An Exploratory Study to Evaluate the Technological Barriers and Facilitators for Pediatric Behavioral Healthcare in Emergency Departments

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the technological barriers and facilitators of safe and effective pediatric mental and behavioral health care in emergency departments. The study, which involved a total of 4 participants, employed observational studies and semi-structured interviews to gather data from medical professionals across two hospitals. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed for themes relating to the use of technology, including factors that enable or impede safe and effective care for pediatric mental and behavioral health patients. Barriers included challenges related to software usability, inadequate training on newer software features, and concerns regarding the quality of service delivered by third-party vendors. Facilitators comprised the accessibility of clinician's notes, effective tools and technologies for clinician and patient safety, and efficient communication tools.