scholarly journals Service Use History of Individuals Enrolling in a Web-Based Suicidal Ideation Treatment Trial: Analysis of Baseline Data (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quincy JJ Wong ◽  
Aliza Werner-Seidler ◽  
Michelle Torok ◽  
Bregje van Spijker ◽  
Alison L Calear ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Health Service ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Treatment Trial ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Remote Areas

BACKGROUND A significant recent innovation is the development of internet-based psychological treatments for suicidal thinking. However, we know very little about individuals experiencing suicidal ideation who seek help through Web-based services and, in particular, their previous health service use patterns. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine service use history and its correlates among adults experiencing suicidal ideation who enrolled in a Web-based suicidal ideation treatment trial. METHODS We used baseline data of 418 individuals seeking Web-based treatment for their suicidal ideation recruited into a randomized controlled trial of a 6-week Web-based self-help program. Participants at preintervention reported demographic information, clinical characteristics, and health service use over the previous 6 months. RESULTS Participants had a high rate of service use in the 6 months before enrolling in the treatment trial (404/418, 96.7% of participants had contact with services). The two most common contact points were general practitioners (385/418, 92.1% of participants) and mental health professionals (295/418, 70.6% of participants). Notably, those with a previous single suicide attempt had lower odds of contact with any service than those with no attempt (odds ratio [OR] 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.86; P=.03). Those living in rural or remote areas had lower odds of contacting general practitioners (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.91; P=.03) or mental health professionals (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.83; P=.01) than those living in metropolitan areas. CONCLUSIONS Individuals enrolling in an electronic health intervention trial have often received treatment from general practitioners or mental health professionals. These services can therefore play an important role in preventing the escalation of suicidal thinking. Enrollment in our Web-based treatment trial suggested, though, that face-to-face health services may not be enough. Our study also highlighted the need to improve the provision of coordinated and assertive care after a suicide attempt, as well as health service availability and utilization for those living in rural and remote areas. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000410752; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=364016 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6vK5FvQXy); Universal Trial Number U1111-1141-6595

scholarly journals Service Use History of Individuals Enrolling in a Web-Based Suicidal Ideation Treatment Trial: Analysis of Baseline Data

10.2196/11521 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. e11521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quincy JJ Wong ◽  
Aliza Werner-Seidler ◽  
Michelle Torok ◽  
Bregje van Spijker ◽  
Alison L Calear ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Health Service ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Treatment Trial ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Remote Areas

Background A significant recent innovation is the development of internet-based psychological treatments for suicidal thinking. However, we know very little about individuals experiencing suicidal ideation who seek help through Web-based services and, in particular, their previous health service use patterns. Objective We aimed to examine service use history and its correlates among adults experiencing suicidal ideation who enrolled in a Web-based suicidal ideation treatment trial. Methods We used baseline data of 418 individuals seeking Web-based treatment for their suicidal ideation recruited into a randomized controlled trial of a 6-week Web-based self-help program. Participants at preintervention reported demographic information, clinical characteristics, and health service use over the previous 6 months. Results Participants had a high rate of service use in the 6 months before enrolling in the treatment trial (404/418, 96.7% of participants had contact with services). The two most common contact points were general practitioners (385/418, 92.1% of participants) and mental health professionals (295/418, 70.6% of participants). Notably, those with a previous single suicide attempt had lower odds of contact with any service than those with no attempt (odds ratio [OR] 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.86; P=.03). Those living in rural or remote areas had lower odds of contacting general practitioners (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.91; P=.03) or mental health professionals (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.83; P=.01) than those living in metropolitan areas. Conclusions Individuals enrolling in an electronic health intervention trial have often received treatment from general practitioners or mental health professionals. These services can therefore play an important role in preventing the escalation of suicidal thinking. Enrollment in our Web-based treatment trial suggested, though, that face-to-face health services may not be enough. Our study also highlighted the need to improve the provision of coordinated and assertive care after a suicide attempt, as well as health service availability and utilization for those living in rural and remote areas. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000410752; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=364016 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6vK5FvQXy); Universal Trial Number U1111-1141-6595

scholarly journals Potential of Mobile Technology to Relieve the Urgent Mental Health Needs in China: Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxi Tan ◽  
Ziwei Teng ◽  
Yan Qiu ◽  
Hui Tang ◽  
Hui Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

