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Raeber F, Haldemann MI, Ray S, Huber J, Firima E, Fernandez LG, Amstutz A, Gerber F, Labhardt ND, Belus JM. Community-based models of care for adolescent and adult depression, suicidal behavior, anxiety, trauma, and substance use in Africa: a scoping review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1241403. [PMID: 38406302 PMCID: PMC10885163 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1241403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based care (CBC), where care is delivered outside of the traditional health facility setting, has been proposed to narrow the mental health (MH) and substance use (SU) treatment gap in Africa. Objective This scoping review aims to comprehensively summarize CBC models addressing adolescent and adult MH (depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal behavior) and (non-tobacco) SU problems in Africa. Methods We searched PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Medline Ovid. Studies and protocols were included if they reported on CBC intervention's effects on MH or SU symptoms/ diagnoses, acceptability, feasibility, or patient engagement in care, regardless of whether the intervention itself was designed specifically for MH or SU. Results Among 11,477 screened publications, 217 were eligible. Of the unique intervention studies (n = 206), CBC models were classified into the following approaches (non-mutually exclusive): psychotherapeutic (n = 144), social (n = 81), lifestyle/physical health (n = 55), economic (n = 26), and psychopharmacological (n = 2). While quantitative results suggest possible efficacy of CBC models, description of CBC location was often poor. Fewer interventions addressed suicidal behavior (n = 12), the needs of adolescents (n = 49), or used traditional healers or religious figures as providers (n = 3). Conclusion Many CBC models have been tested on MH and SU in Africa and should be critically appraised and meta-analyzed in subsequent reviews, where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Raeber
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Inés Haldemann
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Somidha Ray
- Research Consultant, International Center for Research on Women, New Delhi, India
| | - Jacqueline Huber
- Swiss TPH Library, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Gonzalez Fernandez
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felix Gerber
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D. Labhardt
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer M. Belus
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Mudiyanselage KWW, De Santis KK, Jörg F, Saleem M, Stewart R, Zeeb H, Busse H. The effectiveness of mental health interventions involving non-specialists and digital technology in low-and middle-income countries - a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:77. [PMID: 38172713 PMCID: PMC10763181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combining non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions could decrease the mental healthcare gap in resource scarce countries. This systematic review examined different combinations of non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions and their effectiveness in reducing the mental healthcare gap in low-and middle-income countries. METHODS Literature searches were conducted in four databases (September 2023), three trial registries (January-February 2022), and using forward and backward citation searches (May-June 2022). The review included primary studies on mental health interventions combining non-specialists and digital technologies in low-and middle-income countries. The outcomes were: (1) the mental health of intervention receivers and (2) the competencies of non-specialists to deliver mental health interventions. Data were expressed as standardised effect sizes (Cohen's d) and narratively synthesised. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools for individual and cluster randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. RESULTS Of the 28 included studies (n = 32 interventions), digital technology was mainly used in non-specialist primary-delivery treatment models for common mental disorders or subthreshold symptoms. The competencies of non-specialists were improved with digital training (d ≤ 0.8 in 4/7 outcomes, n = 4 studies, 398 participants). The mental health of receivers improved through non-specialist-delivered interventions, in which digital technologies were used to support the delivery of the intervention (d > 0.8 in 24/40 outcomes, n = 11, 2469) or to supervise the non-specialists' work (d = 0.2-0.8 in 10/17 outcomes, n = 3, 3096). Additionally, the mental health of service receivers improved through digitally delivered mental health services with non-specialist involvement (d = 0.2-0.8 in 12/27 outcomes, n = 8, 2335). However, the overall certainty of the evidence was poor. CONCLUSION Incorporating digital technologies into non-specialist mental health interventions tended to enhance non-specialists' competencies and knowledge in intervention delivery, and had a positive influence on the severity of mental health problems, mental healthcare utilization, and psychosocial functioning outcomes of service recipients, primarily within primary-deliverer care models. More robust evidence is needed to compare the magnitude of effectiveness and identify the clinical relevance of specific digital functions. Future studies should also explore long-term and potential adverse effects and interventions targeting men and marginalised communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpani Wijekoon Wijekoon Mudiyanselage
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Karina Karolina De Santis
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Frederike Jörg
- Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Education and Research, Friesland Mental Health Care Services, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Maham Saleem
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Roy Stewart
- Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Heide Busse
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Tacke T, Nohl-Deryk P, Lingwal N, Reimer LM, Starnecker F, Güthlin C, Gerlach FM, Schunkert H, Jonas S, Müller A. The German version of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (GER-MAUQ): Translation and validation study in patients with cardiovascular disease. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076231225168. [PMID: 38303970 PMCID: PMC10832428 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231225168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective In Germany, only a few standardized evaluation tools for assessing the usability of mobile Health apps exist so far. This study aimed to translate and validate the English patient version for standalone apps of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ) into a German version. Methods Following scientific guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation, the patient version for standalone apps was forward and back-translated from English into German by an expert panel. In total, 53 participants who were recruited as part of the beta testing process of the recently developed mHealth app HerzFit, answered the questions of the German version of the MAUQ (GER-MAUQ) and the System Usability Scale. Subsequently, a descriptive as well as a psychometric analysis was performed to test validity and reliability. Results After conducting three cognitive interviews, five items were modified. The values for Cronbach alpha for the entire questionnaire and the three subscales (0.966, 0.814, 0.910, and 0.909) indicate strong internal consistency. The correlation analysis revealed that the scores of the GER-MAUQ, the subscales and the SUS were strongly correlated with each other. The correlation coefficient of the SUS and the GER-MAUQ overall score was r = 0.854, P < 0.001 and the coefficients of the subscales and the SUS were r = 0.642, P < 0.001; r = 0.866, P < 0.001 and r = 0.643, P < 0.001. Conclusions We have developed a novel German version of the MAUQ and demonstrated it as a reliable and valid measurement tool for assessing the usability of standalone mHealth apps from the patients' perspective. The GER-MAUQ allows a new form of standardized assessment of usability of mHealth apps for patients with cardiovascular disease in Germany. Further research with a larger sample and other samples is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Tacke
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pascal Nohl-Deryk
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Neelam Lingwal
- Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lara Marie Reimer
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Digital Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Starnecker
- Department of Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Corina Güthlin
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ferdinand M Gerlach
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Heribert Schunkert
- Department of Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Medical Graduate Center, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Jonas
- Institute for Digital Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Angelina Müller
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Das S, Grant L, Fernandes G. Task shifting healthcare services in the post-COVID world: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001712. [PMID: 38064415 PMCID: PMC10707657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Task shifting (TS) is the redistribution of healthcare services from specialised to less-qualified providers. Need for TS was intensified during COVID-19. We explore what impact TS had on service delivery during the pandemic and examine how the pandemic affected TS strategies globally. We searched five databases in October 2022, namely Medline, CINAHL Plus, Elsevier, Global Health and Google Scholar. 35 citations were selected following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We analysed data thematically and utilised the WHO health systems framework and emergent themes to frame findings. We uncovered instances of TS in countries across all income levels. 63% (n = 22) of the articles discussed the impact of TS on healthcare services. These encompassed services related to mental healthcare, HIV, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and rheumatoid diseases. The remaining 37% (n = 13) focused on how the pandemic altered strategies for TS, particularly in services related to mental healthcare, HIV, hypertension, diabetes and emergency care. We also found that studies differed in how they reported TS, with majority using terms "task shifting", followed by "task sharing", "task shifting and sharing" and "task delegation". Our analysis demonstrates that TS had a substantial impact across healthcare systems. Modifying roles through training and collaboration strengthened workforce and enhanced diagnostic services. Strategic leadership played a crucial role in the process. More research on the financial aspects of TS during pandemics is required. Stakeholders generally accepted TS, but transferring staff between healthcare programs caused unintended disruptions. The pandemic reshaped TS, moving training, patient care and consultations to digital platforms. Virtual interventions showed promise, but digital access remained a challenge. Healthcare organisations adapted by modifying procedures, pathways and staff precautions. We recommend refining strategies for TS, and expanding on it to address workforce shortages, improve access, and enhance services, not only during crises but also beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukanto Das
