scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Health System and Community Response to a Text Message (Text4Hope) Program Supporting Mental Health in Alberta

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. e5-e6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent I. O. Agyapong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Community Response ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Regional Health ◽  
Code Number ◽  
Mental Health Therapist ◽  
Similar Program ◽  
Alberta Health

ABSTRACTIn an effort to support the mental health of Albertans during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Alberta Health Services launched a supportive text message (Text4Mood) program on March 23, 2020. The program was simultaneously approved for funding by the 6 regional health foundations and launched within 1 week of conception. Residents of Alberta can subscribe to the program by texting “COVID19HOPE” to a sort code number. Each subscriber receives free daily supportive text messages, for 3 months, crafted by a team of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health therapist, and mental health service users. Within 1 week of the launch of Text4Hope, 32 805 subscribers had signed up to the program, and there have been expressions of interests from other jurisdictions to implement a similar program to support the mental health of those in quarantine, isolation, or lockdown.

Text Messaging as a Mental Health Treatment Intervention: A Corpus-Based Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Partch ◽  
Cass Dykeman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Treatment Session ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Emotional Tone

Mental health treatment providers seek high-impact and low-cost means of engaging clients in care. As such, text messaging is becoming more frequently utilized as a means of communication between provider and client. Research demonstrates that text message interventions increase treatment session attendance, decrease symptomology, and improve overall functioning. However, research is lacking related to the linguistic make up of provider communications. Text messages were collected from previously published articles related to the treatment of mental health disorders. A corpus of 39 mental health treatment text message interventions was composed totaling 286 words. Using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software, messages were analyzed for prevalence of terminology thought to enhance client engagement. Clout, demonstrating the writer’s confidence and expertise, and positive Emotional Tone were found to be at a high level within the corpus. Results demonstrated statistical significance for five linguistic variables. When compared with national blog norms derived from Twitter, Clout, Emotional Tone, and use of Biological terminology were found to be at higher rates than expected. Authenticity and Informal terminology were found at significantly lesser rates.

scholarly journals Older Adult Peer Support Specialists’ Age-Related Contributions to Self-Management Through Text Message Exchanges: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mbita Mbao ◽  
Karen Fortuna
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Peer Specialists

BACKGROUND Older adults with mental health conditions experience co-morbid physical health conditions, premature nursing home admissions, and an earlier mortality compared to the general population of older adults. Older adult peer support specialists are increasingly using technology to deliver peer support services related to addressing both mental health and physical health needs of older adults. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study examined older adult peer support specialists’ age-related contributions to peer-supported integrated medical and psychiatric self-management through text message exchanges METHODS Older adult peer specialists exchanged text messages with service users as part of a 12-week peer-supported smartphone intervention. Text message exchanges between older adult peer specialists (N=3) and people with serious mental illness were examined (N=8) with a mean age of 68.8 years (SD=4.9). A total of 356 text messages were sent between the older adult peer specialist and people with serious mental illness. Older adult peer specialists sent text messages to older participants' smartphones between from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends RESULTS Five themes emerged including (1) using technology to simultaneously manage mental health and physical health issues; (2) realizing new capabilities in late life; (3) sharing their roles as parents and grandparents; (4) wisdom; and (5) sharing lived experience of normal age-related changes (emerging). CONCLUSIONS The collaborative non-directive approach by the older adult peer specialists offered key experiential contributions that are important to successfully aging with a mental health condition. Promising evidence suggests older adult peer support specialists may be helpful in addressing age-related mental health and physical health needs of older adults in the community.

scholarly journals Mental Health Outreach via Supportive Text Messages during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Improved Mental Health and Reduced Suicidal Ideation after Six Weeks in Subscribers of Text4Hope Compared to a Control Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2157
Author(s):  
Vincent I. O. Agyapong ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
Jasmine M. Noble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: In March 2020, Alberta Health Services launched Text4Hope, a free mental health text-message service. The service aimed to alleviate pandemic-associated stress, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and suicidal propensity. The effectiveness of Text4Hope was evaluated by comparing psychiatric parameters between two subscriber groups. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study with two arms: Text4Hope subscribers who received daily texts for six weeks, the intervention group (IG); and new Text4Hope subscribers who were yet to receive messages, the control group (CG). Logistic regression models were used in the analysis. Results: Participants in the IG had lower prevalence rates for moderate/high stress (78.8% vs. 88.0%), likely GAD (31.4% vs. 46.5%), and likely MDD (36.8% vs. 52.1%), respectively, compared to respondents in the CG. After controlling for demographic variables, the IG remained less likely to self-report symptoms of moderate/high stress (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.41–0.75), likely GAD (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.44–0.68), and likely MDD (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.47–0.73). The mean Composite Mental Health score, the sum of mean scores on the PSS, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 was 20.9% higher in the CG. Conclusions: Text4Hope is an effective population-level intervention that helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar texting services should be implemented during global crises.

