title: Paving the Way to Successful Implementation: Identifying Key Barriers to Use of Technology-Based Therapeutic Tools for Behavioral Health Care.
abstract: This study aimed to identify barriers to use of technology for behavioral health care from the perspective of care decision makers at community behavioral health organizations. As part of a larger survey of technology readiness, 260 care decision makers completed an open-ended question about perceived barriers to use of technology. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), qualitative analyses yielded barrier themes related to characteristics of technology (e.g., cost and privacy), potential end users (e.g., technology literacy and attitudes about technology), organization structure and climate (e.g., budget and infrastructure), and factors external to organizations (e.g., broadband accessibility and reimbursement policies). Number of reported barriers was higher among respondents representing agencies with lower annual budgets and smaller client bases relative to higher budget, larger clientele organizations. Individual barriers were differentially associated with budget, size of client base, and geographic location. Results are discussed in light of implementation science frameworks and proactive strategies to address perceived obstacles to adoption and use of technology-based behavioral health tools.
authors.affiliation: Center for Mental Health Services Research, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.affiliation: Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, 85 Mechanic Street, Suite B4-1, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA. sarah.e.lord@dartmouth.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.affiliation: Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, 85 Mechanic Street, Suite B4-1, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Torrey
authors.affiliation: Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, 85 Mechanic Street, Suite B4-1, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marsch
authors.affiliation: National Council for Behavioral Health, 1701 K St, NW Ste # 400, Washington, DC, 20006, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lardiere
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services; D013672:Technology