On November 14-15, the ConnectMe Project team gathered for its kick-off meeting at Wiks Slott near Uppsala. This meeting marked the official start of our research, with all team members—Maria Hägglund, Sofia Ouhbi, Åsa Cajander, Charlotte Blease, Magdalena Stadin, and Shweta Premanandan—participating in discussions to plan the project’s next steps.

Day 1: Establishing the Research Framework

The first day began with coffee and introductions, followed by an overview of the project’s objectives. This initial session focused on aligning the team on the project’s scope and approach.

A significant part of the day was dedicated to developing the interview guides and survey tools that will be used in the first phase of data collection. The discussions centered on how best to gather information from clinicians regarding their experiences with digital tools, particularly video consultations, and how these impact their work environments.

The afternoon sessions included further refinement of the research instruments and a discussion on a communication plan to share project outcomes effectively. The team also began setting up an advisory board to provide ongoing input throughout the research process. The day ended with an informal team activity, allowing for some social interaction outside of the work context.

Day 2: Planning for Recruitment and Data Collection

The second day began with a summary of the previous day’s work, followed by discussions on the recruitment and data collection strategy. The focus was on ensuring a structured approach to engaging participants and gathering data.

After a mid-morning break, the team finalized details related to data collection, including timelines and responsibilities. The meeting concluded with a clear action plan for the upcoming months, setting the stage for the next phases of the project.

Next Steps for ConnectMe

With the kick-off meeting complete, the team is now preparing to start the initial phases of research. In the coming months, interviews will be conducted with mental health professionals to explore their experiences with digital tools. The data collected will help in developing recommendations for optimizing the use of digital mental health solutions.

This blog will continue to provide updates as the project progresses, sharing insights and developments along the way.