Development of a digital program for training non-specialist providers to deliver a psychosocial intervention for depression

A formative study to support scaling up task-shared depression care in the United States

Bibliographic Data

ID7148995
AuthorsJohn A Naslund (0000-0001-6777-0104, Harvard University), Natali Carmio (0000-0002-2399-5982, Harvard University), Sarah Taha (0009-0001-8199-7978, Harvard University), Margaux Amara (University of California, Los Angeles), Sheena Wood (Community Health Center), Anushka R Patel (0000-0002-8298-1804, Harvard University), Sara Romero (0000-0001-7727-0904), Sara A Romero (0000-0001-7702-931X, Harvard University), Kyle Floyd (Baylor Scott & White Health), Brittany Meredith (Baylor Scott & White Health), Berta Rodríguez, Kelly Grajeda, Rebecca Brune (First Congregational Church), Andy Keller, Vikram Patel (0000-0003-1066-8584, Harvard University), Katherine Sanchez (0000-0003-2857-8835, Baylor Scott & White Health)
Year2025
Volume12
Pagese23-e23
Publication date2025-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2054-4251 • E-ISSN: 2054-4251
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/gmh.2025.5
PMID40028386
OpenAlexW4406626533
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited65

Task-sharing holds promise for bridging gaps in access to mental healthcare; yet there remain significant challenges to scaling up task-sharing models. This formative study aimed to develop a digital platform for training non-specialist providers without prior experience in mental healthcare to deliver a brief psychosocial intervention for depression in community settings in Texas. A 5-step development approach was employed, consisting of: blueprinting, scripting, video production and digital content creation, uploading digital content to a Learning Management System and user testing. This resulted in the development of two courses, one called Foundational Skills covering the skills to become an effective counselor, and the second called Behavioral Activation covering the skills for addressing adult depression. Twenty-one participants with a range of health-related backgrounds, including 11 with prior training in mental healthcare, completed the training and joined focus group discussions offering qualitative feedback and recommendations for improving the program’s usability. Participant feedback centered around the need to make the content more interactive, to include additional engaging features, and to improve the layout and usability of the platform. The next steps will involve evaluating the training program on developing the skills of non-specialist providers and supporting its uptake and implementation

Formative assessment · Medical education · Pedagogy · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Applied Psychology · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Nursing · Psychology · Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access