Web-Based Depression Screening and Psychiatric Consultation for College Students: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Abstract

Background. A steady rise in the prevalence of depression among college students has negatively affected student quality of life. This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of a Web-based model, including Skype, to screen and provide psychiatric consultation to depressed college students. Methods. Students completed the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) online; those who screened positive (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) or endorsed any level of suicidal ideation were offered Web-based psychiatric consultation using Skype. After the consultation, students filled out a 7-item satisfaction questionnaire to report on the acceptability of this Web-based method. Results. A total of 972 students consented to the online depression screening and 285 screened positive. Of those, 69 students consented and 17 students successfully completed the psychiatric consultation via Skype. Thirteen (76.4%) students found the interview useful in helping them understand their depression. Fifteen (88.2%) students thought that psychologists and psychiatrists could successfully see patients via videoconferencing. Conclusions. Current online technologies can provide depression screening and psychiatric consultation to college students; those who participated reported a positive experience. Future studies will need to address the low levels of participation among college students and attract students who are underserved, as well as use a videoconferencing platform that adequately protects data confidentiality.

Developing a Mental Health eClinic to Improve Access to and Quality of Mental Health Care for Young People: Using Participatory Design as Research Methodologies (Preprint)

“…As an example, the majority of self-triage tools rely on people actively searching for these tools on the Internet, however, some health services provide self-triage tools on their websites, particularly when booking appointments online [25]. Telepsychiatry (video conferencing) as another example, has also been a particularly effective way of providing support as it allows real-time interaction whilst negating barriers such as cost, geographical location and stigma concerns associated with face-to-face support [44]. To the best of our knowledge, our MHeC is one of a kind as it integrates triage, online assessments, online provision of results, enables video visits with youth health professionals, provides immediate interventions and tracks progress; that is, more sophisticated and technologically-advanced than traditional telemedicine.…”

“…Comprehensive mental health care online The augmentation of traditional video conferencing assessments with online self-reported questionnaires or screening results have now emerged in the research literature [21,44]. In a study conducted by Williams and colleagues (2014), participants were given the opportunity to schedule a video conference via Skype with a psychiatrist within a two-week period if they screened positive for major depression or suicidality [44].…”

“…In a study conducted by Williams and colleagues (2014), participants were given the opportunity to schedule a video conference via Skype with a psychiatrist within a two-week period if they screened positive for major depression or suicidality [44]. In a recent study published by our team, an initial online clinical assessment (with an embedded suicidality escalation protocol) was completed as a routine part of the assessment process (either before a video visit or a face-to-face assessment with a health professional) for a subset of participants.…”

The role of digital communication in patient–clinician communication for NHS providers of specialist clinical services for young people [the Long-term conditions Young people Networked Communication (LYNC) study]: a mixed-methods study

“…The six studies [306][307][308][309][310][311] comprised 637 young people, both male and female, with a range of mental health conditions [depression (n = 3), psychosis (n = 1), obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 1) and mixed (n = 1)]. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 263.…”

Stress-related biobehavioral profile of senior nursing students

“…[47] Furthermore, web-based and computer-delivered interventions are found to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in college students. [48][49][50] Thus, technology-based availability of screening and management programs can be useful for selective students who experience high levels of stress and other emotional distress.…”