What Would Young Adults Receiving Services for a First-Episode Psychosis Like to See in a Website?
Poster B114, Friday, October 21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Shalini Lal1,2,3, Valentin Nguyen1, Joanie Theriault1; 1University of Montreal, 2University of Montreal’s Hospital Research Center (CR-CHUM), 3Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Background: Despite the increasing interest in the field of eMental Health, many clinical programs lack websites that are tailored to young people’s information and support needs, and often do not engage youth in the website development process. The purpose of this study was to better understand the perceptions of young adults receiving services for a first-episode psychosis on the development of a website and related technology platforms. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 17 participants between the ages of 18 and 35 recruited from a specialized early intervention program for psychosis. Thematic analysis was conducted. Results: The results are organized into 5 core categories: recommendations regarding content; recommendations regarding features; recommendations regarding the development and the dissemination of the website; benefits of using technology; and, concerns regarding using technology. Participants expressed the importance of having information related to symptoms, treatment, general health, recovery (including personal stories of recovery), contact information of the treatment team, information on community resources (e.g., crisis centers), available services and activities of the program, and employment. They expressed the importance of a professionally and visually appealing design, personalized access to the website, and features that would allow them to communicate with peers and service providers (e.g., a chat feature). Participants recommended the need for moderation of the site as well as several other features to encourage use and utility of the site. Conclusions: These findings can inform the development of online resources and strategies that meet the needs of young people receiving mental health services.
Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions