Category: Okategoriserade

I’m thrilled to share that I have joined the Department of Information Technology at Uppsala University as a postdoctoral researcher in the ConnectMe project, a research project aimed at advancing Connected Mental Healthcare. This three-year project, led by Uppsala University’s department of Women’s and Children’s Health, focuses on the concept of Connected Mental Health and investigates how digital tools, such as video consultations, can influence the work environment for clinicians while providing flexible mental health services to patients.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a specialization in Computer Science, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Information Systems, and a PhD in Information Systems. You may find my profile here.

I am a researcher and an educator with over 10 years of experience in research and teaching. My overarching research goal is to understand how technological advancements affect individuals in diverse settings. For the last five years, I was involved in a multi-disciplinary Marie Curie project focused on the intersection of digital technologies, healthcare, and mental health. In my PhD in Information Systems, I explored designing IT applications for different groups of informal caregivers in Sweden – Swedish native, immigrant and head and neck cancer. I used multiple design methods to explore this design and provided a critical comparative analysis. Prior to that, I have worked in the area of technology adoption in diverse cultural settings. I have extensive experience in working in inter-disciplinary projects and mixed methods.

In my previous research, I explored the support that caregivers need from mental health care professionals through video consultations, focusing on the challenges they face. Building on this understanding, it would be insightful to investigate how such video consultations affect the clinicians’ work environment, including potential changes in workload, stress levels, and job satisfaction. This could pave the way for developing sustainable solutions that balance the needs of patients and clinicians, fostering a more effective and supportive mental health care system.

I am also dedicated to fostering inclusive, learner-centric environments, which I emphasize in my teaching philosophy. My work spans a variety of interdisciplinary areas, including design science research, connected health and digital transformation in healthcare, technology adoption and I am passionate about contributing to innovation in both teaching and research practices.

In this role, I will contribute to the project’s mixed-method approach, which includes interviews with psychologists and psychiatrists, national surveys, and a Delphi study with mental health clinicians. This approach will help us gain deeper insights into the practical and emotional demands of digital tools, the challenges faced by mental health professionals, and strategies to create more flexible, sustainable work conditions in mental health care.

Looking Ahead

I’m super excited to work alongside colleagues like Maria Hägglund, Charlotte Blease, Åsa Cajander, Sofia Ouhbi, and Magdalena Ramstedt Stadin. As we delve into this project, we look forward to sharing insights that will shape the future of digital mental health solutions, helping clinicians and patients alike benefit from a more flexible, connected healthcare system. Watch this space for more updates on the research.

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.