UNMC Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model for Health Profession Student Appointments with Mental Health Counseling Services

Authors

Hannah K. Tandon MD, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OregonFollow
Taylor J. Kratochvil MD, MS, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MassachusettsFollow
Katherine L. Keiser MS, LIMHP, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NebraskaFollow
Nicole J. Kent BS, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NebraskaFollow
Kaitlyn E. Schultis BS, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NebraskaFollow
Jeffrey W. Knapp MSW, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NebraskaFollow
Jeffrey P. Gold, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow

ORCID (Optional)

H.K. Tandon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2522-7979

T.J. Kratochvil ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4804-0007

K. Keiser ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0429-1825

N.J. Kent ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8642-4956

K.E. Schultis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2953-1486

J.W. Knapp ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3930-0587

J.P. Gold ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9465- 29 4771

Abstract

Background: Health professions trainees experience high rates of anxiety and depression but are often reluctant to seek help. Institutional outreach during pre-clinical training may identify vulnerable students, improve resource awareness, and destigmatize psychological counseling. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Quick Check program is a novel opt-out program connecting health professions students to mental health counselors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate student perceptions and utilization of mental health resources after participation in the UNMC Quick Check program.

Methods: For this limited pilot study, second-year pharmacy students were assigned to UNMC Quick Check appointments with UNMC Counseling and Psychological Services during the fall semester and could opt out via email. Counselors assessed mental health needs, discussed available services, and offered formal intake appointments. Pre- and post-appointment surveys evaluated awareness of available resources and attitudes towards accessing care.

Results: Of 65 eligible students, 23 attended appointments. Four of those who attended scheduled formal intake appointments after their UNMC Quick Check. Fifteen completed both surveys. After UNMC Quick Checks, all agreed/strongly agreed they were aware of available services (vs. 8/15 pre-appointment); 14/15 at least slightly agreed they would schedule an appointment if needed (vs. 12/15). All at least slightly agreed they would refer a peer if needed (vs. 12/15) and that UNMC supports student mental wellness (vs. 10/15).

Conclusion: The UNMC Quick Check program improved student awareness of and willingness to utilize mental health resources and can serve as a model for medical education programs to provide ongoing support for trainees throughout their career.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Tandon, Hannah K. MD; Kratochvil, Taylor J. MD, MS; Keiser, Katherine L. MS, LIMHP; Kent, Nicole J. BS; Schultis, Kaitlyn E. BS; Knapp, Jeffrey W. MSW; and Gold, Jeffrey P. (2024) "UNMC Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model for Health Profession Student Appointments with Mental Health Counseling Services," Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1 , Article 2.
Available at: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.32873/unmc.dc.ihsej.0057