Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Feb 14, 2023
Open Peer Review Period: Feb 13, 2023 - Apr 10, 2023
Date Accepted: Sep 27, 2023
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Application of A Digital Mental Health Clinic in Secondary Schools: Evaluation of Functionality and Effectiveness
ABSTRACT
Background:
There has been a growing need for mental health services in adolescents. However, access for this population to professional service providers is limited thus leaving a gap between the demand and availability of mental healthcare resources.
Objective:
The goal of this study is to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of a school digital mental health clinic (DMHC) provided by a psychiatric hospital in China.
Methods:
Use of an app driven DHMC at three secondary schools in Wenzhou, China between January and July 2021 was evaluated. Qualitative analysis was conducted to determine the app’s functional effectiveness while quantitative on the volume of counseling calls delivered, number of calls per hundred students, length of call, and reasons for the calls. Mini-course videos offered by the DMHC was analyzed by topics and viewing time.
Results:
The DMHC’s designed functions are well aligned with required factors defined in the literature. Majority of the counseling calls ((58%) and mini-course video viewing (62%) occurred at non-business hours. More senior high students used the DMHC than junior. Reasons for counseling calls include difficulties in learning, interpersonal relationships, and emotional distress. Students were mostly interested in three topics of the mini-course videos, emotional assistance, personal growth and family relationships. The DMHC provided crisis intervention for three students with high risks for suicide and self-injury.
Conclusions:
The DMHC serves as a complementary solution particularly during non-business hours to address the mental healthcare needs of adolescents. Extension of the DMHC into more schools, more urgently senior high schools is recommended.
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