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Healthcare Professionals' Experience with Routine Mental Health Screening in Pediatric Diabetes Care: Findings from a
Jess Forster1, Lindsay Sawatsky2, Samantha Berry3
1Markham Stouffville Hospital, Oak Valley Health, Markham, Ontario, Canada.
Introduction:
Consensus guidelines recommend the use of age-appropriate and validated assessment tools to monitor and discuss psychosocial well-being and quality of life. Our study explored healthcare professionals' (HCPs) standardized psychological screening tool use and experiences discussing mental health concerns in pediatric diabetes care worldwide.
Methods:
Data were collected via a survey, using a research team developed, externally reviewed and piloted questionnaire (English and Portuguese), administered via Google Forms. Research team partners advertised the survey through their electronic newsletters, websites, and social media platforms.
Results:
Overall, 204 HCPs (90 physicians, 47 nurses, and 67 others) responded; covering 33 countries and 6 continents. Half (49%) indicated that their centers did not perform any psychological screening; 51% of those that did used standardized psychological screening tools. Most (69.1%) were confident discussing mental health concerns; those who were not detailed lack of time and resources and not wanting to cause offense. Some perceived depression (46.1%) and disordered eating (40.7%) screening should occur annually, and diabetes distress (40.7%) every 3 months. Few (2.9%) perceived psychological screening should not be undertaken.
Conclusion:
There is a need for increased focus on mental health screening and related support for HCPs, youth with diabetes, and, where applicable, their caregivers.
