Urgent need for validated trauma and mental health screening tools for refugee children and youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 929-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Kristine Gadeberg ◽  
Marie Norredam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Refugee Children

scholarly journals Impact of Online Mental Health Screening Tools on Help-Seeking, Care Receipt, and Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Intent: Evidence from Internet Search Behavior in a Large U.S. Cohort

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas C. Jacobson ◽  
Elad Yom-Tov ◽  
Damien Lekkas ◽  
Michael Heinz ◽  
Lili Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Suicidal Intent ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Psychoactive Medications

Introduction: Most people with psychiatric illnesses do not receive treatment for almost a decade after disorder onset. Online mental health screens reflect one mechanism designed to shorten this lag in help-seeking, yet there has been limited research on the effectiveness of screening tools in naturalistic settings. Material and methods: We examined a cohort of persons directed to a mental health screening tool via the Bing search engine (n=126,060). We evaluated the impact of tool content on later searches for mental health self-references, self-diagnosis, care seeking, psychoactive medications, suicidal ideation, and suicidal intent. Website characteristics were evaluated by pairs of independent raters to ascertain screen type and content. These included the presence/absence of a suggestive diagnosis, a message on interpretability, as well as referrals to digital treatments, in-person treatments, and crisis services. Results: Using machine learning models, the results suggested that screen content predicted later searches with mental health self-references (AUC =0·73), mental health self-diagnosis (AUC = 0·69), mental health care seeking (AUC = 0·61), psychoactive medications (AUC = 0·55), suicidal ideation (AUC = 0·58), and suicidal intent (AUC = 0·60). Cox-proportional hazards models suggested individuals utilizing tools with in-person care referral were significantly more likely to subsequently search for methods to actively end their life (HR = 1·727, p = 0·007). Discussion: Online screens may influence help-seeking behavior, suicidal ideation, and suicidal intent. Websites with referrals to in-person treatments could put persons at greater risk of active suicidal intent. Further evaluation using large-scale randomized controlled trials is needed.

scholarly journals Digital Tools Fill a Gap in Mental Health Screening and Support, Particularly for Women Lacking Strong Social Networks

Iproceedings ◽  
10.2196/15207 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e15207
Author(s):  
Dani Bradley ◽  
Christina Cobb ◽  
Adam Wolfberg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Healthcare Provider ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Single Women ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Screening Tools

Background Roughly 11% of women suffer from postpartum depression nationwide; however, many believe the condition to be widely underreported, in part due to inadequate screening and stigma associated with the condition. Social support networks can help to prevent or mitigate symptoms related to postpartum depression. Single mothers tend to suffer from this condition at a higher rate than married women as they tend to have weaker social networks compared to married women. Objective The primary objective ws to determine whether gaps exist in mental health screening and whether digital screening tools can help to fill these gaps. The secondary objective ws to determine whether digitally delivered support proves to be more or less beneficial to subsets of women, namely based on their marital status. Methods A survey about mental health history, support, experience with mental health screeners, and characteristics of social networks was sent by email to users of the Ovia Fertility, Ovia Pregnancy, and Ovia Parenting mobile apps. Respondents were all 18 years of age or older and living in the United States. The study was granted exemption by our institutional review board. Results Of the 2016 respondents, 39% reported that they were never screened by their healthcare provider for mental health conditions (26% of women with children and 52% of women without children). Among women who reported never being screened by a healthcare provider, 17% reported that they have completed at least one of the screeners (PHQ-9 or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]) in an Ovia mobile app. Of the 2016 respondents, 86% reported being married or in a domestic partnership. Among the single respondents, 32% reported either having children, being pregnant, or currently trying to conceive. More single women who have children, are pregnant, or are actively trying to conceive reported that they would feel most supported by a mobile appl (namely, one of Ovia Health’s three mobile apps) and to seek treatment for mental health concerns compared to married women (19% compared to 14% of married women; P=.03). Additionally, single women who have children, are pregnant, or are actively trying to conceive reported more often than married women that they feel their mental health is best supported by a mobile appl (16% compared to 10% of married women; P=.007). However, both groups of women selected their healthcare provider and their friends/family as the first and second ranking support systems for both seeking mental health treatment and for mental health related support, with the mobile app ranking last. Conclusions Screening for mental health conditions during the reproductive health journey is lacking. Digital solutions that deliver clinically validated screening tools help to screen women who are missed in a clinical setting. Women who report being single throughout parenting, pregnancy, or while trying to conceive find more value in mobile app–provided mental health support compared to married women. These findings highlight two gaps that digital technologies, like Ovia Health, can fill: low mental health screening rates during reproductive years and suboptimal social systems.

