Perceptions of mental health providers of the barriers and facilitators of using and engaging youth in digital mental-health-enabled measurement based care

Digital Health, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 10

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

Increased rates of mental health disorders and substance use among youth young adults have increased globally, furthering the strain on an already burdened system. Digital solutions been proposed as a potential option for provision timely services youth, with little research exploring professional views about using such innovative tools. In Alberta, Canada, we are evaluating implementation integration digital (dMH) platform into existing service pathways. Within this paper seek to explore professionals' perceptions barriers facilitators that may influence their utilization MH-enabled measurement-based care (MBC) who access services.

Язык: Английский

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Artificial intelligence in mental healthcare: transformative potential vs. the necessity of human interaction

Frontiers in Psychology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 15

Опубликована: Дек. 17, 2024

However, while AI offers promise for improving diagnostic precision, it has limitations, as its accuracy depends on the quality of data is trained on. Incomplete or biased datasets can lead to significant errors, particularly in diverse populations, by misinterpreting symptoms overlooking complexity mental health conditions. This risk especially pronounced health, where inappropriate treatments severely impact patient wellbeing (Yan et al., 2023). For instance, a study Ethiopia found that 39.16% patients with severe psychiatric disorders were misdiagnosed, rates higher among non-specialists (Ayano 2021). Similarly, Canadian reported high misdiagnosis 840 primary care patients: 65.9% major depressive disorder, 92.7% bipolar and over 70% anxiety (Vermani 2011). Such findings underscore inherent challenges diagnosis, which often relies subjective doctor-patient interactions prone inaccuracy Moreover, shortage psychiatrists, developing countries, exacerbates issue (Sholevar 2017). In contrast, machine-based diagnoses offer several advantages, including conserving human resources, increasing efficiency, enabling large-scale assessments, potentially reducing stigma (Uede 2024); however, over-reliance without adequate oversight risks perpetuating, rather than resolving, existing issues healthcare. While enhances diagnostics through real-time predictive modelling, must be complemented clinical judgment experienced professionals, cannot fully capture emotions, behaviors, cultural factors (Graham 2019;Loscalzo 2017;Khare 2024). Clinicians ensure remains supportive tool, not replacement, address like safeguard (Ueda 2024).The accessibility healthcare pressing concern, many individuals, underserved rural areas, struggle access qualified professionals (Morales 2020). Despite growing awareness issues, barriers such costs, long wait times, overburdened systems make therapy inaccessible portion population (Kourgiantakis AI's role democratizing force becomes relevant. AI-driven platforms, Woebot Wysa, cost-effective alternatives traditional providing digital interventions, cognitive-behavioral (Haque & Rubya, These platforms scale therapeutic support, delivering ongoing individuals who may otherwise left any form assistance due financial constraints geographic therapists are scarce (Fitzpatrick 2017).However, belief will automatically democratize overly optimistic overlooks substantial challenges. scalable solutions, they fail systemic related divide. Many lowincome populations lack technological infrastructure-such reliable internet access, smart devices, literacy-needed benefit from interventions (Kozelka Without addressing these foundational disparities, effectively bridge gap may, instead, deepen inequalities. Governments providers invest building necessary infrastructure education most vulnerable engage tools. According World Health Organization, potential reduce disparities only realized if addressed alongside deployment solutions (Khan 2023).One advantages capacity monitoring analytics, managing chronic conditions mood disorders, schizophrenia (Thakkar continuously track patients' behavior, mood, cognitive patterns, identifying early warning signs relapse deterioration before become noticeable clinicians (Cho enables intervention, crucial preventing crises suicide attempts hospitalizations. A Lee al. (2021) could predict fluctuations more accurately clinicians. By analyzing behavioral history, foresee when episode likely, allowing tailored medication adjustments alter course patient's recovery. capabilities clear benefits, psychological continuous raises concerns overlooked. Constant surveillance feelings anxiety, hypervigilance, even loss privacy, might feel reduced points being treated complex emotional experiences (Joseph Babu, affect alliance between clinician, central effective care. If perceive their every behavior monitored machines, connection fundamental erode, creating sense detachment mistrust (Prasko 2022). The ethical implications critically examined, regarding how shift power dynamic therapy, feeling scrutinized technology supported therapist. Maintaining ensuring supports, undermines, relationship essential (Alowais 2023).Integrating into serious concerns, privacy algorithmic bias, both pose beyond safeguards currently place (Warrier Mental sensitive types personal information, misuse breaches have devastating consequences patients, stigmatization, employment, insurance discrimination (Seh strong protections encryption anonymization, real-world cases Vastaamo breach Finland, 36,000 psychotherapy records compromised, highlight vulnerability exploitation (Ghanbari Koskinen, 2024;Inkster As Gentili highlights, mind create 'Bio-ethical Complexity,' Complexity' about relying solely healthcare, cyberattack grow. robust measures updated, error system flaws remain challenges.Algorithmic bias necessitates thorough examination, models reflect biases present training data, mirroring societal inequalities across race, gender, socioeconomic status, culture. skewed treatment recommendations, exacerbating alleviating them (Celi Recent healthcare: U.S. hospital algorithm assigned lower scores Black white similar conditions, limiting (Ledford, 2019). Another case showed skin cancer detection model misdiagnosing darker tones predominantly non-white (Krakowski 2024. examples merely refining incorporating insufficient; changes collection, interpretation, application required comprehensive equitable view needs. feedback loops entrench biases, making harder eliminate time (Ferrara, Addressing this requires just but also implicit maintaining rigorous oversight. measures, deepening, reducing, disparities.AI's ability analyze extensive detect patterns escape advantage, areas precision individualized lacks intelligence sensitivity intrinsic therapists, whose expertise extends include empathy, intuition, non-verbal communication-all critical (Minerva Giubilini, Excessive reliance overshadowing therapist's mechanistic process devoid warmth understanding Over-dependence "automation bias," excessive trust machine erode decision-makers personalized perspectives mixed-some appreciate accessibility, others compromise therapy-these importance implementing patient-centered tools supplement, replace, therapist-patient (Ali 2023;Sathyan Explainable (XAI) tools, SHAP (Shapley Additive exPlanations) LIME (Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations), transparency decisionmaking, understand validate insights relinquishing control, professional development ensures use tool dominate decisions 2023;Minerva future AI-augmented hinges balance fostering collaborative diminishes core relational elements (Table 1). transformative integration complements, replaces, relationship. Topol (2019) notes, convergence revolutionize harnessing systems' strengths. Complexity Science suggests holistic approach, integrating dimensions ethical, philosophical, religious, innovations, empathy coexist treatment. adoption complexities-such regulation, scalability, cost, practitioner acceptance-requires infrastructure, phased implementations, pilot programs, AI-human collaboration safety, Wysa's approach adaptability languages cultures (Dinesh 2014). Long-term sustainability demands updates, oversight, resources prevent inconsistent benefits alliance, risking surveillance. Thus, should complementary carefully integrated preserve article calls actionable steps-such investment design-to human-AI gaps