A Pilot Study of Mobile Telephone Message Interventions with Suicide Attempters in China

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Brian L. Mishara ◽  
Xiao Xian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mobile Telephone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Quick Method ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
To Receive

Background: In China, where follow-up with hospitalized attempters is generally lacking, there is a great need for inexpensive and effective means of maintaining contact and decreasing recidivism. Aims: Our objective was to test whether mobile telephone message contacts after discharge would be feasible and acceptable to suicide attempters in China. Methods: Fifteen participants were recruited from suicide attempters seen in the Emergency Department in Wuhan, China, to participate in a pilot study to receive mobile telephone messages after discharge. All participants have access to a mobile telephone, and there is no charge for the user to receive text messages. Results: Most participants (12) considered the text message contacts an acceptable and useful form of help and would like to continue to receive them for a longer period of time. Conclusions: This suggests that, as a low-cost and quick method of intervention in areas where more intensive follow-up is not practical or available, telephone messages contacts are accessible, feasible, and acceptable to suicide attempters. We hope that this will inspire future research on regular and long-term message interventions to prevent recidivism in suicide attempters.

The Protection of Mental Health Service Users' Human Rights in Andalusia (Spain) as part of 1 in 4 Anti-stigma Strategy

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Garcia-Cubillana de la Cruz ◽  
Aguila bono del Trigo ◽  
Vicente Ibanez Rojo ◽  
Evelyn Huizing
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Service Users

Psychiatric remuneration systems in Europe: an overview

2011 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 09-15
Author(s):  
D. McDaid
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Mental Health System ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Financial Instability ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Adequate Information ◽  
Recent Developments

SummaryNew forms of psychiatric remuneration linked to levels of activity undoubtedly will have an increasing role to play in mental health systems right across Europe. Potentially they can be more efficient and promote choice, but valid concerns have been raised about their impact on the sustainability and nature of psychiatric care. This article looks in particular at recent developments in England and the Netherlands and reflects on how remuneration mechanisms may need to develop further both to improve efficiency and quality within the context of an ever more fragmented and multi-sectoral mental health system. Any introduction of activity- based reimbursement should be introduced gradually. This should be accompanied by investment in adequate information systems to help better understand service utilisation patterns, transitional funding safeguards to reduce the risk of financial instability and incentives/ contractual measures to ensure that services strive to offer services of the highest possible quality that meet the needs of service users.

Efficacy and Impact of an mHealth Intervention to promote Mental Wellness for American Indian and Alaska Native Teens and Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the BRAVE Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Craig Rushing ◽  
Allyson Kelley ◽  
Sheana Bull ◽  
David Stephens ◽  
Julia Wrobel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Culturally Relevant ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Mental Wellness

