Thematic analysis of youth mental health providers' perceptions of neuropsychological assessment services

Abstract

Aim A growing number of quantitative studies have investigated the utility of neuropsychological assessment in mental health settings. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has qualitatively explored youth mental health providers' perceptions of neuropsychological assessment services. A more in‐depth understanding of the perceived advantages and barriers associated with neuropsychological assessment in youth mental health settings is critical to better inform policy, practice and service uptake. Thus, the aim of this study was to qualitatively explore clinicians' views about neuropsychological assessments for youth with mental health concerns. Methods A single open‐ended qualitative question, included as part of an anonymous cross‐sectional online survey, was completed by clinicians (N = 206) treating or assessing adolescents and young adults within Australian primary care mental health centres (headspace). Responses were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. Results Five main themes were identified. Clinicians (a) identified barriers to accessing neuropsychological assessments (53%), (b) indicated a range of mixed outcomes following neuropsychological assessment (39%), (c) highlighted a need for neuropsychological assessments (22%), (d) reported a lack of awareness about this resource (10%) and (e) described practice issues associated with neuropsychological services (4%). Conclusion This study uncovered perceived factors contributing to reduced access to neuropsychological assessment in Australian youth mental health settings. Given potential adverse outcomes resulting from this clinical service gap, efforts should be made to address factors contributing to poorer access, thereby mitigating the impact of poor access on the management of mental illness in youth. Several strategies, including funding neuropsychological assessments, are discussed.

Brief, Performance-Based Cognitive Screening in Youth Aged 12–25: A Systematic Review

“…The lack of consensus regarding cognitive screening measures in youth may contribute to the limited accessibility of neuropsychological assessment in primary care settings (Delagneau et al, 2020). A validated tool that could assist clinical teams with the process of identifying cognitive impairment and help guide referrals for comprehensive assessment may support more timely access to neuropsychological evaluation (Allott et al, 2019;Delagneau et al, 2020).…”

“…The lack of consensus regarding cognitive screening measures in youth may contribute to the limited accessibility of neuropsychological assessment in primary care settings (Delagneau et al, 2020). A validated tool that could assist clinical teams with the process of identifying cognitive impairment and help guide referrals for comprehensive assessment may support more timely access to neuropsychological evaluation (Allott et al, 2019;Delagneau et al, 2020). This would have particular utility in busy clinical settings if various healthcare clinicians, including those without specialist training in cognitive assessment, could administer the tool and interpret it easily [e.g., general practitioners (GPs), mental health clinicians, nurses, social workers, etc.…”

Experiences and challenges faced by community mental health workers when providing care to people with mental health conditions: A qualitative descriptive study

“…Studies on mental health conditions have found significant levels of stigma, misconceptions, and negative attitudes among Singaporeans of all ages (Roslee & Goh, 2020;Subramaniam et al 2017), contributing to delayed helpseeking behaviours (Pang et al 2017;Picco, 2016;Subramaniam et al 2020). As with overseas studies, structural barriers such as financial costs, long wait time, and attitudinal barriers such as stigma towards treatments have most commonly been cited by patients (Delagneau et al 2020;Fuhr et al 2020). A nationwide study in 2010 reported a high prevalence in the overall treatment gap (83.7%) across mental health conditions such as mood, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders in adults residing in Singapore (Chong et al 2012).…”

“…As with overseas studies, structural barriers such as financial costs, long wait time, and attitudinal barriers such as stigma towards treatments have most commonly been cited by patients (Delagneau et al . 2020; Fuhr et al . 2020).…”