Youth-engaged research in a pediatric mental health care trial

Abstract

A pan-Canadian pediatric mental healthcare trial aims to determine if an acute mental healthcare bundle, compared to standard care, improves wellbeing at 30 days post-visit in children/youth seeking Emergency Department (ED) care. Since youth and their families are the ones affected by trial objectives, a youth advisory committee (YAC) (n=6 Advisors) with lived experience was formed. The YAC meets quarterly to collaborate and lead trial-related activities, of which 2 engagement activities are described below.

First, following discussions of ways to improve trial participants’ survey completion rates, Advisors ideated creative retention strategies that led to developing a 3-minute video with the message of “why participating in research matters”. The video will be embedded at the start of the survey in REDCap, to engage trial participants in a more evocative way. Survey completion rates will be monitored to determine if embedding the video increased completion rates.

Second, the YAC has opportunities to propose seed projects in acute mental healthcare (with mentorship) that aligns with their interests. One Advisor chose to engage with an Elder to determine the gaps in mental healthcare in EDs for Indigenous communities. The Advisor’s personal narrative outlining considerations for cultural relevance that arose in conversation with the Elder will inform the seed project proposal for executive research team review.

Engagement experience is evaluated using a validated measure (PPEET©). Baseline evaluation data indicate that most Advisors’ are familiar with their role and expectations, and anticipate that more meaningful engagement will occur as the trial progresses.

Faculty Mentor: Jananee Rasiah