Introduction for the Column: New Developments and Resources in Technology for Behavioral Science
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Introduction for the Column: New Developments and Resources in Technology for Behavioral Science Jack Tsai 1,2
# This is a U.S. government work and not under copyright protection in the U.S.; foreign copyright protection may apply 2020
Introduction This introduction is to remind readers about the purpose of this column and to discuss how it may be relevant to readers and their work. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated and elevated the need, our need, for technology in behavioral science in so many ways. During the pandemic, most healthcare institutions are relying on some form of virtual care or telehealth to address behavioral needs of the public. Many people are attending virtual conferences this year to receive the latest information about research and products in the field. The pandemic is a stress test on our systems of care, and the test has highlighted both our strengths but also our weaknesses. Many institutions have been amazingly adept at shifting to virtual forms of behavioral health care, but there are many areas such as connectivity, privacy, competency, and legal standards that need to be further developed. Where there is a need, there is opportunity! I am hopeful the pandemic, while a terrible and tragic event, may have a silver lining in spurring innovation and development. As much of my work is focused on addressing issues experienced by underserved populations, I would emphasize the need to be ensure that new behavioral technologies and virtual forms of care are accessible to all individuals and families, especially in low income and disability groups who may need care the most (Kim et al. 2018; Klee et al. 2016; Yamin et al. 2011). This column “New Development and Resources in Technology for Behavioral Science” invites readers to get involved. There are so many new developments and resources in technology and behavioral science that it is difficult for the
* Jack Tsai [email protected] 1
School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
2
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, National Center on Homeless Among Veterans, Homeless Programs Office, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1100, San Antonio, TX 78240, USA
average mental health professional to keep up, and that includes me as well. Thus, this column serves to provide some information about upcoming education and training events; new learning opportunities including articles, reports, and books to read about telehealth and behavioral technologies; and will occasionally feature interesting technological services and products. If any developers or companies have products they would like to share and can send sample products, I would welcome them to contact me. Material will be considered that encompasses the application of technology to all levels of behavioral health education (i.e., student, graduate, residents, faculty, clinicians, and community partners) and clinical care (e.g., translate technology into daily practice). The articles in this column are intended to be practic
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