Provision Of Mental Health Support Research Articles

Co-designing psychosis simulated patient scenarios with mental health stakeholders for pharmacy curricula

BackgroundPharmacists need knowledge and confidence to support people living with mental illness. Evidence-based educational materials for pharmacy students to provide psychosis care is limited.AimTo co-design, content validate and pilot-test, with mental health stakeholders, simulated patient scenarios to educate and assess students in providing psychosis care.MethodMental health consumers were invited to co-design three simulated patient scenarios (first-episode psychosis, carer of someone living with schizophrenia, non-adherence to antipsychotics), guided by published and psychometrically-tested materials. A panel of mental health stakeholders participated in two rounds of content validation (RAND/UCLA appropriateness model). Round 1 involved individual survey completion to calculate item content validity index (I-CVI) for relevance/clarity, content validity ratio for essentiality and overall scale content validity index (S-CVI/Ave and S-CVI/UA) scores for each scenario. Scores analyses and feedback comments informed revisions. Round 2 involved a panel meeting to discuss revisions and finalise content. The scenarios were then pilot-tested with pharmacy students.ResultsTwo consumers participated in co-design, nine stakeholders in content validation. All items showed excellent content validity for relevance/clarity. Eleven items were revised for essentiality, discussed, then re-rated at the panel meeting for consensus. The scenarios were pilot-tested with pharmacy students (n = 15) and reported to be realistic and relevant to future practice, contributing to students’ confidence in supporting people experiencing mental health symptoms or crises.ConclusionPartnering with mental health stakeholders has enabled co-design of authentic, content valid educational materials for pharmacy students to provide psychosis care, in preparation for future provision of mental health support.

Secondary data analysis of social care records to examine theprovision of mental health support for young people in care.

Young people in care are much more likely to experience mental health difficulties than the general population, yet little is known about the provision of mental health support for this group in the United Kingdom. Using routinely collected social care data, we explored the provision of mental health support for 112 young people in care in the UK. We identified young people experiencing elevated internalising or externalising difficulties in their first year in care (based on strengths and difficulties questionnaire scores) and extracted data on mental health referrals and provision. We generated descriptive statistics relating to provision of mental health support and used regressions to examine predictors of mental health provision, and associations between support and mental health outcomes one and 2years later. Eighty-one percent of the children (n=79) were referred to mental health services in their first year of being in care. Referrals were usually for emotional or conduct problems. Those with higher externalising symptoms were more likely to be referred than those with higher internalising symptoms (OR=1.2, (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.38)). Females were more likely to access support than males (OR=3.82 (95% CI: 1.2, 13.3)). Sixty-eight percent of children (n=66) accessed mental health services in their first year of being in care. Of those who accessed services, support ended prematurely for 29 (44%) of them, often due to placement instability or disengagement. Accessing support in the first year of care was not associated with changes in mental health 1year (OR: 2.14 (95% CI: 0.62,7.29)), or 2years after entering care (OR: 0.72-8.57, (95% CI: 0.72, 8.57)), although methodological limitations are noted. Mental health difficulties for children in care are recognised quickly, but mental health support may be difficult to access, with issues evident in retention and engagement.

Mental health promotion in youth sporting clubs: predictors of stakeholder participation

BackgroundYoung people are disproportionately affected by poor mental health. Youth sport settings hold immense potential to improve the mental health outcomes of this demographic. Efforts to leverage youth sport settings to promote mental health are limited by the lack of knowledge pertaining to engagement with mental health interventions in these settings. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the willingness of youth sporting club stakeholders (e.g., sportspersons, coaches, support staff, parents/guardians) to engage in mental health initiatives conducted by sporting clubs and ascertain possible determinants of engagement.MethodsThis study used an observational cross-sectional design. Participants completed an online survey assessing likelihood of supporting a mental health campaign, mental health literacy (help-seeking, inclusive attitudes), and perceived club support. Perceptions pertaining to the importance of youth mental health and sporting clubs supporting youth mental health were also assessed.ResultsThe survey was completed by 275 stakeholders of youth sporting clubs in Australia (Mage = 40.2 ± 15.8 years, 60.3% female). The findings indicated that stakeholders were willing to participate in mental health initiatives in youth sport clubs. A linear regression analysis indicated that the significant predictors of stakeholders supporting such initiatives were older age (> 25–50 and > 50 years; β = 0.15, p = .033, β = 0.19, p = .005, respectively), along with perceived importance of youth mental health (β = 0.24, p = .003) and sporting clubs supporting youth mental health (β = 0.22, p = .004).ConclusionYouth sport settings have the capacity to improve the provision of mental health support among young people. There is a need for tailored approaches to enhance the engagement with, and effectiveness of, mental health resources in sport contexts.

