world training. Students were randomly allocated to a role-play-first, or IST-first condition. Interviewing self-efficacy was measured at baseline and after each of the learning experiences. In total, 72 students completed all surveys. Students’ reported an increase in interviewing self-efficacy significantly after the IST experience than after role-play.
TL;DR: The results indicate that Home Screen functions as a medium to discuss and check clients’ current situation and to sum up and plan their goals, supporting the view that telecare enables clients to remain in their homes while receiving the care needed.
Abstract: This article studies the functions of telecare-mediated discussions in mental health floating support services. Home Screen, the telecare studied, is a touchscreen computer software that enables real-time audiovisual contact between users. The results indicate that Home Screen functions as a medium to discuss and check clients’ current situation and to sum up and plan their goals. The functions of Home Screen are not stable, but instead they are produced and negotiated in the interaction. Portraying Home Screen as a transitional device, this article supports the view that telecare enables clients to remain in their homes while receiving the care needed.