Psychosocial screening, in-patient care, and disposition planning: Clinicians' perspectives.

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to explore clinicians' views on the MyHEARTSMAP screening report; whether this report has impacted their patient care, and if so, how. MyHEARTSMAP is a psychosocial self-screening tool for youth to identify mental health concerns.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study as a sub-study of the MyHEARTSMAP In-Patient randomized control trial. Eligible clinicians (nurses and physicians who have cared for patients in one of our partnered specialties and have seen a MyHEARTSMAP report in their patients' charts) provided their perceptions of the screening report through a survey.

Results: Sixty-five clinicians were enrolled; 60 (92.3%; 95% CI 85.8-98.8%) believe psychosocial screening is beneficial, with many finding it helpful for building rapport with patients/families and providing additional mental health information. Thirty-seven clinicians (56.9%; 95% CI 44.9-69%) had previously read or used the MyHEARTSMAP report, and 31 (83.8%; 95% CI 71.9-95.7%) of these clinicians found the report helpful. Clinicians specifically found the report helpful for communicating with the patient, and guiding patient-centered care.

Conclusion: Clinicians' perceptions towards the MyHEARTSMAP report were positive amongst those who had previously encountered it. While clinicians believe psychosocial screening is beneficial, exploring options for better accessibility to the screening results is necessary to increase utilization.