Innovation mainly involves using available inventions to solve problems. Technological advancements are an integral part of innovation. In this research paper, I will establish how to use available information technology, an app, to mitigate the problem of depression among African American men. Just the rest of the population, African American men struggle with depression. However, this population segment will often decline to admit even to themselves that they are depressed or seek help for the same. On the other hand, mobile phones and their apps are a commonly used form of technology. Combining the two can lead to a useful form of technology to assist African Americans to come to terms with their depression plight and seek help for the same.
Overview of the Black, not Blue (BnB) App
The innovative mitigation tool that I have developed is the Black, not Blue mobile phone app. The name of the App implies that the solutions aim to ensure that black men are no longer blue due to untreated depression. The App will have a livery and attracting graphic user interface that will ask the user a few yes and no questions. For clarity, I shall be careful and also consult widely to ensure that the yes or no questions do not amount to a diagnostic tool and cannot be mistaken for one. The responses will lead the user either to a guide on how assist fellow black men who suffer from depression or a guide on why the user should talk to someone about depression among black men. In so doing, the App will both sensitize African American men to be empathetic about depression but also seek help for the same if necessary.
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How BnB Addresses by SWOT Analysis Results
The proposed solution addresses most issues addressed in the African American depression SWOT analysis. Regarding the strengths, the App will create awareness and enlightenment about the problem of depression within the target population. The main weakness relates to cost, and the App will exponentially reduce potential costs. First, it will limit those who seek help for depression to those who need it the most through its simple questions. Secondly, it will provide sensitization on the issue in a cost-effective manner. Finally, the App will exploit the opportunity of identifying back men with depression and, to some extent, other mental health problems as outlined in the SWOT analysis.
Significant Improvements Caused by BnB
The most significant improvement targeted by the App is to eliminate the taboo associated with depression and other mental health issues among black men. Hopefully, the App will trigger a conversation that will enable black men to develop an open mind and rethink the issue of mental health (African American Mental Illness, nd). Personal space and privacy were major concerns before the advent of social media, and technology triggered significant changes in the same society. BnB can trigger the same change about depression among black men.
Economic Contribution
BnB has both a direct and indirect economic contribution due to its nature and impact, respectively. First, the App has a graphic user interface capable of use as an advertising platform. With proper marketing, such as platform can be highly profitable. Secondly, the App can connect African Americans who need professional assistance for depression to the right professionals for assistance. For a fee, a practitioner can have contact details and particulars within the App. Finally, mental health is detrimental to the economy both in terms of loss of labor and the cost of treatment. Addressing depression before it precipitates mental health complications carries economic benefits (WHO, 2015).
Social/environmental Challenges
Whereas the App may not pose inordinate economic challenges, it may face social challenges as it seeks to alter critical social norms. The African American man is supposed to be a pillar of strength and the epitome of masculinity (African American Mental Illness, nd). An attempt to create a dialogue about the propensity for depression among this target group may face intense opposition.
New Technology Developed
The new technology to be developed as part of the BnB is a specialized app, as outlined in the innovation segment above. The App will come in two versions for iOS and Android, respectively. Target clients can use the App on their mobile phones, tablets, and internet of things gadgets.
Governmental Regulations or Policies
Apps such as the one proposed herein face limited regulation from the government. However, mental health issues fall under the control of regulators such as the American Psychology Association and Federal laws such as HIPAA (Terry & Gunter, 2018). Some consultation will be necessary to ensure that the App operates as an informative, not diagnostic tool. The information conveyed by the App will also require professional vetting.
Why an Investor Would be Interested
Consulting an investor is essential as developing and launching the App will come at a cost. An investor would also be interested in the project since, as outlined in the segments above, the App is capable of creating revenues and even profits.
Three Tier Health Outcome
Tier one refers to the survival and recovery of patients. The App can measure these statistics through a long-term relationship with clients who need help for depression. Follow-up questions can establish if the patient has recovered or need further help. Tier two refers to the process of recovery. Through coordination with practitioners on its contact log, the team maintaining the App can keep track of the recovery process of the clients. Finally, Tier three refers to the sustainability of health. In mental health, sustainability is an important issue due to the propensity for the recurrence of mental health problems. It will be necessary to maintain a lifelong relationship with users who become clients to ensure follow-up and measure propensity for reoccurrence.
Conclusion
Apps are commonly used technology, while depression is a common problem among African American men. The innovative technology recommended herein is the development of an App that triggers a dialogue about depression among black men. The App will also engage the target population with a simple yes and no questions, which, although not a diagnostic tool, will help them become open-minded about seeking help for depression.
References
African American Mental Illness. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://nami.org.Find-Support/Divere-Communities/African-American
Terry, N. P., & Gunter, T. D. (2018). Regulating mobile mental health apps. Behavioral sciences & the law , 36 (2), 136-144.
WHO. (2015). Depression fact sheet N369 . Media Centre Fact Sheet.