BACKGROUND Culturally-relevant interventions are needed to help American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) teens and young adults navigate common risky situations involving family and friends, including drug and alcohol misuse, dating violence, and suicidality. We R Native – a multimedia health resource for Native teens and young adults – designed an intervention for Native youth, delivered via text message, that includes role model videos, mental wellness strategies, and links to culturally-relevant resources (hotlines, chat-lines, websites, etc.) and social support. OBJECTIVE This study aims to test the efficacy of BRAVE to improve participant’s physical, mental, and spiritual health, their use of mental wellness strategies, their help-seeking skills, and associated factors, including cultural resilience, identity, and cultural pride. METHODS The randomized controlled trial was carried out by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and the mHealth Impact Lab. The team recruited 2,334 AI/AN teens and young adults nationwide (15-24 years old) via social media channels and text message and enrolled 1,044 to participate. AI/AN teens and young adults enrolled in the study received either: 8 weeks of BRAVE text messages designed to improve mental health, help-seeking skills, and cultural resilience; or 8 weeks of STEM text messages, designed to elevate and re-affirm Native voices in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEM); and then received the other set of messages. Primary and secondary outcomes were tested using linear mixed-effect models and linear regressions. RESULTS A total of 833 AI/AN teens and young adults were included in the analysis. Individuals in the BRAVE and STEM arms showed significant positive trends over the course of the study for all primary outcomes except cultural identity and help seeking behavior. Mean scores were significantly different for health (P<.001), resilience (P<.001), negative coping (P=.027), positive coping (P<.001), self-efficacy (P=.021), and self-esteem (P<.001). Changes in help-seeking self-efficacy were significant for those exhibiting risky behavior at baseline to exit (P=.01). Those who reported positive coping scores at baseline also reported better health on average, but no difference in risky drug and alcohol use (P<.001). The number of participants that used text messages to help themselves increased from 69% at 3-months (427/618) to 75% at 8-months (381/501) (P<.001). Similarly, the number of participants that used text messages to help a friend or family member increased from 22% at 3-months (138/616) to 55% at 8-months (272/498). CONCLUSIONS This is the first nationwide randomized controlled trial for AI/AN teens and young adults to test the efficacy of an mHealth intervention on mental wellness. The findings suggest that culturally-relevant multimedia, mHealth interventions can improve help-seeking behavior. Lessons learned from this study may help other AI/AN-serving organizations, prevention programs, policymakers, researchers, and educators as they support the next generation of AI/AN change-makers.

Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing

2009 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Mental Health Nursing ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Health Nursing ◽  
Case Based

In order to provide sound, person-centred care, mental health nursing students need a thorough understanding of theory alongside the ability to translate this knowledge into practice. It can be difficult to apply ideas from the classroom and books when learning how to work with mental health service users for the first time. That is why the theoretical aspects of this book are presented alongside realistic accounts of nursing practice. Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing is a case-based and service user centred textbook for mental health nursing students. Designed to support students throughout their pre-registration studies, the text covers the essential knowledge required to provide high quality nursing care. Contributions from real service users and cases of fictional clients are explored in detail to provide excellent transferable skills for practice. Dedicated chapters explore fundamental nursing skills and mental health law before providing a case-based exploration of the areas and subjects that will be encountered by students in university and placement. Practice-based chapters introduce students to the needs of a diverse range of fictional clients and explain how the skills of communication, assessment, care planning and monitoring can be applied. Each chapter provides a sample care plan explaining why and how clinical decisions are made, so that students can develop their own skills and practice. The text opens with clear advice to help students succeed in their studies and concludes with a wealth of practical and thoughtful advice on becoming a professional and getting that first job. Online Resource Centre * Twenty one video clips of fictional service users demonstrate the application of theory and prepare students for real nursing practice * Quizzes, scenarios and a range of activities help students to apply their learning * Interactive glossary explains terminology and jargon * Sample CV's and self awareness exercises aid professional development

scholarly journals Medication Monitoring for People with Dementia in Care Homes: The Feasibility and Clinical Impact of Nurse-Led Monitoring

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Jordan ◽  
Marie Gabe ◽  
Louise Newson ◽  
Sherrill Snelgrove ◽  
Gerwyn Panes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adverse Drug Reaction ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Clinical Impact ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Medication Monitoring ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Before And After

Objectives. People with dementia are susceptible to adverse effects of medicines. However, they are not always closely monitored. We explored (1) feasibility and (2) clinical impact of nurse-led medication monitoring.Design. Feasibility “before-and-after” intervention study.Setting. Three care homes in Wales.Participants. Eleven service users diagnosed with dementia, taking at least one antipsychotic, antidepressant, or antiepileptic medicine.Intervention. West Wales Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Profile for Mental Health Medicines.Outcome Measures. (1) Feasibility: recruitment, retention, and implementation. (2) Clinical impact: previously undocumented problems identified and ameliorated, as recorded in participants’ records before and after introduction of the profile, and one month later.Results. Nurses recruited and retained 11 of 29 eligible service users. The profile took 20–25 minutes to implement, caused no harm, and supplemented usual care. Initially, the profile identified previously undocumented problems for all participants (mean 12.7 (SD 4.7)). One month later, some problems had been ameliorated (mean 4.9 (3.6)). Clinical gains included new prescriptions to manage pain (2 participants), psoriasis (1), Parkinsonian symptoms (1), rash (1), dose reduction of benzodiazepines (1), new care plans for oral hygiene, skin problems, and constipation.Conclusions. Participants benefited from structured nurse-led medication monitoring. Clinical trials of our ADR Profile are feasible and necessary.

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