Seeking and receiving help for mental health services among pregnant women in Ghana.

The heightened vulnerability of women to mental health issues during the period of pregnancy implies that seeking and receiving support for mental health services is a crucial factor in improving the emotional and mental well-being of pregnant women. The current study investigates the prevalence and correlates of seeking and receiving help for mental health services initiated by pregnant women and health professionals during pregnancy. Using a cross-sectional design and self-report questionnaires, data were collected from 702 pregnant women in the first, second and third trimesters from four health facilities in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was observed that 18.9% of pregnant women self-initiated help-seeking for mental health services whereas 64.8% reported that health professionals asked about their mental well-being, of which 67.7% were offered mental health support by health professionals. Diagnosis of medical conditions in pregnancy (i.e., hypertension and diabetes), partner abuse, low social support, sleep difficulty and suicidal ideation significantly predicted the initiation of help-seeking for mental health services by pregnant women. Fear of vaginal delivery and COVID-19 concerns predicted the provision of mental health support to pregnant women by health professionals. The low prevalence of individual-initiated help-seeking implies that health professionals have a high responsibility of supporting pregnant women achieve their mental health needs.

Post-COVID depression and its multiple factors, does Favipiravir have a protective effect? A longitudinal study of indonesia COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) not only has a long-term effect on its survivors, it also affects their quality of life, including inducing depression as a possible manifestation of central nervous system disruption. Favipiravir shows promising efficacy as an antiviral drug for the treatment of COVID-19. However, its effect on the sequelae of COVID-19 has not been explored. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of Favipiravir and address the factors associated with post-COVID depression in Indonesia. This cohort study conducted a post-COVID-19 survey on Indonesian patients who were diagnosed by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antigen tests until January 2022. An online questionnaire was distributed to obtain information on demographics, comorbidities, health behavior, symptoms, and treatment. The propensity technique was used to allocate the participants into the favipiravir and nonrecipient groups (1:1). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used for outcome measurement. The cohort was followed up biweekly for 60 days after onset/diagnosis to determine the occurrence of depression. Cox regression analysis with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the effect of favipiravir on post-COVID-19 depression. The data included the information of 712 participants, of whom 18.54% had depression within 60 days after onset/diagnosis. Depression was higher in the nonrecipient group (21.06%) than in the favipiravir group (16.01%). After adjustment by other factors, favipiravir prescription was found to be associated with depression (aOR 0.488, 95% CI 0.339-0.701 p < 0.001). In accordance with the PHQ-9 subset, favipiravir exerted a significant protective effect against depressive mood and loss of interest. However, patients living alone were prone to experiencing loss of interest (aOR 2.253, 95% CI 1.329-3.818, p = 0.003). The data obtained in this preliminary survey suggested that favipiravir may be useful for preventing post-COVID depression. However, further study is needed. Moreover, the provision of mental health support, particularly to those who live alone, must be ensured. Registry NCT05060562.

Mental distress along the cascade of care in managing hypertension

Hypertension might be a contributing factor of mental illness. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between different levels of hypertension care and mental distress among hypertensive individuals in Malaysia. We constructed a hypertension care cascade using data of 6531 hypertensive individuals aged ≥ 35 years that were collected as part of the community health survey conducted in 2013 in the South East Asia Community Observatory. We examined the association between the status of hypertension care and mental distress using multiple logistic regressions. Respondents who had not been screened for hypertension and those who had uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) had higher odds of depression, anxiety and, stress compared to those who had been screened and those who had controlled BP, respectively. Respondents who were not taking antihypertensive medication had lower odds of depression and anxiety compared to those who were on medication. There was an association between different levels of hypertension care and mental distress. The application of a hypertension care cascade may help improve the provision of mental health support in primary care clinics. Specific mental health interventions could be provided for patients with particular needs along the cascade.

