Nurses’ experiences of the use of an Internet-based support system for adolescents with depressive disorders

ABSTRACT Background: Internet-based applications are potentially useful and effective interventions to reach and support adolescents with mental health problems. Adolescents’ commitment to the use of a new Internet-based intervention is closely related to the support they receive from healthcare professionals. This study describes nurses’ experiences of the use of an Internet-based support system for adolescents with depressive disorders. Method: Qualitative descriptive study design including individual interviews with nine nurses at two psychiatric outpatient clinics. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as the theoretical background of the study. Results: Nurses described several benefits of using the Internet-based support system in the care of adolescents with depressive disorders if the nurses integrate it into daily nursing practices. As perceived disadvantages the nurses thought that an adolescent’s mental status might be a barrier to working with the support system. Perceived enablers could be organizational support, nurses’ attitudes, and technology-related factors. Nurses’ attitudes were identified as a barrier to supporting adolescents’ use of the Internet-based support system. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the implementation plan and support from the organization, including that from nurse managers, are crucial in the process of implementing a technology-based support system.