Perspectives on Mental Health Screening in the Audiology Setting: A Focus Group Study Involving Clinical and Nonclinical Staff

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Bennett ◽  
Sara Donaldson ◽  
Yazdan Mansourian ◽  
Michelle Olaithe ◽  
India Kelsall-Foreman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinic Staff ◽  
Psychological Difficulties

Purpose Audiology clinical guidelines recommend the use of mental health screening tools; however, they remain underutilized in clinical practice. As such, psychological concerns are frequently undetected in adults with hearing loss. This study aimed to better understand audiology clinic staff's perspectives (including audiologists, audiometrists, reception staff, and clinic managers) on how to improve detection of poor mental health by (a) exploring the role of audiology clinic staff in detecting psychological concerns in adults with hearing loss and (b) investigating the appropriateness, acceptability, and usability of several screening tools in an audiology setting. Method Eleven audiology clinic staff ( M age = 33.9 ± 7.3, range: 25–51 years) participated in a semistructured focus group. First, participants discussed the role of audiology clinic staff in detecting psychological difficulties in adults with hearing loss, including current practices and needs for improving practices. Second, participants discussed the appropriateness, acceptability, and usability of nine standardized mental health screening tools commonly used in wider health care settings. Results Audiology clinic staff described their role in being aware of, and detecting, psychological difficulties, as well as their part in promoting an understanding of the link between hearing loss and mental health. Participants described the need to provide support following detection, and highlighted barriers to fulfilling these roles. The use of mental health screening tools was considered to be client and context specific. The language used within the screener was identified as an important factor for its acceptability by audiology clinic staff. Conclusions Audiology clinic staff acknowledged that they have an important role to play in the detection of psychological difficulties and identified the core barriers to using screening tools. Future research may explore the possibility of developing a mental health screening tool specific to the unique experiences of adults with comorbid hearing loss and mental health concerns. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16702501

Tracing the pathway from mental health screening to services for children and youth in foster care

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 ◽  
pp. 340-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Pullmann ◽  
Jedediah Jacobson ◽  
Elizabeth Parker ◽  
Molly Cevasco ◽  
Jacqueline A. Uomoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Youth In Foster Care

scholarly journals Review of layperson screening tools and model for a holistic mental health screener in lower and middle income countries

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aderibigbe Oluwakemi Olanike ◽  
Christopher M Perlman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries

AbstractBackgroundThe needs of people diagnosed with Mental Neurological and Substance-Use (MNS) conditions are complex including interactions physical, social, medical and environmental factors. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach including health and social services at different levels of care. However, due to inadequate assessment, services and scarcity of human resource for mental health, treatment of persons diagnosed with MNS conditions in many LMICs is mainly facility-based pharmacotherapy with minimal non-pharmacology treatments and social support services. In low resource settings, gaps in human resource capacity may be met using layperson health workers. A layperson health working is one without formal mental health training and may be equivalent to community health worker (CHW) or less cadre in primary health care system.ObjectivesThis study reviewed layperson mental health screening tools for use in supporting mental health in developing countries, including the content and psychometric properties of the tools. Based on this review this study proposes recommendations for the design and effective use of layperson mental health screening tools based on the Five Pillars of global mental health.MethodsA systematic review was used to identify and examine the use of mental health screening tools among laypersons supporting community-based mental health programs. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and PsychInfo databases were reviewed using a comprehensive list of keywords and MESH terms that included mental health, screening tools, lay-person, lower and middle income countries. Articles were included if they describe mental health screening tools used by laypersons for screening, delivery or monitoring of MNS conditions in community-based program in LMICs. Diagnostic tools were not included in this study. Trained research interviewers or research assistants were not considered as lay health workers for this study.ResultsThere were eleven studies retained after 633 were screened. Twelve tools were identified covering specific disorders (E.g. alcohol and substance use, subcortical dementia associated with HIV/AIDS, PTSD) or common mental disorders (mainly depression and anxiety). These tools have been tested in LMICs including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Ethiopia and Brazil. The included studies show that simple screening tools can enhance the value of laypersons and better support their roles in providing community-based mental health support. However, most of the layperson MH screening tools used in LMICs do not provide comprehensive information that can inform integrated comprehensive treatment planning and understanding of the broader mental health needs of the community.ConclusionDeveloping a layperson screening tools is vital for integrated community-based mental health intervention. This study proposed a holistic framework which considers the relationship between individual’s physical, mental and spiritual aspect of mental health, interpersonal as well as broader contextual determinants (community, policy and different level of the health system) that can be consulted for developing or selecting a layperson mental health screening instrument. More research are needed to evaluate the practical application of this framework.

