scholarly journals Combining Farmers’ Preferences With Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent and Lower Farmers’ Distress: Co-design and Acceptability Testing of ifarmwell

10.2196/27631 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e27631
Author(s):  
Kate M Gunn ◽  
Gemma Skaczkowski ◽  
James Dollman ◽  
Andrew D Vincent ◽  
Camille E Short ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Self Help

Background Farming is physically and psychologically hazardous. Farmers face many barriers to help seeking from traditional physical and mental health services; however, improved internet access now provides promising avenues for offering support. Objective This study aims to co-design with farmers the content and functionality of a website that helps them adopt transferable coping strategies and test its acceptability in the broader farming population. Methods Research evidence and expert opinions were synthesized to inform key design principles. A total of 18 farmers detailed what they would like from this type of website. Intervention logic and relevant evidence-based strategies were mapped. Website content was drafted and reviewed by 2 independent mental health professionals. A total of 9 farmers provided detailed qualitative feedback on the face validity of the draft content. Subsequently, 9 farmers provided feedback on the website prototype. Following amendments and internal prototype testing and optimization, prototype usability (ie, completion rate) was examined with 157 registered website users who were (105/157, 66.9%) female, aged 21-73 years; 95.5% (149/156) residing in inner regional to very remote Australia, and 68.2% (107/157) “sheep, cattle and/or grain farmers.” Acceptability was examined with a subset of 114 users who rated at least module 1. Interviews with 108 farmers who did not complete all 5 modules helped determine why, and detailed interviews were conducted with 18 purposively sampled users. Updates were then made according to adaptive trial design methodology. Results This systematic co-design process resulted in a web-based resource based on acceptance and commitment therapy and designed to overcome barriers to engagement with traditional mental health and well-being strategies—ifarmwell. It was considered an accessible and confidential source of practical and relevant farmer-focused self-help strategies. These strategies were delivered via 5 interactive modules that include written, drawn, and audio- and video-based psychoeducation and exercises, as well as farming-related jokes, metaphors, examples, and imagery. Module 1 included distress screening and information on how to speak to general practitioners about mental health–related concerns (including a personalized conversation script). Modules were completed fortnightly. SMS text messages offered personalized support and reminders. Qualitative interviews and star ratings demonstrated high module acceptability (average 4.06/5 rating) and suggested that additional reminders, higher quality audio recordings, and shorter modules would be useful. Approximately 37.1% (52/140) of users who started module 1 completed all modules, with too busy or not got to it yet being the main reason for non-completion, and previous module acceptability not predicting subsequent module completion. Conclusions Sequential integration of research evidence, expert knowledge, and farmers’ preferences in the co-design process allowed for the development of a self-help intervention that focused on important intervention targets and was acceptable to this difficult-to-engage group. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000506392; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372526

scholarly journals Combining Farmers’ Preferences With Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent and Lower Farmers’ Distress: Co-design and Acceptability Testing of ifarmwell (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate M Gunn ◽  
Gemma Skaczkowski ◽  
James Dollman ◽  
Andrew D Vincent ◽  
Camille E Short ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Self Help

BACKGROUND Farming is physically and psychologically hazardous. Farmers face many barriers to help seeking from traditional physical and mental health services; however, improved internet access now provides promising avenues for offering support. OBJECTIVE This study aims to co-design with farmers the content and functionality of a website that helps them adopt transferable coping strategies and test its acceptability in the broader farming population. METHODS Research evidence and expert opinions were synthesized to inform key design principles. A total of 18 farmers detailed what they would like from this type of website. Intervention logic and relevant evidence-based strategies were mapped. Website content was drafted and reviewed by 2 independent mental health professionals. A total of 9 farmers provided detailed qualitative feedback on the face validity of the draft content. Subsequently, 9 farmers provided feedback on the website prototype. Following amendments and internal prototype testing and optimization, prototype usability (ie, completion rate) was examined with 157 registered website users who were (105/157, 66.9%) female, aged 21-73 years; 95.5% (149/156) residing in inner regional to very remote Australia, and 68.2% (107/157) “sheep, cattle and/or grain farmers.” Acceptability was examined with a subset of 114 users who rated at least module 1. Interviews with 108 farmers who did not complete all 5 modules helped determine why, and detailed interviews were conducted with 18 purposively sampled users. Updates were then made according to adaptive trial design methodology. RESULTS This systematic co-design process resulted in a web-based resource based on acceptance and commitment therapy and designed to overcome barriers to engagement with traditional mental health and well-being strategies—ifarmwell. It was considered an accessible and confidential source of practical and relevant farmer-focused self-help strategies. These strategies were delivered via 5 interactive modules that include written, drawn, and audio- and video-based psychoeducation and exercises, as well as farming-related jokes, metaphors, examples, and imagery. Module 1 included distress screening and information on how to speak to general practitioners about mental health–related concerns (including a personalized conversation script). Modules were completed fortnightly. SMS text messages offered personalized support and reminders. Qualitative interviews and star ratings demonstrated high module acceptability (average 4.06/5 rating) and suggested that additional reminders, higher quality audio recordings, and shorter modules would be useful. Approximately 37.1% (52/140) of users who started module 1 completed all modules, with <i>too busy</i> or <i>not got to it yet</i> being the main reason for non-completion, and previous module acceptability not predicting subsequent module completion. CONCLUSIONS Sequential integration of research evidence, expert knowledge, and farmers’ preferences in the co-design process allowed for the development of a self-help intervention that focused on important intervention targets and was acceptable to this difficult-to-engage group. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000506392; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372526

