Psychosocial assessment tools for children and young people aged 5–18 years: A rapid review of the literature

Abstract

Aim Schools are a key platform for health promotion and a point of connection to local health‐care services, with an almost universal reach across the child and adolescent population. This study sought to determine whether validated psychosocial assessment tools exist for a school‐based nursing program that would assist in providing an initial health assessment to identify and understand the needs of children and young people referred to the nurse, with the outcome of appropriate connection to external health and wellbeing services. Methods Rapid evidence assessment methodology was utilised to identify validated tools that could identify psychosocial concerns in children and young people aged 5–18 years. We identified articles from peer‐reviewed journals via three electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase and CINAHL). We then extended the search for evidence through a search of the grey literature. Results From 3963 peer‐reviewed articles found in the database search, 10 relevant peer‐reviewed publications met inclusion criteria. In combination with 12 grey literature sources, 33 tools were identified. These included self‐report tools (typically for children aged 11 years and older), parent‐report and teacher‐report tools. We identified the six most promising psychosocial assessment tools. However, there was limited description about implementation within school‐based nursing programs. Conclusions Several tools exist that show promise in assisting school‐based nursing programs to conduct preliminary psychosocial assessments for children and young people. The introduction of any tools into practice would require implementation guidance and evaluation, including how and when they should be used, and when referral and follow‐up is required.

Kalgal Burnbona: An Integrated Model of Care Between the Health and Education Sector

“…Within SLHD there are four WHIN coordinators situated across 16 primary and secondary schools. The WHIN coordinators work closely with the school's wellbeing, learning and support teams as well as local health and social services to support students and their families on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues [81]. Potentially, WHIN coordinators could work within the Kalgal Burnbona framework and be supported by community paediatricians.…”