Developing Strategies to Improve Patient Engagement Among Young People Accessing Mental Health Services at SCARF, Chennai: An Experience-Based Co-Design Approach
Jagadeesan Settu, Sanjna Shukla, R. Helen Victory, Baskar Priyadharshni, Vijayaraghavan Dhandapani
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Experience-Based Co-design (EBCD) is a participatory action research technique aimed at enhancing the experiences of both service users and service providers within healthcare services. Hence, the aim was to develop strategies to improve the engagement of youth with mental health services being delivered in Chennai, India.
Method
We adopted a modified EBCD method involving three phases (data collection, designing strategies and implementation) spread across six stages. Starting from stage-1 interviews with service users and providers to identify factors that may lead young service users to disengage from treatment, followed by group interactions undertaken separately with service providers and users to pinpoint key areas for improvement. This also included a co-design process with all stakeholders, where solutions were refined using SMART criteria and rated on a scale of 1–5, with 1 being less prioritised and 5 being highly prioritised. The final stage involved a meeting with institution management to deliberate and decide on the plan for implementation of the generated solutions.
Results
Service users, providers, and stakeholders found key areas such as outpatient department (OPD) timings, continuity in MHP-client associations, awareness about medication and treatment processes, and the facilities, including the physical environment and refreshments provided for service users, were major reasons why patients disengaged from the treatment. In this study, service users, providers, and stakeholders prioritised touch points grouped under three major themes: (1) appointments, (2) facilities and (3) awareness.
Conclusion
Despite some challenges, EBCD was successfully implemented at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) in the Youth Mental Health Department, Chennai, India. EBCD was a promising methodology for service improvement and empowering service users. It identified crucial areas for enhancement and empowered the service users by involving them in the decision-making process, ultimately contributing to improved engagement and satisfaction with mental health services.
期刊介绍:
Early Intervention in Psychiatry publishes original research articles and reviews dealing with the early recognition, diagnosis and treatment across the full range of mental and substance use disorders, as well as the underlying epidemiological, biological, psychological and social mechanisms that influence the onset and early course of these disorders. The journal provides comprehensive coverage of early intervention for the full range of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems, including schizophrenia and other psychoses, mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders and personality disorders. Papers in any of the following fields are considered: diagnostic issues, psychopathology, clinical epidemiology, biological mechanisms, treatments and other forms of intervention, clinical trials, health services and economic research and mental health policy. Special features are also published, including hypotheses, controversies and snapshots of innovative service models.