PURSUIT Protocol: Development of a Novel Approach to Managing Youth Physical and Mental Health in Schools

TL;DR

This paper introduces PURSUIT, a new school-based program to train providers and support youth with physical and mental health issues using technology.

Contribution

The novel contribution is the development of PURSUIT, an integrated provider training program and online self-management platform for youth and caregivers.

Findings

The PURSUIT program will combine cognitive–behavioral, trauma-focused, and mindfulness strategies for youth health support.

Technological tools like live and animated videos will be used to enhance engagement with the platform.

Feasibility and acceptability of the program will be evaluated through provider and user feedback.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Physical and mental health symptoms commonly affecting children are often under-addressed given the limited availability of pediatric behavioral healthcare. Training school providers (e.g., nurses, mental health professionals) to address these concerns is a promising strategy to explore, considering the unique level of accessibility afforded by school settings. While our earlier work augmented school providers’ pain management skills, providers desired more comprehensive training and youth support tools. Our team of interdisciplinary academic researchers and community partners will bridge this gap by developing the PURSUIT (Preventing Use of Substances for the Underserved with Innovative Technology) provider training program and companion online self-management platform for youth and caregivers. This protocol paper describes our planned approach to developing, implementing, and evaluating the PURSUIT program. Methods: We will draw from evidence-based cognitive–behavioral, trauma-focused, and mindfulness protocols to develop a comprehensive provider training program and interactive online self-management platform for youth and caregivers. Content areas will include core cognitive–behavioral strategies and specific skills for pediatric pain management, trauma-focused care, and substance use prevention. Innovative technological approaches, such as live and animated videos, will be used to promote user engagement. Academic and community partners will have roles in material co-development. Outcomes of this project will include the PURSUIT training program and self-management platform feasibility and acceptability (e.g., completion/engagement rates, quantitative/qualitative reports), as well as the impact of the training program on provider knowledge and the impact of the self-management platform on youth/caregiver outcomes. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement will be critical to developing and evaluating a provider training program and youth/caregiver self-management platform.