Healthcare professionals' experience with routine mental health screening in pediatric diabetes care: findings from a global survey

Jess Forster; Lindsay Sawatsky; Samantha Berry; Kerrie Abel; Judy Craft; Olive James; Rebecca Barber; Claudia Piona; Agata Chobot; Laura Cudizio; Apoorva Gomber; Timothy Skinner; Agnieszka Lejk; Euan Preston; Vinathe Sharma-Brymer; Steven James

doi:10.1159/000552500

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Healthcare professionals' experience with routine mental health screening in pediatric diabetes care: findings from a global survey

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Healthcare professionals' experience with routine mental health screening in pediatric diabetes care: findings from a global survey

Jess Forster, Lindsay Sawatsky, Samantha Berry, Kerrie Abel, Judy Craft, Olive James, Rebecca Barber, Claudia Piona, Agata Chobot, Laura Cudizio, …

Hormone Research in Paediatrics, Vol.Advanced access

15-May-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000552500

PMID: 42139164

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9912292809026211.79 MB

Accepted Version Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 15-May-2027

Abstract

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.

Details

Title: Healthcare professionals' experience with routine mental health screening in pediatric diabetes care: findings from a global survey
Authors: Jess Forster - Markham Stouffville Hospital
Lindsay Sawatsky - Health Sciences Centre
Samantha Berry - Monash Children’s Hospital
Kerrie Abel - Health Sciences Centre
Judy Craft - University of the Sunshine Coast
Olive James - The University of Queensland
Rebecca Barber - Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Claudia Piona - Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona
Agata Chobot - University of Opole
Laura Cudizio - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo
Apoorva Gomber - Brigham and Women's Hospital
Timothy Skinner - Deakin University
Agnieszka Lejk - Gdańsk Medical University
Euan Preston - The University of Queensland
Vinathe Sharma-Brymer - University of the Sunshine Coast
Steven James (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Hormone Research in Paediatrics, Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: S. Karger AG
DOI: 10.1159/000552500
ISSN: 1663-2826
PMID: 42139164
Organisation Unit: Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Health - Nursing; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991229280902621
Output Type: Journal article

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