Язык: Английский

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Associations Between Family Factors and Mental Health Service Use Among Children with Physical Illness: the Mediating Role of Child Psychopathology Trajectories

Child Psychiatry & Human Development, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 24, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Designing digital conversational agents for youth with multiple mental health conditions: Insights on key features from a youth-engaged qualitative descriptive study

Digital Health, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 11

Опубликована: Март 1, 2025

This qualitative study aims to examine the key features and design elements of a mental health digital conversational agent ("Digital Conversational Agent" or "DCA") for youth with multiple conditions. Twenty-eight participants aged 14 25 were recruited from Toronto Adolescent Youth (TAY) Cohort study. Data collected through focus groups guided by semi-structured interview guide. Focus group discussions audio-recorded, transcripts analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. engagement was integrated throughout Four themes generated data: (1) importance customizable flexible personalization; (2) confidentiality, privacy risk mitigation features; (3) need reliable, informative content that is user tested validated; (4) friendly human-like interaction style. The identified may enhance trust in DCAs support. Collaborating specialist industry partners underscored value co-designed approach preparing develop relevant, feasible, ethical DCAs.

Язык: Английский

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Navigating healthcare during the pandemic: Experiences of racialized immigrants and racialized non-immigrants in Ontario’s Peel Region

Social Science & Medicine, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown, С. 118026 - 118026

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Transcending technology boundaries and maintaining sense of community in virtual mental health peer support: a qualitative study with service providers and users

BMC Health Services Research, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 24(1)

Опубликована: Апрель 24, 2024

Abstract Background This qualitative study explores the experiences of peer support workers (PSWs) and service users (or peers) during transition from in-person to virtual mental health services. During following COVID-19 pandemic, need for accessible community-based has become increasingly important. research aims understand how technological factors act as bridges boundaries In addition, whether a sense community can be built or maintained among PSWs peers in space when connections are mediated by technology. fills gap literature incorporating perspectives underscores potential beyond pandemic conditions. Methods Data collection was conducted organization that offers Semi-structured interviews were with 13 employees 27 users. Thematic analysis employed identify key themes synthesize comprehensive understanding. Results The findings highlight needs met through services, manifestation technology-based steps taken remove some these boundaries, strategies its members establish maintain environment marked physical distancing technology-mediated interrelations. also reveal importance providing hybrid services consisting mixture person reach broad spectrum Conclusions contributes ongoing efforts enhance realm. It shows situations where is not accessible. A model combining recommended better accessibility Moreover, organizational equitable resource allocation overcome discussed.