Clinical effectiveness

2002 ◽  
Vol 181 (02) ◽  
pp. 170-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Higgitt ◽  
Peter Fonagy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Policy Initiatives ◽  
The Past

A number of themes have run through health policy initiatives of the two Labour Governments of the past 5 years: modernisation; stigma; inequalities and social exclusion; partnerships; involvement of users and carers. But perhaps the most important from the point of view of mental health professionals is the initiative to alter the culture within which health care is offered from one based on expert knowledge and authority to one founded on the principle of evidence-based practice.

scholarly journals A Local Review on the Use of Bio-Psycho-Social Model in School-Based Mental Health Promotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Wong ◽  
Iris Chan ◽  
Christy H. C. Tsang ◽  
Anna Y. F. Chan ◽  
Angie K. Y. Shum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Program Development ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Social Model ◽  
Mechanisms Of Change ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
School Based

Background: Schools are a key setting for student well-being promotion. Various school-based mental health programs have been implemented worldwide, with greater emphasis placed on psychological and social aspects. The bio-psycho-social model provides a holistic and integrated view of mental health based on theory and research evidence. Given the importance of considering all three dimensions in mental health promotion, this study explored reasons for the relative neglect of this approach by studying the early phase of school well-being program development and implementation.Method: Seventy-seven Hong Kong government-funded student well-being programs implemented in 2000–2009 were reviewed for the use of biological, psychological, social interventions. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted to explore program leadersz usage and views regarding theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practise and program evaluation. Challenges encountered in the initial stage of school well-being program development and implementation were identified and analysed.Results: Of the 77 programs reviewed, only 5 addressed all three bio-psycho-social factors of mental health. A significantly greater number of programs addressed psychological (n = 63) and social (n = 40) factors compared to those that covered biological factors of mental health (n = 13). Of 24 program implementers who responded to the online survey, 75% claimed to have studied or applied a theoretical framework yet only 41.7% considered evidence-based practises to be important. The majority of interviewed participants valued their own practical experience over theory and research evidence. Many programs lacked rigours evaluation of clear objectives and measurable outcomes, thus the mechanisms of change and program effectiveness were uncertain. Perceived barriers to program adoption and continuation were identified.Conclusion: This study highlighted a neglect of the biological contribution to mental health in school well-being promotion initiatives, possibly due to lack of theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practise among program leaders and implementers in the early phase of school mental health promotion. The bio-psycho-social model should therefore be recommended for student well-being programs as a holistic and integrated theory of mental health underpinning program objectives, mechanisms of change, and measurable outcomes. To develop effective practises in student well-being promotion, more thorough documentation, a rigours evaluation framework and support for frontline educators to evaluate their practises were recommended.

Asking the Hard Questions: Psychologists’ Discomfort With Inquiring About Sexual Abuse Histories

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110145
Author(s):  
Belinda Nixon ◽  
Elly Quinlan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Early Career Psychologists ◽  
University Training

The literature on sexual abuse indicates low rates of inquiry by mental health professionals. This study explores early career psychologists’ experiences of inquiry into their clients’ sexual abuse histories. Twelve Australian psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews with transcripts analyzed using thematic analysis. The vast majority of participants reported that they did not routinely inquire about sexual abuse with barriers including not knowing what to do, discomfort, stigma, and fear of negative outcomes. Participants asserted that their university training in sexual abuse inquiry was inadequate. Findings emphasize the need for the development of an evidence-based framework for sexual abuse training.

The 15 Minute Case Conceptualization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Len Sperry ◽  
Jonathan Sperry
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Premature Termination ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Case Conceptualization ◽  
Highly Effective ◽  
Case Conceptualizations ◽  
Overall Effectiveness

Once understood as useful but optional, case conceptualization is now considered essential and one of the most important of all clinical skills and competencies. As clinicians look for resources to assist in learning and mastering this competency, they must choose among different case conceptualization approaches. They would do well to give serious consideration to those that are both clinically effective and clinician friendly. A truly clinically effective approach explains and guides treatment, and most importantly, predicts challenges and obstacles that are likely to arise over the course of treatment. Most approaches emphasize the functions of explanation and guiding treatment, but seldom include third function which help anticipates likely challenges, which if not proactively addressed are likely to result in therapy interference or premature termination. This function is essential in determining the course and overall effectiveness of therapy. A truly clinician-friendly approach is one that is quick to use and easy to master, and very few approaches can make this claim. The 15 Minute Case Conceptualization is the only approach that is both highly effective and clinician friendly. Research confirms that such case conceptualizations can be completed in only 15 minutes. It is an evidence-based, step-by-step approach that therapists and other mental health professionals need and want.

