key: cord-0737303-frbhzz40
authors: Tsai, Jack
title: Introduction for the Column: New Developments and Resources in Technology for Behavioral Science
date: 2020-11-19
journal: J Technol Behav Sci
DOI: 10.1007/s41347-020-00178-z
sha: b908a77a945bcbdb662f75d2aa4f762155ddbf0d
doc_id: 737303
cord_uid: frbhzz40

nan

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 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 practical, offer options, and use technology to support dissemination and sustainability. I would also welcome readers who are interested in trying new products and writing about their user experiences to contact me as we can see about how to publish some of their experiences. Students and trainees who are interested in behavioral technologies are welcome and I am open to co-authoring columns. Certainly, this column will not be comprehensive and will not capture all technologies that are being developed, but at least we can strive to provide snapshots of recent developments and resources for readers to keep on their horizons.

The Technology, Mind and Society Showcase by the American Psychological Association Virtual event November 12-14, 2020 Description: The premier interdisciplinary showcase for emerging research and innovation on the critical role psychology plays in human and technology interaction. Website: https://tms.apa.org/event/fe91267d-ca5f-404a-8199-b3fe5e841910/summary?environment=P2&5S% 2CM3%2Cfe91267d-ca5f-404a-8199-b3fe5e841910= -12, 2021 Description: This conference brings together academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results. It provides an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of biomedical and telehealth. Website: https://waset.org/biomedical-and-telehealthconference-in-january-2021-in-singapore National Telemedicine Summit March 18-19, 2021 Description: This conference creates an exciting, high level forum featuring knowledgeable leaders and executives from the nation's leading Hospitals and Health Systems who will share their perspectives, valuable insights and expertise on how to be best equipped for the rapidly evolving and exciting landscape of telehealth. Website: https://www.wcforum.com/conferences/ telemedicine Queries about this column may be addressed to XXXX.XXX@XX.com

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