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There is an increase in the prevalence of mental health problems in the United States. Healthy People 2020’s leading mental health indicator is to increase the delivery of care to those with mental health issues and lower the number of youth who experience a major depressive disorder. Teachers and non-teaching

There is an increase in the prevalence of mental health problems in the United States. Healthy People 2020’s leading mental health indicator is to increase the delivery of care to those with mental health issues and lower the number of youth who experience a major depressive disorder. Teachers and non-teaching staff are well placed in the community to identify youth undergoing emotional distress and facilitate early interventions, yet do not receive adequate training in mental health.

A project was undertaken to determine if a mental health training intervention affected the community youth mentors knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy towards helping youth with mental health issues. Three instruments with good validity and reliability namely Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), Attitudes to Severe Mental Illness (ASMI) scale, and Gatekeeper Behavior Scale were used in pre intervention, immediately post intervention and two weeks post intervention questionnaires. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test indicated changes in the pre and post intervention scores as significant in knowledge, and attitude between pre intervention and immediately post intervention time periods. Cohen’s effect size value suggested large, medium, small, and minimum clinical significance in the variables over period of time.

Mental health literacy narrows the gap between symptom onset and intervention. Numerous mental health trainings are currently available worldwide. Schools and after school clubs in collaboration with hospital mental health and other community agencies are better equipped to bridge the gap. School staff report better confidence in addressing mental health and behavioral health issues among youth when equipped with additional resources within the school in the form of psychologists, social workers, and counselors.

ContributorsMazhuvencherry, Elizabeth (Author) / Chen, Angela (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-05-03
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Description
Background: Non-Veteran Affair (VA) mental health care facilities are admitting increased numbers of military affiliated members due to recent changes, allowing veterans to outsource healthcare at civilian treatment centers. The VA reports less than 9 million veterans enrolled in VA services, leaving over 50% seeking treatment from civilian providers. Given

Background: Non-Veteran Affair (VA) mental health care facilities are admitting increased numbers of military affiliated members due to recent changes, allowing veterans to outsource healthcare at civilian treatment centers. The VA reports less than 9 million veterans enrolled in VA services, leaving over 50% seeking treatment from civilian providers. Given the high prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the military population, it is imperative to implement a valid and reliable screening tool at primary care facilities to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Method: This project aimed to provide an evidence-based education for intake nurses to understand prevalence of PTSD and to use a screening tool Primary Care PTSD for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) in a non-VA behavioral health facility.

Setting: The project site was a civilian behavioral health facility located in West Phoenix Metropolitan area. The behavioral health facility serves mental health and substance abuse needs. Project implementation focused on the intake department.

Measures: Sociodemographic data, PTSD diagnosis criteria, prevalence and PC-PTDSD-5 screening tool knowledge collected from pre and posttest evaluation. Patients’ charts for those admitted 6-week before and 6-week after the education to calculate numbers of screening tools completed by nurses at intake assessment.

Data analysis: Descriptive statistics was used to describe the sample and key measures; the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to examine differences between pre-test and post-test scores. Cohen’s effect size was used to estimate clinical significance.

Results: A total of 23 intake nurses (87.0% female, 65.2% 20-39 years old, 52.2% Caucasian, 95.6% reported having 0-10 years of experience, 56.5% completed Associate’s degree) received the education. For PTSD-related knowledge, the pre-test score (Mdn = 6.00) was significantly lower than the post-test score (Mdn = 10.00; Z= -4.23, p < .001), suggesting an increase of PTSD knowledge among nurses after the education. Regarding the diagnosis, the percentage of patients who were diagnosed with PTSD increased from (0.02% to 20% after the education).

Discussion: An evidence-based education aimed at enhancing intake nurses’ knowledge, confidence and skills implementing a brief and no-cost PTSD screening tool showed positive results, including an increase of PTSD diagnosis. The implementation of this screening tool in a civilian primary mental health care facility was feasible and helped patients connect to PTSD treatment in a timely fashion. Continued use of paper version of screening tool will be maintained at facility as an intermediary solution until final approval through parent company is received to implement into electronic medical records.
ContributorsCowart, Amanda (Author) / Chen, Angela (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-05-06
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Description
Background: The shortage of providers, therapists, and long waiting times for appointments in the United States is growing. Mental health technology applications (apps) expand the strategies available to people with mental health conditions to achieve their goals for well being through self-management of symptoms.

Methods: A project was undertaken at

Background: The shortage of providers, therapists, and long waiting times for appointments in the United States is growing. Mental health technology applications (apps) expand the strategies available to people with mental health conditions to achieve their goals for well being through self-management of symptoms.

Methods: A project was undertaken at an outpatient behavioral setting in urban Arizona to determine the use and effectiveness of a mental health app called insight timer to reduce anxiety symptoms. Adult clients with anxiety symptoms were provided with the insight timer app to use over a period of eight weeks. Anxiety was evaluated with the GAD-7 scale initially and after the eight weeks of app use. Usability and the quality of the app were assessed with an app rating scale at the end of the eight weeks.

Results: Findings of the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test indicated changes in pre and posttest assessment scores as significant (p = .028), which is a significant reduction in anxiety among seven clients who completed the 8-week intervention. the mean TI score was 15.57 (SD = 4.9), and the mean T2 score was 7.71 (SD = 5.7). Besides, Cohen's effect size value (d = 1.465) suggested large clinical significance for GAD7 in pre and posttest.

Discussion: Evidence suggests that the use of an evidence-based app can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms and improve the quality of life. The use of mental health apps like insight timer could reduce health care costs associated with unnecessary hospital admissions as well as re-hospitalizations. The routine use of apps such as the insight timer may also be beneficial to all the clients who have anxiety symptoms in outpatient as well as inpatient settings.
ContributorsJacob, Annie (Author) / Chen, Angela (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-05-06
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Healthcare workers may have poor attitudes, bias or feel unprepared when caring for patients with mental illness in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) setting. The aim of this project was to resolve these biases using education to increase quality of care for pediatric mental health patients using Rossworm and

Healthcare workers may have poor attitudes, bias or feel unprepared when caring for patients with mental illness in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) setting. The aim of this project was to resolve these biases using education to increase quality of care for pediatric mental health patients using Rossworm and Larabee’s change model. The Questionnaire on Stigmatizing Attitudes Towards Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) was completed by voluntary participants at pretest, posttest and at a one month follow up. Between pretest and posttest, participants engaged in three educational modules regarding mental health. Participants were voluntary, anonymous staff members at a pediatric hospital currently employed in the PICU. Results of the questionnaires pre M= 23 post M=11 and follow up M=9.5 indicates education improves attitudes, and decreases bias in PICU staff. Recommendation to obtain larger population of study with trial implementation. Recommend adding educational modules to annual education or to new hire orientation.
Created2022-04-28
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Burnout has become an increasingly popular topic among registered nurses, but unfortunately burnout among psychiatric nursing is less understood than other nursing specialties such as the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room, or Oncology. Psychiatry is unique and psychiatric nurses, in particular, are often subjected to physical and verbal violence as

Burnout has become an increasingly popular topic among registered nurses, but unfortunately burnout among psychiatric nursing is less understood than other nursing specialties such as the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room, or Oncology. Psychiatry is unique and psychiatric nurses, in particular, are often subjected to physical and verbal violence as well as exposure to patient’s trauma. The aim of this project was to decrease burnout among psychiatric nurses in a private practice out-patient family psychiatric facility using Rossworm and Larabee’s change model (Appendix D). The MBI-HSS was completed by 1 participant (n=1) at pre-intervention and post-intervention. Between the pre/post MBI-HSS questionnaire the participant was asked to partake in a mindfulness-based intervention utilizing the smartphone application Headspace to complete a 10-session meditation course over one week. The results conclude the participant’s burnout decreased overall from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Internal Review Board (IRB) was granted in September 2021, and the project was completed in November 2021. The impact of the project was projected to have a more thorough statistical influence, but due to the participant size, there is minimal impact of system or polices in the psychiatric facility.
Created2022-04-30
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Purpose & Background: Serious mental illness among incarcerated people continues to rise within the United States. Correctional officers only receive an average of 13.54 hours of training in special populations, including the mentally ill (Kois et al., 2020). This lack of training leaves new correctional officers inadequately prepared to manage

