Biomedical subjects

Tsai-Ya Lai

Publications and source records attributed to Tsai-Ya Lai.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Caseworkers' perceptions of the mental health information needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

This qualitative study was the first phase in designing a computer system that provides interactive tailored interventions for management of depressive symptoms in HIV-infected individuals (HIV TIDES). The purposes of the study were to explore caseworkers' perceptions of the mental health information needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), barriers of accessing mental health information, and possible solutions to fulfilling PLWHA's mental health information needs. A focus group methodology was used to gather perceptions from six experienced community-based workers who provided direct case management services for PLWHA in East Harlem, New York. Data were classified into four main categories: mental health information needs, information sources for mental health concerns, barriers to accessing mental health information, and need for mental health interventions. The results of this study were used to inform the design of HIV TIDES.

Allied Health Personnel↗

PubMed2006

Demonstration of HIV TIDES--Tailored interventions for the management of depressive symptoms in HIV-infected individuals.

Depression has been reported as one of the biggest health problems experienced by persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). HIV TIDES is an interactive program designed specifically for the management of depressive symptoms in this population. The main functions of this system include (1) assessing current level of depressive symptoms, (2) providing reinforcement messages for positive thoughts and health behaviors, (3) suggesting tailored strategies for depression prevention, and (4) presenting information for depression treatment. HIV TIDES is expected to be operated by individuals with minimum computer experience.

Depression↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Applying an evaluation framework for health information system design, development, and implementation.

BACKGROUND: Dramatic advances in health information technologies necessitate a comprehensive evaluation framework covering all phases of development, from conception to routine operational use. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article was to illustrate the application of an informatics evaluation framework that provides a heuristic for matching the stage of system design and the level of evaluation. METHODS: An evaluation framework is illustrated in the context of five studies in different stages of system design. RESULTS: The studies discussed in this article represent the various stages of the framework. In addition, they are examples of how evaluation research studies not only contribute to the assessment of system design but also constitute distinct contributions to knowledge. DISCUSSION: The ability to engineer advanced information systems has exceeded the understanding of how to deploy them effectively in complex settings and to adapt them to a range of user populations. A systematic, continuous evaluation increases the likelihood that the conditions for success will be understood, including how to tailor a system, how to maintain the target population's use of the system, and how to innovate continually to enhance the functionality of the system and the users' experience. Without sound evaluation methodologies throughout the stages of system development, information systems have limited potential to influence healthcare processes positively.

Humans↗