BACKGROUND With the rapid development of information technology and mobile devices, an increasing number of mobile medical services and platforms have emerged. However, China’s current mental health situation necessitates further discussion and research on how to provide more patient-centered services in the face of many challenges and opportunities. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the attitudes and preferences of mental health service stakeholders regarding mobile mental health services and discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by mobile technology developers in China. METHODS A web-based survey was conducted by following the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) checklist. A total of 586 valid questionnaires were collected. Respondents included 184 patients or their family members, 225 mental health professionals, and 177 people from the general population. Data analysis was completed using SPSS 24.0. RESULTS Among the various problems perceived regarding the current mental health medical environment, difficulty in finding appropriate psychologists and limited visit times ranked highest. Social media (n=380/586, 64.9%) was the most preferred platform among all participants, whereas professionals showed a higher preference for smartphone apps (n=169/225, 75.1%). Professional instruction, psychological consultation, and mental health education (ranked top 3) were the most commonly identified needs. Mental health professionals generally emphasized more on treatment-related mobile mental health service needs, especially medication reminders (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=70.7; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), symptom monitoring (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=24.0; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and access to mental health resources (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=38.6; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). However, patients and their family members focused more on convenient web-based prescriptions (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=7.7; <i>P</i>=.02), with the general population interested in web-based psychological consultation (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=23.1; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and mental health knowledge (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=9.1; <i>P</i>=.01). Almost half of the participants regarded mobile mental health services as highly acceptable or supported their use, but less than 30% of participants thought mobile mental health services might be very helpful. Concerns about mobile mental health mainly focused on information security. Service receivers also suspected the quality and professionalism of content, and mental health professionals were worried about time and energy consumption as well as medical safety. CONCLUSIONS In terms of service flow, mobile services could be used to expand service time and improve efficiency before and after diagnosis. More individualized mobile mental health service content in more acceptable forms should be developed to meet the various needs of different mental health stakeholders. Multidisciplinary training and communication could be incorporated to facilitate the integration and cooperation of more well-rounded service teams. A standard medical record system and data format would better promote the development of future intelligent medical care. Issues such as ensuring service quality, solving safety risks, and better integrating mobile services with regular medical workflows also need to be addressed.

scholarly journals Potential of Mobile Technology to Relieve the Urgent Mental Health Needs in China: Web-Based Survey

10.2196/16215 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e16215
Author(s):  
Yuxi Tan ◽  
Ziwei Teng ◽  
Yan Qiu ◽  
Hui Tang ◽  
Hui Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

Background With the rapid development of information technology and mobile devices, an increasing number of mobile medical services and platforms have emerged. However, China’s current mental health situation necessitates further discussion and research on how to provide more patient-centered services in the face of many challenges and opportunities. Objective This study aims to explore the attitudes and preferences of mental health service stakeholders regarding mobile mental health services and discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by mobile technology developers in China. Methods A web-based survey was conducted by following the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) checklist. A total of 586 valid questionnaires were collected. Respondents included 184 patients or their family members, 225 mental health professionals, and 177 people from the general population. Data analysis was completed using SPSS 24.0. Results Among the various problems perceived regarding the current mental health medical environment, difficulty in finding appropriate psychologists and limited visit times ranked highest. Social media (n=380/586, 64.9%) was the most preferred platform among all participants, whereas professionals showed a higher preference for smartphone apps (n=169/225, 75.1%). Professional instruction, psychological consultation, and mental health education (ranked top 3) were the most commonly identified needs. Mental health professionals generally emphasized more on treatment-related mobile mental health service needs, especially medication reminders (χ22=70.7; P<.001), symptom monitoring (χ22=24.0; P<.001), and access to mental health resources (χ22=38.6; P<.001). However, patients and their family members focused more on convenient web-based prescriptions (χ22=7.7; P=.02), with the general population interested in web-based psychological consultation (χ22=23.1; P<.001) and mental health knowledge (χ22=9.1; P=.01). Almost half of the participants regarded mobile mental health services as highly acceptable or supported their use, but less than 30% of participants thought mobile mental health services might be very helpful. Concerns about mobile mental health mainly focused on information security. Service receivers also suspected the quality and professionalism of content, and mental health professionals were worried about time and energy consumption as well as medical safety. Conclusions In terms of service flow, mobile services could be used to expand service time and improve efficiency before and after diagnosis. More individualized mobile mental health service content in more acceptable forms should be developed to meet the various needs of different mental health stakeholders. Multidisciplinary training and communication could be incorporated to facilitate the integration and cooperation of more well-rounded service teams. A standard medical record system and data format would better promote the development of future intelligent medical care. Issues such as ensuring service quality, solving safety risks, and better integrating mobile services with regular medical workflows also need to be addressed.

