Dr.Cheryl Forchuk, Associate Director of Nursing Research at the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, closed the CMHA Ontario pre-conference by urging delegates to examine the expanding role of technology in mental health care. Dr. Forchuk has published on many topics in relation to mental health and mental illness, including therapeutic relationships, peer support, and poverty. Her current research focuses on the use of new technologies to improve mental health, including addiction.
A landmark study published by Forchuk found that for clients with serious mental health disorders, using a clinically developed smartphone app to guide their healthcare can significantly cut psychiatric crises, measured by hospital stays and emergency room visits.
But for all the promise that technology can offer to improve mental health services, Forchuk warned that there are many perils as well. For example, her research found that for the 200+ mood monitor apps available for smartphones, most were developed without clinical consultation. For technology to be effective in supplementing the therapeutic relationship, clinicians with expertise in mental health and addictions need to be actively involved in the development of these apps, as well as ensuring that the voice of the consumer is heard.
To help address these issues, Forchuk has developed a framework for smart technology mental health interventions.
For more on Dr. Forchuk’s research, visit her webpage.