Supporting children’s mental health in primary schools: a qualitative exploration of educator perspectives

Schools are often seen as a key setting for the provision of mental health support for children. This study aimed to explore the professional perspectives of primary school educators in Victoria, Australia, regarding how schools can support the mental health of their students. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 17 primary school educators, from four schools. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes from the data. This study indicates that educators report significant concerns about the complexities of their role and their capacity to support children’s mental health due to a lack of resources, overwhelming demands, and inadequate training. Educators highlighted the importance of partnership and communication with families and of a school culture that prioritises mental health. This study provides insights into external factors that can undermine effective support of children’s mental health within primary schools and indicates a need for a more integrated approach to supporting children’s mental health across education and healthcare.

Providing information on mental well-being during audiological consultations: exploring barriers and facilitators using the COM-B model

Objective To identify the barriers and facilitators of hearing healthcare clinicians (HHC) providing information to audiology consumers on (i) the mental health impacts of hearing loss, and (ii) management options for improving mental well-being. Design A qualitative study using semi-structured individual and group interviews. Both the interview guide and the deductive process of data analysis were based on the COM-B model (Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivations required for Behaviour change). Study sample Fifteen HHCs with between 2 and 25 years of clinical experience (mean 9.3). Results Psychological Capability barriers included lack of knowledge relating to mental health signs and symptoms, management options available, referral processes, and resources/tools to assist discussion of options. Social opportunity barriers included clients’ lack of openness to receive mental health-related information from their HHC. Automatic motivation factors included feeling uncomfortable and helpless when discussing mental health. Reflective motivation factors included clinician’s limiting beliefs concerning their role and responsibilities regarding provision of mental health support, and doubts about whether mental health services are truly beneficial for clients with hearing loss. Conclusion Application of the COM-B model for behaviour change identified factors that need to be addressed to increase the provision of mental health information in the audiology setting.

Review of Mental Health Consequences of the Great East Japan Earthquake through Long-Term Epidemiological Studies: The Shichigahama Health Promotion Project

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tohoku University began to provide mental health services during the acute phase of the disaster in cooperation with Shichigahama Town, one of the municipalities located in the coastal area of the Miyagi Prefecture that was severely damaged by the earthquake and tsunami; it continued to be providing long-term mental health activities, incorporating annual surveys for affected residents in the town for 10 years. Ten years of combination of surveys and outreach activities first depicted detailed longitudinal alterations in the mental health conditions of communities affected by a catastrophe. While posttraumatic stress reaction had recovered year by year after the year following the Great East Japan Earthquake, recovery from psychological distress retreated between 2014 and 2017, probably due to the relocation from temporal to eternal housing conditions. The annual cycles of assessment and provision of mental health support and promotion activities continued for 10 years can be an initial model for evidence-based, long-term post-disaster mental health and psychosocial support for the affected communities. Data regarding subsequent disasters should be collected in comparable ways, in order to improve the accuracy and usefulness of the accumulated data for planning and providing evidence-based post-disaster mental health and psychosocial support.

Working with Young People at Risk of Suicidal Behaviour and Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study of Australian General Practitioners' Perspectives.

General Practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the identification and support of young people at risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm; however, no studies have explored GPs’ perspectives, approaches, challenges, and resource needs when working with this cohort in an Australian setting. This was a qualitative study where fifteen GPs (Mage = 45.25 years) from multiple clinics in Western Australia took part in semi-structured interviews, and data were analysed thematically. Seven main themes were identified: (1) working with young people has its unique challenges; (2) screening and assessment tools can help to manage uncertainty and discomfort; (3) going beyond tools–the dialogue and relationship are most important; (4) there are limits to what we can offer in the time available; (5) the service access and referral pathways lack clarity and coordination; (6) the provision of mental health support should not fall on GPs alone; and (7) more comprehensive training in suicide and self-harm is needed. The findings highlight a number of opportunities to enhance care and better assist GPs working with young people who present with suicidal behaviour and self-harm, including considerations for conducting assessments, targeted resources such as training, and system and service improvements.

Anxiety, depression, and stress in caregivers of children and adolescents with mental disorders in Ghana and implications for medication adherence.