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Liz Grant
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Cox CM, Masiano S, Mazenga A, Stark M, Udedi M, Simon KR, Ahmed S, Nyasulu P, Kim MH. Phone-based psychosocial counseling for people living with HIV: Feasibility, acceptability and impact on uptake of psychosocial counseling services in Malawi. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 11:e3. [PMID: 38283875 PMCID: PMC10808978 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV experience psychosocial needs that often are not addressed. We designed an innovative low-resource model of phone-based psychosocial counseling (P-PSC). We describe cohort characteristics, acceptability, feasibility and utilization of P-PSC at health facilities supported by Baylor Foundation Malawi. Staff were virtually oriented at 120 sites concurrently. From facility-based phones, people with new HIV diagnosis, high viral load, treatment interruption or mental health concerns were referred without identifiable personal information to 13 psychosocial counselors via a WhatsApp group. Routine program data were retrospectively analyzed using univariate approaches and regressions with interrupted time series analyses. Clients utilizing P-PSC were 63% female, 25% youth (10-24 y) and 9% children (<10 y). They were referred from all 120 supported health facilities. Main referral reasons included new HIV diagnosis (32%), ART adherence support (32%) and treatment interruption (21%). Counseling was completed for 99% of referrals. Counseling sessions per month per psychosocial counselor increased from 77 before P-PSC to 216 in month 1 (95% CI = 82, 350, p = 0.003). Total encounters increased significantly to 31,642 in year 1 from ~6,000 during the 12 prior months, an over fivefold increase. P-PSC implementation at 120 remote facilities was acceptable and feasible with immediate, increased utilization despite few psychosocial counselors in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie M. Cox
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Steven Masiano
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Madeline Stark
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Curative, Medical and Rehabilitation Services – Mental Health, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Katherine R. Simon
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Phoebe Nyasulu
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Maria H. Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
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Mangale DI, Onyango A, Mugo C, Mburu C, Chhun N, Wamalwa D, Njuguna I, Means AR, John-Stewart G, Weiner BJ, Beima-Sofie K. Characterizing provider-led adaptations to mobile phone delivery of the Adolescent Transition Package (ATP) in Kenya using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS): a mixed methods approach. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:95. [PMID: 37580836 PMCID: PMC10424422 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions to routine HIV services for youth living with HIV (YLH), provoking rapid adaptation to mitigate interruptions in care. The Adolescent Transition to Adult Care for HIV-infected adolescents (ATTACH) study (NCT03574129) was a hybrid I cluster randomized trial testing the effectiveness of a healthcare worker (HCW)-delivered disclosure and transition intervention - the Adolescent Transition Package (ATP). During the pandemic, HCWs leveraged phone delivery of the ATP and were supported to make adaptations. We characterized real-time, provider-driven adaptations made to support phone delivery of the ATP. METHODS We conducted continuous quality improvement (CQI) meetings with HCWs involved in phone delivery of the ATP at 10 intervention sites. CQI meetings used plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles and were audio-recorded. Adaptations were coded by two-independent coders using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS). Adaptation testing outcomes (adopt, retest, or abandon) and provider experience implementing the adaptations were also recorded. We summarized adaptation characteristics, provider experience, and outcomes. RESULTS We identified 72 adaptations, 32 were unique. Overall, adaptations included modification to context (53%, n = 38), content (49%, n = 35), and evaluation processes (13%, n = 9). Context adaptations primarily featured changes to personnel, format, and setting, while content and evaluation adaptations were frequently achieved by simple additions, repetition, and tailoring/refining of the phone delivery strategy. Nine adaptations involved abandoning, then returning to phone delivery. HCWs sought to increase reach, improve fidelity, and intervention fit within their context. Most adaptations (96%, n = 69) were perceived to increase the feasibility of phone delivery when compared to before the changes were introduced, and HCWs felt 83% (n = 60) of adaptations made phone delivery easier. Most adaptations were either incorporated into routine workflows (47%) or tested again (47%). CONCLUSION Adaptation of phone delivery was a feasible and effective way of addressing challenges with continuity of care for YLH during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adaptations were primarily context adaptions. While FRAME-IS was apt for characterizing adaptations, more use cases are needed to explore the range of its utility. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registered on ClinicalTrial.gov as NCT03574129.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alvin Onyango
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Caren Mburu
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Nok Chhun
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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