Document Type
Paper -- MUSC Only
Publication Date
Spring 4-23-2025
Faculty Mentor
Stephanie Garner
Abstract
Introduction: Mental health challenges are on the rise, and school-aged children often lack mental health services and education at an early age, which can lead to mental illness. Therefore, it is important to increase awareness of mental health challenges in school-aged children by educating individuals to reduce the stigma. Providing school and community-based resources to improve overall health and well-being is essential to combat the rise in mental illness in our communities.
Methods: A quality improvement (QI) design for product development and education was aimed at addressing this rising problem. The needs assessment results, current literature, evidence-based practices, and conceptual frameworks guided the design. Participants included individuals who work with or have school-aged children, community stakeholders, resource toolkit users, and educational in-service attendees. The procedures for the QI project consisted of developing community partnerships, a resource toolkit available to local communities, and educating others on mental health. Data was collected via surveys to assess user experience after the use of the resource toolkit, as well as comparisons of pre- and post-test knowledge and confidence gains after an educational in-service.
Results: The data showed positive results related to user experience, with participants finding the developed resource toolkit to be useful and easy to use. Data also shows an increase in both the knowledge and confidence of attendees following the education in-service. There were higher knowledge changes and confidence gains when comparing pre- and post-surveys. Limitations of the QI project included limited time, sample size, and resources available.
Conclusion: This project demonstrated a positive impact on the community by addressing the rising mental health crisis by providing education to reduce the stigma. The project development and education can help reduce the negative effects related to mental illness and reduce the ripple effect that mental illness can cause. Overall, the impact of resources provided allows individuals to promote the health and wellness of school-aged children to improve their quality of life.
Recommended Citation
Newton, Jessica L., "Resource Toolkit Development for Mental Health Awareness in School-Aged Children" (2025). Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice. 23.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-ppotd/23