This study assessed levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among family caregivers of children and adolescents with mental disorders in Ghana and the implication on medication adherence. A cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at the outpatient departments of the three main public psychiatric hospitals in Ghana. Two hundred and ten non-paid family caregivers of children and adolescents with mental disorders were recruited for this study. The study assessed symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress among the caregivers and estimated caregiver-reported medication adherence. About 56.2%, 66.2% and 78% of the caregivers experienced severe anxiety, severe depression and moderate to severe stress symptoms respectively. From the multiple logistic regression model, while anxiety was significantly affected by religion and education, depression was influenced by sex, age, marital status, proximity to facility, and employment status. Female caregivers had about four times higher odds of being depressed compared to male caregivers (aOR: 3.81, 95% CI: 1.66 - 8.75). The caregiver-reported medication adherence was 11.9%. Anxiety was significantly predictive of medication adherence. Most family caregivers of children and adolescents with mental disorders experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress with anxiety having implications for medication adherence. The study findings underscore the need to consider psychological characteristics of caregivers and the provision of mental health support for them, as part of the routine health care for children and adolescents with mental disorders. None indicated.

Workplace factors associated with mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe association of workplace factors on mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be urgently established. This will enable governments and policy-makers to make evidence-based decisions. This international study reports the association between workplace factors and the mental health of HCWs during the pandemic.MethodsAn international, cross-sectional study was conducted in 41 countries. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms, derived from the validated Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with mental health outcomes. Inter-country differences were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 2527 responses were received, from 41 countries, including China (n = 1213; 48.0%), UK (n = 891; 35.3%), and USA (n = 252; 10.0%). Of all participants, 1343 (57.1%) were aged 26 to 40 years, and 2021 (80.0%) were female; 874 (34.6%) were doctors, and 1367 (54.1%) were nurses. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms were: working in the UK (OR = 3.63; CI = [2.90–4.54]; p < 0.001) and USA (OR = 4.10; CI = [3.03–5.54]), p < 0.001); being female (OR = 1.74; CI = [1.42–2.13]; p < 0.001); being a nurse (OR = 1.64; CI = [1.34–2.01]; p < 0.001); and caring for a COVID-19 positive patient who subsequently died (OR = 1.20; CI = [1.01–1.43]; p = 0.040). Workplace factors associated with depressive symptoms were: redeployment to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (OR = 1.67; CI = [1.14–2.46]; p = 0.009); redeployment with perceived unsatisfactory training (OR = 1.67; CI = [1.32–2.11]; p < 0.001); not being issued with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR = 2.49; CI = [2.03–3.04]; p < 0.001); perceived poor workplace support within area/specialty (OR = 2.49; CI = [2.03–3.04]; p < 0.001); and perceived poor mental health support (OR = 1.63; CI = [1.38–1.92]; p < 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first international study, demonstrating that workplace factors, including PPE availability, staff training pre-redeployment, and provision of mental health support, are significantly associated with mental health during COVID-19. Governments, policy-makers and other stakeholders need to ensure provision of these to safeguard HCWs’ mental health, for future waves and other pandemics.

It helps to talk: A guiding framework (TRUST) for peer support in delivering mental health care for adolescents living with HIV.

Adolescents living with HIV have poor treatment outcomes, including lower rates of viral suppression, than other age groups. Emerging evidence suggests a connection between improved mental health and increased adherence. Strengthening the focus on mental health could support increased rates of viral suppression. In sub-Saharan Africa clinical services for mental health care are extremely limited. Additional mechanisms are required to address the unmet mental health needs of this group. We consider the role that community-based peer supporters, a cadre operating at scale with adolescents, could play in the provision of lay-support for mental health. We conducted qualitative research to explore the experiences of peer supporters involved in delivering a peer-led mental health intervention in Zimbabwe as part of a randomized control trial (Zvandiri-Friendship Bench trial). We conducted 2 focus group discussions towards the end of the trial with 20 peer supporters (aged 18-24) from across 10 intervention districts and audio recorded 200 of the peer supporters' monthly case reviews. These data were thematically analysed to explore how peer supporters reflect on what was required of them given the problems that clients raised and what they themselves needed in delivering mental health support. A primary strength of the peer support model, reflected across the datasets, is that it enables adolescents to openly discuss their problems with peer supporters, confident that there is reciprocal trust and understanding derived from the similarity in their lived experiences with HIV. There are potential risks for peer supporters, including being overwhelmed by engaging with and feeling responsible for resolving relationally and structurally complex problems, which warrant considerable supervision. To support this cadre critical elements are needed: a clearly defined scope for the manageable provision of mental health support; a strong triage and referral system for complex cases; mechanisms to support the inclusion of caregivers; and sustained investment in training and ongoing supervision. Extending peer support to explicitly include a focus on mental health has enormous potential. From this empirical study we have developed a framework of core considerations and principles (the TRUST Framework) to guide the implementation of adequate supportive infrastructure in place to enhance the opportunities and mitigate risks.