Язык: Английский

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Youth cannabis use in Canada post-legalization: service providers’ perceptions, practices, and recommendations

Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 18(1)

Опубликована: Июнь 22, 2023

Abstract Background In 2018, Canada legalized recreational cannabis use with the purpose of protecting youth and restricting access. However, concerns have been raised that this objective has not met as rates among aged 16–24 declined. Youth is associated various adverse effects including psychosis, anxiety, depression, suicidality, respiratory distress, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, intoxications. Service providers play a crucial role in addressing use. This study aimed to understand Ontario service providers’ perceptions, practices, recommendations on Methods mixed method included survey two focus groups. The was distributed mental health serving across who were given option participate group. closed open-ended questions regarding recommendations, while groups explored these categories greater depth. Descriptive statistics used analyze close-ended interpretative content analysis applied for questions. Focus group data analyzed using thematic analysis. Results completed by 160 12 participated Regarding 60% participants agreed legalization, 26% had strong understanding medical versus cannabis, 84% believed physical risks, 49% perceived stigmatization. Less than half reported screening or assessing use, 16% stated they are highly familiar treating 67% rarely work families. Subthemes identified under perceptions normalization stigmatization, harms youth, stigma, racism, discrimination. practice being primary focus, challenges screening, assessment, intervention, referral specialized services. Both recommended increasing public education, enhancing provider training, improving regulation policies, reducing stigma minimization, access, providing more culturally responsive Conclusion remains significant concern, necessitating comprehensive plan protect reduce harms.

Язык: Английский

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Implementation of an Electronic Mental Health Platform for Youth and Young Adults in a School Context Across Alberta, Canada: Thematic Analysis of the Perspectives of Stakeholders

JMIR Mental Health, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 11, С. e49099 - e49099

Опубликована: Дек. 1, 2023

Youth, aged 15 to 24 years, are more likely experience mental health (MH) or substance use issues than other age groups. This is a critical period for intervention because MH disorders, if left unattended, may become chronic and serious negatively affect many aspects of young person's life. Even among those who treated, poor outcomes will still occur percentage youth. Electronic (eMH) tools have been implemented in traditional settings reach youth requiring assistance with issues. However, the utility eMH school has yet be investigated.

Язык: Английский

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Gender differences in the mental symptom network of high school students in Shanghai, China: a network analysis

BMC Public Health, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 24(1)

Опубликована: Окт. 5, 2024

Adolescence is a critical period for the onset of mental health issues. In China, high school students face significant academic and social pressures, leading to rates challenges. Gender differences in manifestation these symptoms have been observed, with boys girls exhibiting distinct psychological profiles. This study aims explore structure among Chinese using network analysis, focusing on identifying core gender symptom networks. The key objectives are to: 1) identify central girls, 2) uncover interactions between inform targeted interventions. A cluster sampling method was used recruit 3,769 (2,206 males 1,563 females) Shanghai. Middle School Students Mental Health Scale (MSSMHS) administered, analysis conducted R packages bootnet qgraph assess edges, centrality, strength. Comparisons male female networks were made. Network showed tightly connected both genders, 43 non-zero edges (sparsity 0.04) 39 0.13). Depression (centrality 1.20), while anxiety 1.46). Boys stronger link interpersonal sensitivity depression (edge value 0.20), exhibited connection obsessive-compulsive 0.16). comparison tests revealed no overall strength (4.625) (4.660), P-values greater than 0.05 across all comparisons. highlights students. emerged as respectively. These findings provide foundation developing gender-sensitive interventions, emphasizing need tailored approaches based gender-specific Significant adolescents, nodes. tight students, whereas strong exists Emphasizes importance designing educational

Язык: Английский

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Improving Access to Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health Services in New Brunswick: Implementing One-at-a-Time Therapy Within an Integrated Service Delivery Model

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Июнь 24, 2024

Abstract This study examines the process of implementing One-at-a-Time (OAAT; i.e., single-session) therapy into child and youth addiction mental health services in New Brunswick. The implementation was retrospectively mapped onto science frameworks. Providers were recruited to participate research associated with system change, completed surveys assess readiness for implementation. Client satisfaction system-outcomes measured through indicators, respectively. Key considerations included age consent services, within an integrated service delivery model, mapping client journey conceptualize changes delivery. ( N = 214) felt that OAAT acceptable appropriate implement practice, would lead observable short-term outcomes. During (April–December 2022), 2266 sessions delivered, resulting a 62% waitlist reduction. Most clients who survey 518) reported benefit. elucidates successful children youth, can serve as heuristic comparable practice change initiatives.

Язык: Английский

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