Reflection of Sieck et. al. (2021)

Sieck et. al. (2021) present a framework that shows the interconnectivity of multiple dimensions of telehealth. The article illustrates how digital inclusion is a determinant of power. It also shows how self-determination is increased by digital inclusion. While working as a case worker for a public defender’s office, I often was mediating the use of technology for clients who were incarcerated. Their self-determination suffered because they were not able to control work done in their name. Sieck et. al.’s framework offers a roadmap for identifying opportunities to increase digital equity. 

Figure 1 of this blog post shows Figure 1 from Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health (2021). The elements I think are most important are outlined in pink. The elements that stood out most to me had to do with access to everyday survival needs. I had not considered access to food when thinking about access to telehealth. Technology could potentially mediate the impact of food deserts. Similarly, neighborhood and environment are outlined. If someone does not have access to a consistent resting spot, technology would be much harder to manage. Meeting biological and physiological needs increasingly relies on technology. 

Figure 1

I think this is a useful framework. While simple and not exhaustive, it gives a digestible overview. This framework expanded my concept of technology partially because it is simple and general. It allowed me to imagine my own examples. This framework could have depicted more connection between realms. Aspects of Image 1, such as environment and health care systems, are not easily separated. 

Reflection of Sanders & Scanlon (2021)

Sanders & Scanlon (2021) discuss how education and technology are symbiotic. They show that people who can use technology to support their education have advantages over those who don’t. Children who lack internet access face additional burdens just to do their homework (Sanders & Scanlon, 2021). This stood out to me because it shows a cycle. Missing education reduces tech literacy which further reduces access to education, and so on.

This stood out to me the most because it reminds me of my dad’s experience in school. He has dyslexia and ADHD. Due to neglect, he never got the education he deserves. My dad is not a strong reader today and I blame the schools that allowed it to happen. He got caught in a cycle where the further he fell behind, the harder it got to catch up. I think about education and technology equity in a similar way. The longer people are neglected, the harder it is to recover. 

Reflection of Craig et. al. (2021)

Craig et. al. (2021) suggest using transparency with clients. Limited non-verbal communication during virtual sessions increases the need for verbal communication. Craig et. al. (2021) say that communicating with clarity is key, especially for younger clients with anxiety. The social work skill of responding with immediacy allows us to address dynamics with clients. Sieck et. al. (2021) say that ongoing assessment is key to provide reliable skills training. Transparency and asking for feedback lend themselves to ongoing assessment. 

Craig et. al. (2021) also say that using visuals can enhance the efficacy of practice. Using visuals when training for new skills can potentially make training more effective.

References

Craig, S.L., Iacono, G., Pascoe, R. et al. Adapting Clinical Skills to Telehealth: Applications of Affirmative Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with LGBTQ+ Youth. Clin Soc Work J 49, 471–483 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-021-00796-x

Sanders, C. K., & Scanlon, E. (2021). The digital divide is a human rights issue: Advancing social inclusion through social work advocacy. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 6(2), 130–143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-020-00147-9

Sieck, C. J., Sheon, A., Ancker, J. S., Castek, J., Callahan, B., & Siefer, A. (2021). Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health. NPJ Digital Medicine, 4(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00413-8