Using a mobile phone application in youth mental health An evaluation study

作者：Reid Sophie C^*; Kauer Sylvia D; Khor Angela S; Hearps Stephen J C; Sanci Lena A; Kennedy Andrew D; Patton George C

来源：Australian Family Physician, 2012, 41(9): 711-714.

• mental health
• adolescent self monitoring
• mobile phone

Background
This study evaluates a mobile phone self monitoring tool designed to assist paediatricians in assessing and managing youth mental health.
Methods
Patients from an adolescent outpatient clinic monitored mental health symptoms throughout each day for 2-4 weeks. Paediatricians specialising in adolescent health and participants reviewed the collated data displayed online and completed quantitative and qualitative feedback.
Results
Forty-seven adolescents and six paediatricians participated. Completion was high, with 91% of entries completed in the first week. Paediatricians found the program helpful for 92% of the participants and understood 88% of their patients functioning better. Participants reported the data reflected their actual experiences (88%) and was accurate (85%), helpful (65%) and assisted their paediatrician to understand them better (77%). Qualitative results supported these findings.
Discussion
Self monitoring facilitates communication of mental health issues between these paediatricians and patients and is a promising tool for the assessment and management of mental health problems in young people.

• 出版日期2012-9