Youth version, Case‐finding and Help Assessment Tool (YouthCHAT): An electronic, psychosocial screener for young people with long‐term physical conditions

Aim This study investigated the acceptability, clinical utility and preliminary effectiveness of Youth version, Case-finding and Help Assessment Tool (YouthCHAT), a novel electronic, tablet-based screener designed to identify issues similar to Home, Education/Employment, Activity, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/Depression, Safety assessment. Methods YouthCHAT was administered to a group of 30 young people aged 13-17 years with different long-term physical conditions attending outpatient clinics between September and December 2017. Outcome measures were: (i) acceptability and feasibility of YouthCHAT as assessed via feedback from young people and clinicians and the time taken to complete YouthCHAT screening; and (ii) detection rates for each domain of YouthCHAT measured by mental health or life-style issues 'present' or 'absent', and where relevant, validated symptom scores. Results YouthCHAT was quick to administer and positively received by both young people and clinicians. Rates of anxiety (37%) and depression (13%) detected using YouthCHAT were similar to those in previous studies of young people with long-term physical conditions. Rates of other problems were similar to a previously screened high school sample. Conclusions YouthCHAT is a viable and acceptable psychosocial screener with the potential to improve the holistic care of young people with long-term physical conditions attending outpatient clinics. Trial registration This study has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry ACTRN12616001243404p.