Accelerating youth mental health services research

Abstract

Objective We describe a research program to advance youth mental health service research in Australia, addressing two core knowledge gaps: the lack of available routine outcome measures and lack of understanding of how to assess and monitor complexity and heterogeneity in illness presentation and trajectory. Conclusions Our research identifies better routine outcome measures (ROM) that are: designed specifically for the developmental nuances of the 12–25-year age range; multidimensional; and meaningful to young people, their carers, and service providers. Alongside much-needed new measures of complexity and heterogeneity, these tools will inform service providers to better meet the needs of young people presenting with mental health problems.

Development and Validation of a Routine Session-by-Session Experience Measure for Youth Mental Health Services: My Youth Mental Health Session Experience (MySE)

“…The need for youth-specific and youth-designed measures is critical for youth mental health services, as these service approaches strongly prioritise young people’s participation, at all levels, and particularly in their own health care. 7 , 8 Further, the utility of ultra brief measures in clinical practice has long been recognised, especially to support measurement-based treatment. 13 Routine monitoring is critical for measurement-informed care, 14 which has been shown to improve retention and engagement, client experience, and clinical outcomes.…”

“…Youth involvement in measure development is critical for the integrity of youth mental health services, which are based on the fundamental principle of valuing young people’s experiential knowledge. 7 , 8 …”

“…6 The youth mental health service approach has revealed the need for youth-specific measurement tools suitable for the 12-25-year age range. 7,8 Specifically tailored measures have not been available, with few assessment and outcome measures applicable across the entire age range, due to the typical child and adolescent versus adult service focus. 9 This has led headspace to develop purpose-built measures in conjunction with and appropriate for our client group.…”

Mental Health Among Elite Youth Athletes: A Narrative Overview to Advance Research and Practice

“… 79 Despite the clear importance of supporting mental health in youth, evidence suggests that young people report unmet needs and inadequate care. 23 Better approaches to supporting young people during this developmental period are needed. 81 …”