User:Group6helene/sandbox

Depression in adolescents/children
 Population/ problem: 

In today's generation, adolescents tend to be the group that suffers the most from depression and anxiety. During and after the COVID 19 pandemic, there seems to have been a significant increase in depression in young people that make them more at risk for suicide and self-harm behaviors.


 * They were noted to have an increase in specific factors such as "loneliness, fear of infection, suffering and death for themselves and their loved ones."


 * Teens were noted to have an increased in mental health related issues during the pandemic.
 * Many young people dealt with isolation, increase in traumatic events and exposure to adversity. They rate of depression and mental illness increased because they were given little to no resources on how to cope with sudden sickness and death in their family or the sudden lack of interaction with friends, family and teachers.

 Intervention: 

Telehealth, or telemedicine, allows healthcare providers to care for patients using audio and video technologies. It is done online with an internet connection using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The Covid pandemic caused a surge in Telehealth services, making access to mental health treatment easier without traveling to a doctor's office or hospital. The research did a study on Nursing and Health in the adolescent population, showing that Telehealth provides incredible effects based on assessments done after the sessions. The subject's depression measures fell within the normal range, and there were no reports of suicide ideation. "Patient evaluation ratings were high in the areas of being able to connect with other young patients in similar situations, using the audiovisual equipment, and learning new useful information from the interventions, the researchers stated." (Wright et al., 2020).

 Comparison: 

Although telehealth has become very efficient in combating depression in adolescents, office therapy still holds some key features missing in online treatment. In office therapy, you can see body language, and the therapist will also be able to notice verbal and nonverbal cues. With in-person visits, the patient is in a controlled environment, with little to no distractions. The therapist or client may have days where the internet is not functioning or may have technical difficulties. One of the biggest concerns regarding telehealth and electronic health records is confidentiality. Confidentiality is essential when it comes to caring for individuals. Even though the therapist will protect the client's information during telehealth visits, the patient may need to improve at covering their health records. Furthermore, Telehealth and in-office therapy can be beneficial, and one or the other may work best for different individual needs. In conclusion, office visits and telehealth can go hand and hand to work together.

 Outcome 

Adolescents and children with Depression have successfully been treated with telehealth therapy, especially during the Covid -19 pandemic. Telehealth therapy can provide the same benefits as in-office therapy, combined or independently. In addition, Telehealth may positively impact adolescents and children with Depression, including medication adherence. This would help bridge the gap between patients and healthcare professionals. Telehealth has become more convenient for them to receive help and mental support."Four studies were found, with 502 participants included in the meta-analysis. An improvement in medication adherence was observed following DHIs (Digital health intervention) for studies measuring dichotomous and continuous outcomes." Studies show that mental health problems account for the majority of pediatric primary care visits and that telemedicine has expanded access to care. Telehealth consultations continuously improve access to healthcare while reducing hospital visits as well as hospitalizations.