Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong WHH
Affiliation :
Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Caritas Medical Centre, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
Keyword 1: :
Adolescent mental health
Keyword 2: :
Paediatrics nurse competency
Keyword 3: :
Training program
Keyword 4: :
PHQ-A, ASQ screening tools
Introduction :
Adolescent mental health is a critical global issue, with depression and suicidality rates rising sharply in Hong Kong. General paediatric wards are a crucial frontline for early detection, yet nurses often lack specific training and tools. This pilot study aimed to implement and evaluate an evidence-based intervention to enhance paediatric nurses' competency in screening for adolescent depression and suicide risk.
Objectives :
This pilot study aimed to implement and evaluate an evidence-based intervention to enhance paediatric nurses' competency in screening for adolescent depression and suicide risk.
Methodology :
A pilot study was conducted in an acute paediatric ward.
Intervention: A multi-faceted training program for nurses was implemented, including: Introduction to two validated screening tools: the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ).
Face-to-face training sessions and self-learning materials on adolescent mental health, communication, and self-harm.
Integration of a "Mind Grit" ward activity program to foster therapeutic relationships. Design: A pre-/post-test evaluation was used to measure outcomes. Participants: 26 paediatric nurses were invited. 19 completed the entire study (73% retention). Measurements Validated questionnaires were administered at three time points: Pre-training, Post-training (1 week), and Follow-up (3 months).
Result & Outcome :
Results
Knowledge & Self-Efficacy Improved Significantly Knowledge scores showed a significant improvement trend over 3 months (p < 0.001).
Self-Efficacy scores also increased significantly (p < 0.03), indicating greater nurse confidence in assessment and intervention. Attitudes Remained Unchanged No significant change was found in nurse attitudes over the 3-month period.
Qualitative analysis revealed persistent challenges, such as the belief that some suicide attempts are a "ploy for attention." Clinical Impact
Nurses became more proactive, enriching handovers with psychosocial data.
The new "Mind Grit" program in ward successfully built trust and enhanced patient safety and engagement. Conclusions
This pilot study demonstrates that a structured, evidence-based training program effectively enhances paediatric nurses' knowledge and self-efficacy in adolescent mental health screening using the PHQ-A and ASQ tools.
