Introduction Consensus guidelines recommend the use of age appropriate and validated assessment tools to monitor and discuss psychosocial well-being and quality of life. Our study explored healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) standardized psychological screening tool use and experiences discussing mental health concerns, in pediatric diabetes care worldwide. Methods Data were collected via a survey, using a research team developed, externally reviewed and piloted questionnaire (English and Portuguese); administered via Google Forms. Research team partners advertised the survey through their electronic newsletters, websites and social media platforms. Results Overall, 204 HCP’s (90 physicians, 47 nurses, and 67 others) responded; covering 33 countries and six continents. Half (49%) indicated their centers didn’t perform any psychological screening; 51% of those that did used standardised psychological screening tools. Most (69.1%) were confident discussing mental health concerns; those were not detailed lack of time and resources and not wanting to cause offence. Some perceived depression (46.1%) and disordered eating (40.7%) screening should occur annually; diabetes distress (40.7%) every three months. Few (2.9%) perceived psychological screening should not be undertaken. Conclusion There is a need for increased focus on mental health screening and related support, for both HCPs, youth with diabetes, and where applicable their caregivers.
Forster et al. (Fri,) studied this question.