Perceptions of tech-based mental health screening

Area of Science:

• Trauma care
• Mental health technology
• Digital health interventions

Background:

• One-third of trauma patients develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
• Implementation of mandated postinjury mental health screening in trauma centers is limited.
• Technology-based solutions offer potential to improve screening uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the usability and acceptability of the Blueprint tech-based mental health screening platform.
• Explore patient attitudes toward technology-based screening and intervention post-trauma.
• Evaluate Blueprint's potential in a real-world trauma care setting.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 10 trauma patients.
• Utilized Blueprint for PTSD Checklist-5 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 completion.
• Assessed usability via System Usability Scale (SUS) and semi-structured interviews.
• Analyzed qualitative data using Summative Template Analysis.

Main Results:

• Blueprint achieved an excellent average SUS score of 93.25/100.
• Patients supported universal screening and valued convenience, personalization, and trauma-informed care.
• Patients found web-based psychoeducation and resources beneficial.

Conclusions:

• Tech-based screening is highly usable and valuable for trauma patients at risk for PTSD and depression.
• Patients preferred Blueprint to facilitate access to in-person mental health services.
• Further evaluation of Blueprint for assessment, intervention, and referral is warranted.