Purpose & Background: Serious mental illness among incarcerated people continues to rise within the United States. Correctional officers only receive an average of 13.54 hours of training in special populations, including the mentally ill (Kois et al., 2020). This lack of training leaves new correctional officers inadequately prepared to manage this population in prison. Education is a cost-effective modality to provide a long-term change of practice. Mental health education was provided to New Correctional Officers (NCOs) at a 2,000-bed facility in Southwestern United States during their initial correctional officer training. Internal permissions were granted by the prison internal review board (IRB) and the Arizona State University IRB. Methods:NCOs (n = 7) were recruited and consented to participate in psychoeducation specific to mentally ill prisoners. Using an evidence-based curriculum developed by Dr. Dana Dehart at the University of South Carolina, NCOs participated in four (4) 1-hour long mental health trainings that were instructor led. Pre/Post assessment tools were completed using a 10-item trauma quiz and a 12- item Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) scale assessing participant attitudes towards mental illness. Results: Participants were primarily male (57 %), White (42%), with an average age range between 31-40 years old, and with a high school degree. Post intervention quiz and MAKS show improved knowledge for all subjects using both tools. Discussion/Conclusion: This project highlights cost-effective training with significant preliminary results in reducing stigma towards the mentally ill in prison. Furthermore, this information justifies the support, development, and funding for increasing mental health training for correctional staff nationwide.
Created2022-05-07
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Police officers have more mental health issues than the general population and face barriers to seeking help, such as stigma, organizational masculinity, and concerns about confidentiality. This project took place in an urban police department in Arizona and aimed to increase the frequency of officers seeking peer support or counseling

Police officers have more mental health issues than the general population and face barriers to seeking help, such as stigma, organizational masculinity, and concerns about confidentiality. This project took place in an urban police department in Arizona and aimed to increase the frequency of officers seeking peer support or counseling and reduce mental health stigma. Peer support volunteers increased officer contact following exposure to traumatic incidents. Officers viewed an educational video on mental health and available resources, and sergeants were provided with a quick reference guide on mental health warning signs. Rates of counselor fund utilization by officers pre-and post-intervention were monitored, and all officers were emailed a Likert-scale peer support satisfaction survey. Survey results (n=39) showed officers were moderately satisfied with peer support and knowledge, but many were not comfortable contacting peer support for personal issues. Of officers surveyed, 74.4% (n=29) did not seek counselor services after contact with peer support. Counselor fund utilization slightly increased post-intervention, but further study is needed to determine the correlation to interventions. This project was unable to definitively demonstrate that peer support and education for officers and leadership increases help-seeking behaviors. Future projects should focus on improving peer support volunteer training and education.
Created2022-05-03
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Description

Background: Alarming levels of burnout in mental health care staff is a significant concern not only for the organization but for the individual as well. Identifying and addressing burnout ought to be an essential protocol in a behavioral health organization. Currently, burnout remains an ongoing concern for mental health care

Background: Alarming levels of burnout in mental health care staff is a significant concern not only for the organization but for the individual as well. Identifying and addressing burnout ought to be an essential protocol in a behavioral health organization. Currently, burnout remains an ongoing concern for mental health care organizations as it is associated with negative impacts for staff, patients, families, and the organization.