scholarly journals Acceptability and face validity of two mental health screening tools for use in the routine surgical setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate E. McBride ◽  
Daniel Steffens ◽  
Tim Lambert ◽  
Nick Glozier ◽  
Rachael Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Surgical Setting ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Further Development

Abstract Background Preoperative assessment of mental health rarely occurs within routine surgery. Any screening tool selected to form part of this process must be deemed practical, acceptable and valid by clinicians and consumers alike. This study aims to assess the acceptability and face validity of two existing mental health screening tools to select one for further development and use in the routine surgical setting. Methods A survey of clinicians and consumers was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Using a Likert scale (1–5, lowest to highest rating), the clinicians evaluated four domains for acceptability and two for validity (six overall) and the consumers four domains for acceptability and one for validity (five overall) on the preoperative use of the amended Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Somatic and Psychological Health Report-12 (SPHERE-12). Consensus was achieved through a rating of 4 or 5 being given by 70% or more of participants with domains able to remain unchanged. Free text responses were analysed into themes. Results A total of 73 participants (51 clinicians; 22 consumers) were included. The K10 received consensus scores (≥ 70%) in four out of six domains for clinicians (4/4 acceptability; 0/2 validity), and all five domains for consumers (4/4 acceptability; 1/1 validity). The SPHERE-12 received consensus scores (≥ 70%) in three domains for clinicians (3/4 acceptability; 0/2 validity), and three domains for consumers (3/4 acceptability; 0/1 validity). Six qualitative themes were described including (1) amendments to tool structure and language; (2) scale response options; (3) difficulty with somatic questions; (4) practicality and familiarity with K10; (5) challenges for specific patient cohorts and (6) timing considerations for patients. Conclusion Adequate acceptability was established for the K10. However further development is required to strengthen its validity for this specific surgical cohort and purpose. Future research to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing and using the K10 in the routine surgical setting is now needed.

scholarly journals Mental health screening tools in correctional institutions: a systematic review

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S Martin ◽  
Ian Colman ◽  
Alexander IF Simpson ◽  
Kwame McKenzie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Correctional Institutions

scholarly journals How faithfully do HIV clinicians administer the PHQ-9 depression screening tool in high-volume, low-resource clinics? Results from a depression treatment integration project in Malawi

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian W. Pence ◽  
Melissa A. Stockton ◽  
Steven M. Mphonda ◽  
Michael Udedi ◽  
Kazione Kulisewa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Mental Health Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Depression Screening ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Training Support ◽  
Kappa Agreement

Background. Integration of mental health services into nonspecialist settings is expanding in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Among many factors required for success, such programs require reliable administration of mental health screening tools. While several tools have been validated in carefully conducted research studies, few studies have assessed how reliably nonspecialist clinicians administer these tools to low-literacy LMIC populations in routine care. Methods. Ninety-seven patients accessing human immunodeficiency virus primary care in Malawi who completed Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 depression screening with their clinician then completed a second PHQ-9 with a trained research assistant (RA) blinded to the first result. Results. Compared to clinicians, RAs identified more patients with any depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ⩾5: 38% v. 32%), moderate/severe symptoms (PHQ-9 ⩾ 10: 14% v. 6%), any suicidality (14% v. 4%), and active suicidality (3% v. 2%). Across these indicators, clinician and RA ratings had strong overall agreement (81–97%) but low corrected Kappa agreement (31–59%). Treating RA results as the reference standard of a carefully supervised research administration of the PHQ-9, clinician administration had high specificity (90–99%) but low sensitivity (23–68%) for these indicators. Conclusions. In routine care in LMICs, clinicians may administer validated mental health screening tools with varying quality. To ensure quality, integration programs must incorporate appropriate and ongoing training, support, supervision, and monitoring.

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