Digital and Hybrid Pediatric and Youth Mental Health Program Implementation Challenges During the Pandemic: Literature Review With a Knowledge Translation and Theoretical Lens Analysis.

Abstract

The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for child and youth mental health. There was a rise in depression, anxiety, and symptoms of suicidal ideation. The aims of this knowledge synthesis were to gain a deeper understanding of what types of mental health knowledge translation (KT) programs, mental health first aid training, and positive psychology interventions were developed and evaluated for youth mental health. We undertook a literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE for relevant studies on youth mental health including digital and hybrid programs undertaken during the pandemic (2020-2022). A total of 60 studies were included in this review. A few KT programs were identified that engaged with a wide range of stakeholders during the pandemic, and a few were informed by KT theories. Key challenges during the implementation of mental health programs for youth included lack of access to technology and privacy concerns. Hybrid web-based and face-to-face KT and mental health care were recommended. Providers required adequate training in using telehealth and space. There is an opportunity to reduce the barriers to implementing tele-mental health in youth by providing adequate technological access, Wi-Fi and stationary internet connectivity, and privacy protection. Staff gained new knowledge and training from the pandemic experience of using telehealth, which will serve as a useful foundation for the future. Future research should aim to maximize the benefits of hybrid models of tele-mental health and face-to-face sessions while working on minimizing the potential barriers that were identified. In addition, future programs could consider combining mental health first aid training with hybrid digital and face-to-face mental health program delivery along with mindfulness and resilience building in a unified model of care, knowledge dissemination, and implementation.