Postexposure psychological sequelae in frontline health workers to COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Introduction:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has engulfed the globe since December 2019. Healthcare workers remain at the forefront of this battle, and like prior pandemics face mental health challenges along with physical risks. We aimed to study the perceived stress and possible posttraumatic stress in the frontline workers exposed to active COVID-19 duties in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.Methodology:A special voluntary, anonymous, survey-based Google questionnaire was designed with mandatory consent form and queries to clarify inclusion exclusion criteria. Tools included valid, reliable self-administered scales, namely General Health Questionnaire 12, Perceived Stress Scale and Impact of Events Scales-Revised. A purposive sampling method was adopted, by posting the survey questionnaire on WhatsApp groups of doctors, interns, and nurses working on active COVID-19 duty in Andhra Pradesh.Results:About 69.7% of the frontline workers recorded higher perceived stress and definitive posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was found in 34.8%, with psychological distress recorded in 53%.Conclusion:The higher levels of perceived stress discovered in the vast majority with definitive PTSD features in a third of the sample indicates the need for provision of mental health support proactively among frontline workers on active COVID-19 duty.

A Sentiment Analysis of the PhD Experience Evidenced on Twitter

Aim/Purpose: This article explores the content of PhD student tweets. It has three main aims: (a) to examine what is discussed regarding the PhD process, (b) to evaluate whether tweets express primarily positive or negative sentiments, and (c) to uncover the key themes discussed in both positive and negative tweets. Background: Recent surveys of PhD students have raised concerns about their wellbeing by pointing to high prevalence rates of adverse mental health conditions. However, our understanding of which factors pose the highest risks is still evolving. Self-selection into surveys also raises the possibility of discounting positive aspects of the PhD experience. We use a different data source (Twitter) to explore both these issues. Methodology: Using 16,928 tweets with the Twitter hashtags #phdlife and #phdchat, we first conduct dictionary-based sentiment analysis in R to determine whether tweets are dominated by positive or negative sentiment. We then hand-code the dominant sentiment of a randomly selected subset of 1,994 tweets and qualitatively analyse positive and negative tweets separately to uncover the key themes in each category. Contribution: This article contributes to the emerging literature on the wellbeing and mental health of PhD students by using a novel data source (tweets). It highlights both positive and negative aspects of the PhD student experience. Findings: We find that most tweets express positive rather than negative sentiment, indicating that PhD students do enjoy many aspects of their experience. Negative tweets are dominated by mental health concerns. They also highlight problems with academic culture (especially the normalization of overwork) and the effects of the pandemic on students. Recommendations for Practitioners: Our results indicate that there is a need to change the academic culture of normalizing overwork, ensure adequate institutional provision of mental health support and ability to spot signs of emotional distress, devise strategies to combat the imposter phenomenon, and respond to the particular challenges that the pandemic has created for PhD students. Recommendation for Researchers: The authors recommend that future research explore the specific challenges and opportunities faced by PhD students in different disciplines and geographical locations. As the data used here were collected during the pandemic, it would be useful to track post-pandemic sentiments to observe changes. Impact on Society: Improving the graduate experience of PhD students and providing them adequate mental health support will help to ensure their continued productivity and wellbeing. Future Research: Future research in this area should focus on the efficacy of different interventions to address key problems, such as the imposter phenomenon, stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation.

The New World 2020: A Crucial Paradigm for Meeting Fast Changing World Demands in Pakistan after COVID-19 Outbreak.

The waves of COVID-19 has shaken the world and bring about many changes in society. The changed environment or new world 2020 after COVID-19 pandemic demand high quality protection in all arena of life. The most important arena that require significant changes have been divided into four categories. First of all, the high mental health issues and low mental health services in Pakistan are not sufficient to control the mental health problem ratio. There is a need to develop more mental health services with trans-formative changes to mitigate the obnoxious post-pandemic effects. Secondly, the implementation of online therapeutic interventions must be available prior or after pandemic situation. Thirdly, as the pharmacy and mental health services in Pakistan are not capable to meet the international standards to provide patient care. Therefore, the advanced researchers are needed to investigate the fractures and gaps in social, economic and health care systems. Fourthly the provision of mental health support for children is a key area that needs considerable attention after pandemic or crises. The study has contemporary significance as disasters, crises and communicable disease has been prevalent throughout human history and may attack the world at any time in the future.