Method: The purpose of this project is to utilize the Maslach burnout inventory (MBI) survey tool to measure burnout pre and post intervention. The intervention utilized will be mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) to reduce burnout among mental healthcare workers. Implementing mindfulness interventions has evidence that it reduces burnout rates in mental health care staff. Current literature supports mindfulness-based interventions and have showed a decrease in burnout, stress, and depersonalization.

Results: The pre-intervention results were as followed: emotional exhaustion; 40, depersonalization; 20.4 and personal accomplishment 32. The post-intervention results emotional Exhaustion; 28, depersonalization; 14.90 and personal accomplishment 30. It was found that the category for emotional exhaustion was statistically significant as it had a P value .040, whereas depersonalization was not statistically significant as the P value was .171 and personal accomplishment was not statistically significant as the P value was .577.

Discussion: The use of MBI as an intervention has robust literature supporting the effectiveness in decreasing burnout and stress in mental health care staff.

ContributorsHenao, Cinthya (Author) / McIntosh, Wayne (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-05-01
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Mental health issues are a growing concern for individuals and the public. When patients do not attend their mental health appointments they place themselves at risk for poor health outcomes including worsening of symptoms, relapse, hospitalization, or danger to self and other behaviors. The breadth, background, and significance of this

Mental health issues are a growing concern for individuals and the public. When patients do not attend their mental health appointments they place themselves at risk for poor health outcomes including worsening of symptoms, relapse, hospitalization, or danger to self and other behaviors. The breadth, background, and significance of this issue were investigated to determine a clinically relevant PICOT question. These elements of the PICOT question were investigated and high-quality evidence was gathered, analyzed, and synthesized in order to develop recommendations for an evidence-based project to help with no-shows at a non-profit integrated healthcare organization that is experiencing a high incidence of no-shows. The Quality Health Outcomes Model and Ottawa Model of Research Use guide the implementation and monitoring of the project.

A chart review was completed in order to understand the impact of a novel automated reminder system on the no-show rate for all psychiatric appointments for 18 months. Additionally, demographic and appointment information was gathered to identify trends in the data and factors related to appointment status. The no-show rate significantly increased in 2019 with the new reminder system. No-shows occurred significantly more in males, tele-medicine appointments, and hospital discharge appointments. There were significant differences in no-show rates observed between reported races, with different providers, and at different practice locations. This gap analysis has provided insight into further projects and work to be completed in order to decrease no-shows, improve treatment compliance, produce better health outcomes, and increase revenue for this organization.

ContributorsHartman, Mykaila (Author) / McIntosh, Dr. Wayne (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-04-30
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Description

Suicide among first responders, including pre-hospital emergency providers, emergency department staff, and law enforcement, is significantly higher than among the general population. There are various forms of mental health interventions, however, knowledge held by first responders could be a predictor of mental health outcomes. Implementing an educational curriculum enhancement for

Suicide among first responders, including pre-hospital emergency providers, emergency department staff, and law enforcement, is significantly higher than among the general population. There are various forms of mental health interventions, however, knowledge held by first responders could be a predictor of mental health outcomes. Implementing an educational curriculum enhancement for emergency medical technician (EMT) students may help increase self-efficacy and knowledge of mental health.

In a community college in the southwestern United States, an educational intervention was developed to enhance mental health knowledge for EMT students. The intervention was created to include four interactions with students in the classroom setting to implement recruitment, pre and post survey completion, and a 1-hour lecture. The surveys consisted of pre and post student assessment of mental health knowledge and self-efficacy. Results suggested that EMT students increased their knowledge of mental health and personal self-efficacy. This intervention is brief and effortlessly implemented into an existing curriculum to produce strong outcomes.

This project demonstrates that a brief educational intervention offers an effective means of knowledge improvement while being cost effective and easily implemented. The use of curriculum enhancement was a novel approach and filled an identified gap in literature and education. Additional research is needed to further explore the effects of mental health knowledge enhancement for first responders.

ContributorsMeyer, Melissa M. (Author) / Nunez, Dr. Diane (Creator)
Created2020-04-26