scholarly journals Dermatologists’ perceptions of suicidality in dermatological practice: a survey of prevalence estimates and attitudes in Austria

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Pronizius ◽  
Martin Voracek
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Treatment Quality ◽  
Person Perspective ◽  
Low Rate

Abstract Background Chronic illnesses belong to suicide risk factors. The goal of the current study was to estimate the rate of suicide-related behaviors in patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or acne from a third-person perspective (namely, Austrian dermatologists). Methods A link to a questionnaire specially developed for this study was emailed to 450 self-employed dermatologists in Austria, from which a total of 45 participated. Results Three dermatologists reported more than five patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or acne who committed suicide in 2017. Seven doctors treated between 1 and 10 such patients suffering from suicidal ideation. These results are suggestive for a low rate of suicidal ideations in Austrian dermatology ordinations. The majority of dermatologists in the sample (82%) knew that these patients are at higher suicide risk. 60% of participants also believed that it rather would not be a problem for them to recognize suicidal ideation. When facing patients in a suicide crisis, reported intervention steps were: referring them to a specialist in psychiatry, or having a conversation about it. In the sample, most challenging about suicide was lack of time and lack of knowledge. Dermatologists were also interested in cooperating with mental health professionals and in the implementation of new prevention strategies (e.g., suicide-related training programs). Analysis revealed that private specialists, as compared with contract physicians, had fewer patients, but spent more time with them. Yet, these differences did not appear to influence the quality of treatment they provided. Treatment quality was defined as the extent to which doctors tell their patients that additional psychological treatments could be helpful and asking them about their emotional state. Female gender and a professional background in psychology impacted positively on treatment quality. Conclusions Possible explanations for the low rate of suicidal ideations reported include the advanced Austrian health care system and dermatologists’ underestimation of the problem. Implications of the study are to promote cooperation between dermatologists and mental health professionals and to address patient suicidality from a first-person perspective (i.e., the patients).

scholarly journals No dogs. Guide dogs by prior permission

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 463-463
Author(s):  
James Pease ◽  
Anthony Brown
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Governance ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Guide Dogs ◽  
Rural Locality ◽  
Prior Permission

Esther Rantzen created the Jobsworth Award before the National Health Service (NHS) invented clinical governance. One wonders sometimes if the NHS would have scooped all their awards had the programme continued. Television presenters also caution against involvement with children or animals, or worst of all both simultaneously. Clearly child and adolescent mental health professionals planning to involve animals in therapy should be cautious even in a semi-rural locality. Animals and children are, however, within our knowledge and skills framework, but not so the finer points of clinical governance.

scholarly journals Women's uptake of Medicare Benefits Schedule mental health items for general practitioners, psychologists and other allied mental health professionals

2011 ◽  
Vol 194 (4) ◽  
pp. 175-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie E Byles ◽  
Xenia Dolja‐Gore ◽  
Deborah J Loxton ◽  
Lynne Parkinson ◽  
Jennifer A Stewart Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals
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