Emerging public health challenge in UK: perception and belief on increased COVID19 death among BAME healthcare workers.

BackgroundCoronavirus infection Disease 19 impacted every part of the world and routine life. Recent report from the Office of national statistics in UK reported disproportionate death among Black Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) population. NHS is heavily relied on the BAME work force both in front line and in the community. We attempted to explore the beliefs and perception about reported worrying issue among BAME health work force in a Diverse city of Leicester.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional survey using 20 questions in an electronic format. The target population was identified through Leicester Asian Doctors Society and Leicester Asian Nurses Society. The questionnaire was then distributed electronically to the members. Survey questionnaire was accessed by 372, incomplete response (172) were excluded and 200 completed responses were analysed.ResultsMajority of BAME workforce are routinely involved in front line duties. More than 70% were anxious about their role during this pandemic. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supply was adequate, and the support received from the local healthcare providers was more than satisfactory. The work force perceived co-morbidity, lack of PPE and testing were one of the few reasons for increased death in BAME. BAME group felt adequate provision of PPE, increased testing and improving mental health well-being is required to alleviate concerns and improve BAME working life in NHS.ConclusionBAME workforce are routinely involved in front line work and current anxiety level is very high. Adequate provision of mental health support with clear risk stratification for return to work is required urgently.

Review: Delivering mental health support within schools and colleges - a thematic synthesis of barriers and facilitators to implementation of indicated psychological interventions for adolescents.

Increasing the role of schools and colleges in the provision of mental health services for young people has the potential to improve early intervention and access to treatment. We aimed to understand what factors influence the successful implementation of indicated psychological interventions within schools and colleges to help guide increased provision of mental health support within education settings. Systematic search for studies that have reported barriers or facilitators to the implementation of indicated interventions for adolescent emotional disorders delivered within schools and further education/sixth form colleges (CRD42018102830). Databases searched were EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, ASSIA, ERIC and British Education Index. A thematic synthesis of factors reported to impact implementation was conducted. Two thousand five hundred and sixty-nine records and 177 full texts were screened. Fifty studies were identified for inclusion, all of which were of school-based interventions. Eleven analytic themes were developed encompassing intervention characteristics, organisational capacity, training and technical assistance, provider characteristics and community-level factors. Findings indicate the need to select appropriate interventions, consider logistical challenges of the school context and provide training and supervision to enable staff to deliver interventions with fidelity. However, structural and environmental support is required for these facilitators to have the greatest impact on successful implementation. Implementing indicated school-based mental health interventions is challenging. Those involved in planning school-based mental health initiatives must be alert to the impact of factors on multiple interacting levels. There is a lack of research on implementing mental health support within further education and sixth form colleges. Increased utilisation of schools and colleges as a setting for early intervention has been proposed as a means of improving access to mental health treatment, but successful implementation of mental health interventions within educational settings is challenging. Based on a synthesis of current evidence, we recommend that young people and education professionals should be involved in the selection of school-based interventions to ensure they are acceptable and practical to deliver within the logistical constraints of the school environment. Those delivering interventions within schools, as well as staff involved in identifying young people who might benefit from these interventions, must receive high-quality ongoing training and support. Senior school leaders play an important role in championing mental health interventions and developing a school culture that prioritises mental well-being. Health and education policy should be designed to promote a cross-sector focus on the emotional health of young people. There is a lack of evidence on the implementation of indicated psychological interventions within sixth form and further education colleges.

The Role of Telehealth in Reducing the Mental Health Burden from COVID-19.

The Role of Telehealth in Reducing the Mental Health Burden from COVID-19.

Psychologists’ motivations for integrating apps into therapy with secondary school-aged young people

AbstractPsychologists play an important role in the provision of mental health support to young people. Some psychologists are incorporating apps into therapy with young people; however, little is understood about why such incorporation is taking place. Ten semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring why psychologists augment therapy by recommending or using apps alongside therapy were undertaken. Findings suggest that psychologists were prompted to update their therapeutic approach in response to client-initiated discussion of apps. Personal use of apps, higher engagement in therapy, increased access to therapeutic strategies between sessions, and a reduction of the stigma associated with externalising therapeutic strategies were also facilitating factors. Implications for practice such as apps currently complementing structured therapy over unstructured talk therapy, and further research are explored.