Protocol for a multimethods study evaluating a transition pathway between hospital settings and postsecondary...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Higher Education & Student Affairs
• Healthcare Navigation Models

Background:

• Increasing mental health concerns among postsecondary students necessitate effective service navigation.
• The University of Toronto Navigation (UTN) service was developed to bridge the gap between acute care and campus/community mental health services.
• Limited evaluation of navigator models in postsecondary settings hinders scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the study protocol for evaluating the University of Toronto Navigation (UTN) service.
• To assess the effectiveness of care navigators in facilitating postsecondary student transitions from acute mental health care.
• To gather insights from students, navigators, and clinicians on their experiences with the UTN service.

Main Methods:

• A one-stage, single-arm multimethods study design will evaluate the UTN service.
• 103 students will be recruited post-intake, completing quantitative measures over 6 months.
• Quantitative data will be linked with administrative healthcare data; interviews will gather qualitative perspectives.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is defined as attending a care provider appointment within 30 days of hospital discharge.
• Quantitative data will assess health outcomes, experiences of care, and service utilization.
• Qualitative interviews will explore student and clinician satisfaction and experiences with the navigation service.

Conclusions:

• The study protocol provides a framework for evaluating a novel care navigation intervention for postsecondary students.
• Findings will inform the implementation and adaptation of similar navigator interventions in postsecondary contexts.
• Collaborative evaluation involving students, navigators, and clinicians is central to the study's design.