Working together to create a primary care e-screening tool for youth mental health and wellbeing

Rhiannon Martel and Tracey Wihongi, the University of Auckland

This presentation showcases YouthCHAT PRO, an NZ developed electronic multi-item screening tool for mental health issues and risky behaviours in youth. Youth complete a computer-based YouthCHAT screen before seeing the clinician who receives an immediate summary report. The report facilitates discussion and timely management of any issues identified.

Using the “he awa whiria” (braided rivers) model, Kaupapa Māori and co-design research principles combine and complement each other, enabling a sharing and equal partnership between Māori and Non-Māori researchers, clinicians and young people. This collaboration has led to the evolution of YouthCHAT PRO and KuraKōrero (a full Te reo version), as culturally appropriate, acceptable and beneficial tools to meet the needs of youth in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) and to improve equity in mental health identification and intervention.