scholarly journals WHO Parents Skills Training (PST) programme for children with developmental disorders and delays delivered by Family Volunteers in rural Pakistan: study protocol for effectiveness implementation hybrid cluster randomized controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. U. Hamdani ◽  
P. Akhtar ◽  
Zill-e-Huma ◽  
H. Nazir ◽  
F. A. Minhas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Hybrid Cluster ◽  
Rural Pakistan

Background.Development disorders and delays are recognised as a public health priority and included in the WHO mental health gap action programme (mhGAP). Parents Skills Training (PST) is recommended as a key intervention for such conditions under the WHO mhGAP intervention guide. However, sustainable and scalable delivery of such evidence based interventions remains a challenge. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and scaled-up implementation of locally adapted WHO PST programme delivered by family volunteers in rural Pakistan.Methods.The study is a two arm single-blind effectiveness implementation-hybrid cluster randomised controlled trial. WHO PST programme will be delivered by ‘family volunteers’ to the caregivers of children with developmental disorders and delays in community-based settings. The intervention consists of the WHO PST along with the WHO mhGAP intervention for developmental disorders adapted for delivery using the android application on a tablet device. A total of 540 parent-child dyads will be recruited from 30 clusters. The primary outcome is child's functioning, measured by WHO Disability Assessment Schedule – child version (WHODAS-Child) at 6 months post intervention. Secondary outcomes include children's social communication and joint engagement with their caregiver, social emotional well-being, parental health related quality of life, family empowerment and stigmatizing experiences. Mixed method will be used to collect data on implementation outcomes. Trial has been retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02792894).Discussion.This study addresses implementation challenges in the real world by incorporating evidence-based intervention strategies with social, technological and business innovations. If proven effective, the study will contribute to scaled-up implementation of evidence-based packages for public mental health in low resource settings.Trial registration.Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as Family Networks (FaNs) for Children with Developmental Disorders and Delays. Identifier: NCT02792894 Registered on 6 July 2016.

scholarly journals Renaming schizophrenia: 5 × 5

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (03) ◽  
pp. 254-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinan Guloksuz ◽  
Jim van Os
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Social ◽  
Technical Features ◽  
In The Beginning

AbstractThere had been a long way to go before we felt comfortable about even discussing the issues revolving around the concept of ‘schizophrenia’, let alone reckoning on mere semantic revision. In this editorial, we aim to extend our discussion on the reasons behind the slow death of the concept of ‘schizophrenia’ and the benefits of changing the name and embracing a spectrum approach with an umbrella psychosis spectrum disorder (PSD) category (similar to autism spectrum disorder) that goes further than a mere semantic revision. We attempted to cover the topic of the renaming by providing five most pertinent points categorised under five domains: reasons, signals, challenges, promises and steps for the change. Admittedly, even a modest revision, such as classifying all psychotic disorder categories under an umbrella category of PSD, and abolishing the term schizophrenia requires careful deliberation and some effort in the beginning, but the revision is well worth the effort considering the benefits in the long run. Renaming a particular form of mental suffering should be accompanied by a broader debate of the entire diagnosis-evidence-based-practice (EBP)-symptom-reduction model as the normative factor driving the content and organisation of mental health services that may be detached from patients’ needs and reality, overlooks the trans-syndromal structure of mental difficulties, appraises the significance of the technical features over the relational and ritual components of care, and underestimates the lack of EBP group-to-individual generalisability. Individuals may make great strides in attaining well-being by accommodating to living with mental vulnerabilities through building resilience in the social and existential domains. Changing the name and the concept of ‘schizophrenia’, which goes beyond a mere semantic revision, may become the first step that allows catalysation of the process of modernising psychiatric science and services worldwide.

Hope and Adolescent Mental Health

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Jiang ◽  
Kristin L. Otis ◽  
Marco Weber ◽  
E. Scott Huebner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adolescent Mental Health ◽  
Developmental Perspective ◽  
Hope Theory ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Children’S Hope Scale

This chapter begins with a description of the tenets of hope theory and then addresses the importance of hope during adolescence from a developmental perspective. Next, two accompanying instruments for measuring hope in adults and adolescents, the Adult Hope Scale and the Children’s Hope Scale, are described. Then the chapter summarizes the research findings on the relations between hope and adolescent mental health, focusing on the findings related to emotional, psychological, and social well-being, respectively. In addition, the Making Hope Happen intervention is introduced. Finally, the chapter explores future directions in adolescent hope research, along with implications for use by mental health professionals.

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