As practitioners dedicated to improving the mental health outcomes of children and adolescents, we continually seek evidence-based strategies that can make a real difference. A recent study titled "Longitudinal changes of mental health problems in children and adolescents treated in a primary care-based health-coaching programme – results of the PrimA-QuO cohort study" offers insights that could be invaluable in refining our approaches. This blog will explore the key findings of this study and discuss how they can be implemented in practice to enhance the care provided to young patients.
Study Overview
The PrimA-QuO cohort study was conducted in Bavaria, Germany, to evaluate the effectiveness of a health coaching (HC) program designed for children and adolescents with mental health problems (MHP). The program included a training concept for paediatricians, standardized guidelines for action, and additional payments for those who completed the training. The study involved 1090 children at baseline and 599 in longitudinal analysis, with data collected at two points one year apart using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
Key Findings
- At baseline, 23.5% of participants had an SDQ total score indicating they were "at risk" for mental health problems.
- Higher SDQ scores were significantly associated with male sex and lower parental education levels.
- There was a significant improvement in SDQ scores in the control group over time, while the scores in the intervention group remained stable.
- Despite the HC program's structured approach, it did not show a clinically relevant effect on the developmental course of MHP over the one-year period.
Implications for Practice
While the HC program did not demonstrate significant improvements in MHP, the study highlights several important considerations for practitioners:
1. Early Detection and Intervention
Primary care paediatricians have a unique opportunity to identify MHP early due to regular developmental checks. Enhanced training and standardized guidelines can improve detection rates, even if the immediate impact on outcomes is not significant.
2. Addressing Socioeconomic Factors
The study found that children from families with lower educational levels had higher SDQ scores. Targeting interventions towards these families could help reduce the burden of MHP. Practitioners should consider socio-economic factors when planning and delivering care.
3. Continuous Professional Development
The lack of a significant difference between the intervention and control groups suggests that ongoing training and support for paediatricians are crucial. Health coaching programs should be complemented with continuous professional development opportunities to keep practitioners updated on the latest evidence-based practices.
Encouraging Further Research
The PrimA-QuO study underscores the need for further research to optimize mental health interventions for children and adolescents. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research activities and stay informed about new findings. Collaborative efforts between researchers and clinicians can lead to more effective and tailored interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Longitudinal changes of mental health problems in children and adolescents treated in a primary care-based health-coaching programme – results of the PrimA-QuO cohort study.
