Development of a new computer-assisted assessment tool for measuring and monitoring mental health outcomes of adolescents in the context of the post-COVID pandemic

Project/agreement No.

VPP-VM-Sabiedrības_Veselība-2023/6-0002

Project funding

400 000.00 EUR, co-financing by the project's cooperation partner Riga Technical University: 130 200.00 EUR

Project manager

asoc.prof. Dr.med. Ainārs Stepens

Project realization

22.12.2023. - 21.12.2025.

Aim

To develop a new computer-assisted assessment tool (CAAT) to measure and monitor mental health outcomes of adolescents aged 13–19, particularly focussing on the identification of risk factors for suicidal behaviour in the context of the post-COVID pandemic.

Description

Within the framework of the project, in collaboration between scientists and academic staff from two universities of two universities – Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and Rīga Technical University (RTU) – and paediatric mental health specialists, an innovative assessment method for measuring and monitoring adolescent mental health outcomes will be developed.

It is based on a computerized individual personality assessment system developed in our team's previous research, which will be adapted and standardized for the adolescent (13–19 years) population. With the help of this assessment tool, it will be possible to evaluate an individual's personality traits and mental state, including the risk of suicidal behavior, not only by answering test questions but also based on various parallel psychophysiological parameter measurements (decision-making time and pressure), which will be integrated into the overall assessment.

The introduction of this method into the healthcare system will improve the quality and accessibility of mental health care services provided to adolescents, especially focusing on identifying suicide risk factors post-COVID pandemic.

Main results to be achieved

Recommendations on the methodology for assessing the mental health of adolescents will be developed.
Proposals to update healthcare guidelines, algorithms, and patient pathways in the field of adolescent mental health will be developed.
Justification for the commercialization of the method and its inclusion in the list of state-remunerated healthcare services will be prepared.