Browsing by Subject "mental health needs"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Rapid Field Testing of Tablet Computers with Older Adults
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2016-04-08) Bodke, Kunal; Holden, Richard J.
    Many older adults experience depressive symptoms or suffer severe mental illnesses such as dementia. “Project T” was created within the eHealth division of an Eskenazi Health aging brain center as a pilot of rapid translational field research on health information technology for older adults with mental health needs. The purpose of Project T was to understand whether and how older adults in the Eskenazi Aging Brain Care (ABC) program are willing and able to use a tablet device and specific applications (“apps”) and functions: video call, self-report surveys, and games. We also tested: 1) the level of instruction, prompting, and demonstration required for participants to perform tablet tasks; and 2) variability in tablet use with age, medical condition, perceived likelihood of tablet acceptance, and assistance from an informal caregiver (e.g., family member). We developed and deployed a field usability test in the Eskenazi ABC patient population. The test assessed completion speed and accuracy, user response to the tablet, difficulties encountered by users, and usability of specific features of the hardware and software. Patients and, when applicable, informal caregivers, were exposed to the tablet in their home or clinic waiting room, in the presence of a clinician and eHealth researchers. The researchers were provided scripted instructions and prompts to guide participants. Researchers recorded both qualitative and quantitative observations. Thirteen participants (eight males, five females) performed the test. On an average 63% used the tablet with instructions and a few required demonstrations. Except one, all participants showed interest in using the tablet. Findings offer directions for designing mobile technologies to support professional, informal, and self-care among older adults with mental health needs.
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    Social Work and Law: The Educational Benefits of Collaboration
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2013-04-05) Boys, Stephanie K.; Hagan, Carrie A.
    Low income clients seeking civil legal services are rarely in need of only legal assistance. Instead, the issues that drove them to seek an attorney typically overlap into multiple mental health and social service needs. The poster will explain how a newly piloted clinical partnership between the School of Social Work and the School of Law improved the educational outcomes of students, and also enhanced the services offered to clients. The clinic historically served the legal needs of low income clients in Indianapolis. In 2012, an interdisciplinary collaboration involving law and social work students and faculty from both fields was implemented in order to provide holistic services to clients. The poster will describe the model, including how the clinic is structured and the roles for students and faculty. Preliminary data on the educational benefits for both law and social work students will be provided. The clinic has been found to address both student learning needs and the needs of clients in the local community.